CAI-NJ October 2025

MANAGEMENT TRENDS

No Place Feels Quite Like Home — No Matter Where You Hang Your Hat By Elaine Warga-Murray, MA, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, E.W.MURRAY CONSULTING LLC. & RMG

“W here do you live?” Is a common question and one we all ask as well as answer. The answer can vary from “up the street’” to “Jersey City.” Since New Jersey has the highest density of residents, it is not surprising that condominiums and other common interest developments are prevalent in our state. Currently, there are approximately 2,800 condomini um communities throughout the state, and much of New Jersey’s growth in housing over the past decades has come in the form of common interest developments. There are three (3) types of common interest develop ments, homeowners associations (HOAs), condominiums and cooperatives. In a common interest development, every owner enjoys exclusive control over some defined space, or land, and shared control of common land and/ or improvements through an association of owners. So “home” can be the space you occupy, but it’s also the place we feel most comfortable, loved, and protected — where we most feel at home. Every year, community leaders, managers, and home owners gather to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and confront the challenges of community living. This year’s theme reminds us of why we do this work: to create welcoming, safe, and vibrant communities that residents are proud to call home. For many, the word home goes beyond bricks and mortar. It represents security, connection, and a sense of belonging. In a common interest community, home is not only a private living space but also the shared amenities, governance, and neighborly bonds that shape daily life. The role of community boards and professional managers is to ensure that both private and shared aspects of home thrive in harmony Professional standards, such as those established by the Community Associations Institute (CAI), emphasize that

Liudmila Chernetska/iStock/Getty Images Plus

home is safeguarded through best practices in governance, financial stewardship, maintenance, and communication. Following these standards ensures that decisions are not only legally sound but also reflect fairness and foresight. When associations and managers adhere to these prin ciples, residents can trust that their investment and their lifestyle are being protected Community living reminds us that home is also about peo ple. Annual meetings, community events, and even casual lobby conversations contribute to a culture of inclusion and neighborliness. By encouraging open communication, resolving conflicts with empathy, and recognizing volunteer contributions, associations reinforce the idea that there’s truly no place that feels like home. Community associations rely on a partnership between elected volunteer board members and professional manag ers. Together, they form the leadership core that ensures the “For many, the word home goes beyond bricks and mortar. It represents security, connection, and a sense of belonging.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE 54

52

OCTOBER 2025