9 or 10 years ago this would have received no stars from me. I have lived in three condominium…read moreassociations, and this is, by far the best. However, at one time it was self-managed, and badly mismanaged, by the residents who refused to be proactive as to the future of the complex. Finances were a mess (no one seemed to be able to account for income and expenses), in part because a lot of capitol was spent on personal purchases with no record keeping. Our "reserve", which is mandated by state law, was alarmingly low. "Paid" staff had very little in the way of work ethics, and there were questionable moral choices which led to compromising situations, and a general atmosphere of bad conduct by a select group of people
For many years the dues were held even without a thought to budgeting for the aging of the buildings and grounds. As such, the siding, trim, roofs and fences deteriorated to a point of no return. The trees and other landscaping matured and became unwieldy and, in some cases, dangerous, leading to numerous drainage issues manifested in basements with bowed walls and water damage. The pool bottom leaked and sent chlorinated water into the surrounding areas.
Eight or so years ago the Board of Directors brought in an outside property management company to help clean up the disorganization and malfeasance, and put the association back on track. Finances became transparent, the reserve grew, the pool was rebuilt, and trees were pruned and culled with an eye to elimination of those whose roots were invasive.
The biggest change was a decision to vinyl side and aluminum trim all the units over a three-year period. A committee was formed which first deemed the feasibility, then went on to look at contractors and materials, and finally to conceive of a way to pay without setting a special assessment (very common in other places). In ALL aspects of this project the BOD kept everyone informed with a series of letters outlining the steps we were taking, followed by individual street meetings to answer all questions. Then we proceeded, and, and based on current selling prices, it is evident that this upgrade greatly affected and aided residents who have decided to move at this time.
Condo living is not for everyone. If you want to have full autonomy over your home, don't buy a condo. If you want to pick your exterior colors, your trees, and own a dog which can run free unleashed and undisciplined, don't buy a condo. If you want to accost contracted vendors and keep them from their assigned work, shout vulgarities at other resident and throw your dog's poop under your neighbor's bushes, don't buy a condo.
This is a great place to live, with a dedicated, hard-working management company, BOD, and generous volunteers. The buildings and grounds are up to date, and appear as a park like setting. We are financially prepared for the future, but enjoy living in the here and now. I think people who are unclear on the concept can and should move. For those of us who "get it", we are grateful they are gone.
