Why Deferring Common Area Repairs Could Cost You Thousands
By: Mitchell Drimmer, CAM As a homeowner, you want to ensure your property is well-maintained and secure. However, deferring maintenance of common areas could lead to increased expenses that cost your HOA thousands of dollars. In this article, we will explore the hidden costs that arise from deferred maintenance and provide practical tips on how to avoid them. From increased repair fees to legal expenses related to lawsuits, we will delve into the real-life consequences of delaying common area repairs. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of why maintaining your common areas is crucial and how you can save your association from unnecessary expenses. Increased Repair Costs Due to Inflation It’s no secret that […]
Read MoreFinding Compassionate Solutions Over Foreclosure Threats in HOAs
By: Mitchell Drimmer, CAM Introduction: Homeowners Association (HOA) collections can be a stressful and daunting experience for homeowners who fall behind on their dues. Unfortunately, some HOAs resort to legal measures, leading to foreclosure threats, putting homeowners at risk of losing their cherished homes. However, a specialized collection agency that focuses on HOA collections can offer a more compassionate and understanding approach. In this article, we will explore the stark differences between attorneys who may pursue foreclosure and Axela Technologies who prioritize working with delinquent owners to find amicable solutions. When homeowners struggle to meet their HOA dues, traditional HOAs might seek legal assistance from attorneys to resolve the situation. Attorneys, driven by the legal process, often pursue foreclosure as the primary resolution. Foreclosure is […]
Read MoreMaintaining Your Reserve Study Will Save Your Condo and Possibly Your Life
By: Damian J Esparaza, CEP Smart Property It’s important that HOAs and condo associations maintain a healthy cash flow. That’s why delinquencies are such a heavy financial burden. But while your community has a budget you adhere to closely on the operating side, the capital expenditures side is rarely looked at as closely. In order to maintain a healthy cash flow, you need to make sure that your maintenance and replacement schedule stays on budget too. That’s where capital reserve planning comes in. Static Reserve Study Shortcomings You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it as long as you’re on the board: your community needs a reserve study to be successful. That’s only half true. The industry’s worst-kept secret is […]
Read MoreEven Condominiums need happy endings…It Could Happen. What
By Mitchell Drimmer, CAM, President, Axela-Technologies Once upon a time, nestled in the heart of a bustling city, there stood a vibrant condominium. This community, known as Mitchell Manor Condominium, had thrived for years with a strong sense of camaraderie among its residents. However, an unforeseen challenge lay on the horizon, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their peaceful abode. The residents of Mitchell Manor Condominium faced a mounting problem: delinquency payments due to inflation, special assessments, and increasing insurance costs. As dues went unpaid, the community’s financial stability began to waver, and its leadership knew that immediate action was necessary. It was during this time that Axela Technologies, a pioneering company specializing in innovative collection solutions for community association management, stepped forward […]
Read MoreWhat is Kaufman Language and Why is it Important to my HOA or Condo?
By, Griffin Jordan, Licensed Florida Community Association Manager In November 2022, the North Carolina Supreme Court made a ruling that could impact all community associations. To summarize, the association got lucky that the court decided they were subject to foreclosurelaws passed after the Declaration was adopted because they were missing a crucial sentence that would have made the case much stronger. You can review the case in detail here, or you can keep reading for the takeaways that apply to your community association. The Language That You Need to Have in Your Declaration This phrase is not something new. In fact, the case it’s based on, Kaufman vs. Shere, was decided in 1977. But few seem to understand an important takeaway from that case. […]
Read MoreCollect Smarter, Not Harder: The Benefits of Leveraging Technology in HOA Collections
by Patrick Hixson, Director of Sales Is your HOA struggling with collections? If so, you’re not alone. The traditional methods of collecting are time-consuming and inefficient. But what if there was a way to streamline the process and collect smarter, not harder? That’s where we enter the game. We are revolutionizing HOA collections with our cutting-edge API (Application Programming Interface) technology. In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of using technology in HOA collections and how Axela Technologies is leading the way. The Problem with Traditional HOA Collections “Old-school” HOA collections can be a headache for homeowners, management companies, and board members alike. Relying on your treasurer or management company staff to update ledgers, pull reports, and mail notices can lead to delayed […]
Read MoreAvoiding Discrimination Claims When Collecting Assessments
by Dee Rowe, CCAM and Mitchell Drimmer, CAM Homeowners want to feel seen, heard, and secure in their community. But, when collecting assessments, HOAs can inadvertently create a discriminatory environment that leaves some members feeling left behind. In fact, discrimination claims are becoming more common in HOAs across the country, highlighting the need for transparent and fair policies that follow fair housing laws. In this article, we’ll explore best practices for avoiding discrimination claims when collecting assessments. By following these guidelines, boards can create a more inclusive community that values every member’s contribution. Understand the Fair Housing Act One way to ensure that your homeowners’ association is following fair housing laws is to have a solid understanding of the Fair Housing Act. […]
Read MoreThe Start of the Fairy Tale: Creation of the Homeowner Assistance Fund
by, Dee Rowe, CACM, Contributing Author Once upon a time, benevolent Prince Sanders was afraid that people would lose their homes because they were unable to pay their mortgages or HOA fees. You see, a nasty respiratory disease was ravaging the kingdom and all surrounding kingdoms. Workers not deemed essential were forced out of work to limit the spread of the disease. The price of essential goods and services skyrocketed. Even once a “return to work” was announced, for many business owners and employees there was no work to return to. The kingdom was in crisis. Since he was Chairman of the kingdom’s Senate Budget Committee, he and 11 others authored theAmerican Rescue Relief Act, which included a Homeowner Assistance Fund designed to keep those people […]
Read More6 Unexpected Ways an HOA Recovers Delinquent assessments.
