2005 Apr
2005 Apr Vol. 25, No. 4
Focus on...Exteriors
Transferring Control in Association Developments
Once the first home in a new community development is sold, its homeowner association is activated. And from that moment on, the association has to fulfill its obligations to the community and its residents. At the start of the process, the developer has a controlling interest in the community and gradually transfers power to the homeowners. How this is done can be key to starting off a new community with a well informed, prepared board of directors and happy residents. Read More
Maintaining Roof Drainage Systems
Everyone knows the old phrase about April showers bringing May flowers, but what the saying doesn't tell you is that the rain in April can also bring a lot of damage to your gutter system. Hard rain and blustery wind are always around once spring hits the air in New Jersey, and that weather can play havoc with the drainage requirements of any condo or co-op development. Read More
Repainting and Power Washing
For any residential development, dirt, extreme weather conditions, and everyday wear-and-tear can play havoc with even the most durable building materials, such as stone or steel. Those same elements take an even greater toll on painted or vinyl-sided surfaces, making good maintenance on these materials as important as it is for your community association's roof, landscaping, pool area, or asphalt. Read More
Brightening Up Suburban Landscapes
In a suburban community, outdoor lighting is an important part of any good overall security plan. A well-planned lighting scheme may deter intruders and also prevent falls and accidents by tenants and visitors. Outdoor lighting can also beautify and greatly enhance the community's landscape. Read More
The Cooperator's 18th Co-op & Condo Expo
On Wednesday, March 16th, The Cooperator hosted its 18th Annual Co-op & Condo Expo at the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan. The event featured more than 200 exhibitor booths and drew over 4,000 registrants from all corners of the co-op and condo community. Read More
Finding the Right D&O Insurance
By now, you have already heard about the "dramatic" changes in the Directors & Officers insurance marketplace. You have also most likely heard about the increasing number of lawsuits against directors and officers, and why associations today are more concerned than ever about whether they are adequately protected through their D&O insurance policy. Read More
Examining Assessments and Increases
Owning a condo or being a member of a homeowner association is a something many New Jersey residents know a thing or two about. In 2004, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimated that 970,000 existing co-ops and condos were sold in the U.S. last year—up eight percent from the year before—and the New Jersey market has consistently mirrored growth on the national scale. Since more and more people are turning to condominium and community association living, it's important to understand what costs are involved beyond the initial down payment. Read More
Rustic Serenity at Bald Eagle Village
Drive roughly forty miles outside of New York City into New Jersey, and the congestion, noise and crowding falls behind you—on all sides majestic hills rise that contain quaint, New England-style communities. This is where you'll find Bald Eagle Village, Passaic County's best kept little secret. Located in West Milford, the village is actually an active adult community composed of about ninety-nine acres and comprising 440 units in 59 buildings. Read More
Settling HOA Maintenance Disputes
One of the jobs of a homeowners' association is to make sure there are rules for homeowners concerning maintenance issues, that these rules are spelled out, and that these rules are followed. And the great majority of unit owners realize that the rules are there to protect the development as a whole, and follow them, or else approach the management rationally when they disagree with a rule. Read More
