February 2024

MANAGEMENT TRENDS

CONDO’S and HOA’s = “HOME SWEET HOME” By Elaine Warga-Murray, MA, AMS, CMCA, PCAM, E.W. Murray Consulting, LLC.

I t is simply a fact that land space is becoming less avail able. In a densely populated state like ours, neighborhoods are becoming tighter and are more likely to compromise communities of condominiums and homeowner associa tions. According to The CAI’s Foundation for Community Association Research 2019-2020 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey, approximately one quarter of homeowners in New Jersey live in condominiums and townhomes. In addition, 37% of NJ residents are over the age of fifty with about one third of the senior population living in age-restricted communi ties. So, more residents make their homes in planned commu nities in this state than ever before, and the trend continues. According to The CAI Research Foundation’s report, 86% of residents living in associations are happy to call their condo, townhouse and house (albeit with limited exterior space) their home and are satisfied with most aspects of an association lifestyle. Part of the reason for the satisfaction is that most people identify with their neighborhoods; like the fact neighbors who share their lifestyle; and feel that management is responsive to the needs and wants of the community. Management services are a crucial element in maintaining the property to the expectations of the community members and maintaining a community spirit that is comfortable and respectful of the responsibility and care needed to comple ment homeownership in the community. Board members and managers must remember that a home may be called “a unit” in the association documents. However, each physical building is someone’s home and should be treated as such. Management and the board are responsible to nurture the community and need to be an integral part of the community in a neighborly and responsive manner. One aspect of managing in a neighborly and responsive manner is how rules are “enforced” versus developing

FotoDuets/iStock/Getty Images Plus

“Board members and managers must remember that a home may be called ‘a unit’ in the association documents. However, each physical building is someone’s home..."

rules and regulations that engender easy compliance and enhance the lifestyle homeowners want. All homeowners want a nice looking and well maintained property; all homeowners want services not restrictions; all homeowners want to live in a friendly community that encourages a neighborly atmosphere; all homeowners want to feel proud of their home and community; all homeowners want to feel comfortable in their neighborhood; all homeowners want members of their family to enjoy the environment; and all homeowners want to identify with their home and be able to have their home reflect their individuality. Satisfying and supporting the needs of all homeowners for comfort and friendliness should be the goal of all board members and managers. This is a challenge when bal ancing the budget, maintaining the physical buildings and CONTINUES ON PAGE 42

40

FEBRUARY 2024