Money judgments are not an effective way for an HOA to collect delinquencies. It’s often more effective for an HOA to work with delinquent homeowners to find a mutually beneficial resolution. This may involve setting up a payment plan or finding alternative ways to resolve the delinquency.
Read MoreWhy Money Judgments Don’t Work for Assessment
Money judgments are not an effective way for an HOA to collect delinquencies. It’s often more effective for an HOA to work with delinquent homeowners to find a mutually beneficial resolution. This may involve setting up a payment plan or finding alternative ways to resolve the delinquency.
Read MoreIs Your HOA or Condo Board Doing A Good Job?
The truth is, most Board members are honest people that meant well when they campaigned for election and mean well when they attend and vote in each meeting. They have reasons for making the unpopular decision that the residents complain about. Oftentimes those reasons are valid and the unpopular decision was actually the lesser of two evils. But, how do you know for sure?
Read MoreHOA Payment Plan Provisions to Protect Your Community
HOA delinquencies end in foreclosure too often. An HOA payment plan is an ethical option that can help communities get every penny they’re owed.
Read MoreHow Does an HOA Collections Company Really Work?
Life is full of mysteries. The way an HOA collections company works doesn’t have to be one of them. Here are the ins and outs of industry-specific collections for HOAs and condos.
Read MoreSigns You’re In an Abusive Relationship With a Predatory HOA Collections Company
The sad truth is that predatory HOA collections companies are out there. Are you stuck in a bad contract with one of them? Look for these signs.
Read MoreHow To Settle a Debt with an HOA Collection Agency
Being in debt is stressful, but somehow getting out of debt can feel even more so. Working with, not against, an HOA collection agency helps reduce that worry.
Read MoreHow Much Should Your Community Pay for HOA Collections?
Collecting from delinquent homeowners in your HOA or condo association can be expensive. But should it be? Exactly how much should your community be paying for HOA collections?
Read MoreWhat Happens When You Don’t Pay Your HOA Dues?
There are a lot of reason why it’s important to pay your condo or HOA dues. But sometimes life throws a curveball that makes managing finances difficult. Here’s what can happen if your HOA dues are the bill that goes unpaid.
Read More3 Reasons to Hire an HOA Collections Agency to Manage Your Delinquencies
Community associations don’t have a lot of options when it comes to collecting past-due assessments from delinquent homeowners. Here are 3 reasons why an HOA collections agency is the right choice for managing your delinquencies.
Read MoreThis Isn’t Why You Volunteered to Serve on your HOA or Condominium Association Board!
You joined your HOA or condo board to make a difference, not to dive head first into the drama of HOA bill collection. Don’t shoulder that burden, let Axela do it for you.
Read MoreDoes New ‘Surfside’ Condo Legislation in FL Go Far Enough?
On the heels of the tragedy in Miami, new condo legislation in FL is being proposed to avoid future destruction. This can and will mean big changes for your condo association.
Read MoreWho Collects Condo and HOA Fees and Assessments? What Happens to the Money?
HOA fees and assessments are the lifeblood of a community association. But why is that so? Understanding how and why your community collects fees is important to understanding your part in your condo association or HOA.
Read MoreShifting the Emotional Burden of Condo and HOA Delinquency
HOA delinquency is a common problem many communities face. Homeowners and condo association board members shouldn’t have to handle the emotional turmoil unpaid assessments bring.
Read MoreCommunity Association Collections 101: What Happens When An Owner Files For Bankruptcy?
Community association collections are hard enough with standard delinquency. Throw homeowner bankruptcy into the mix and you’ve got a real pickle on your hands. Here’s how to handle such a tricky situation.
Read MoreTraditional Collection Methods Versus the HOA Business Model (A Case Study)
Traditional collection methods leave a lot to be desired for HOAs and condo associations. See how Axela was able to help a community association when those other collection methods fell short.
Read MoreCan my HOA Collect if the Homeowner Declares Bankruptcy?
When a homeowner declares bankruptcy, is the HOA or condo association still able to collect? In such a challenging situation, it’s essential to take the right steps and consult with specialized collections experts.
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