unit owner is facing a significant increase in their operating assessment or perhaps a large special assessment, that they become interested in what the board is doing. This author has witnessed board members work tirelessly for more than a year on a large-scale repair project, going over every possible detail and solving for each potential pitfall, only to have unit owners show up when the special assessment is being passed and ask “why the rush?” and “when were you going to tell us about this?” Keep in mind that meeting minutes were being posted each month showing the progress and asking for unit owner involvement. Turning unit owners into board members is more than a slight-of- hand trick. It is demonstrating that the investment of one’s time and effort can help turn copper into gold by increasing property values through proper board member oversight and decision-making.
The final card in the deck of magic is the importance of choosing quality third-party advisors. As volunteers, board members only have so much time and are equipped with only so much experience when it comes to overseeing a community association. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to surround a board with a team of qualified, motivated and ethical advisors.
Professional Management
I have witnessed more boards than I care to remember drive an association into financial straits while severely deferring required maintenance all under the banner of “managers are too expensive.” But when these board are asked why
the association isn’t in Good Standing with the Secretary of State, or why the reserve fund is depleted, or why aren’t the tax returns being filed, or why is the city about to levy a fine for life safety issues, valid reasons become a disappearing act. Good managers are worth more than they are paid. They are trained, licensed, dedicated and often work while the rest of us are binge-watching our favorite shows. I understand that some managers are better than others and that not every manager is a perfect fit for every board. But when it comes to being successful at the art of making problems levitate and fly away, there is no substitute for a good manager.
Attorney
A well-run association uses an attorney who is not just familiar with the Illinois Condominium Property Act but specializes in it. An attorney who encourages review of all contracts being signed and stresses the importance of diligent collection procedures is a valuable asset to have. A good attorney can reduce the risk of legal action being brought against the board. They can explain to unit owners in understandable terms what authority the board has and does not have when conducting association business and can separate truth from fiction when it comes to issues related to the governing documents. Not having an attorney and using them on a regular basis can make a lot more than your hard-earned assessments disappear.
Construction Experts Whether it’s an engineer or architect, having someone who
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