H

ow to

Transition to a New Management Company with Less Bloodshed.

If you’ve seen the critically acclaimed television show Game of Thrones, or read the books, then you’re likely familiar with the massive bloodshed when any change in power occurs. The cold hard truth is that change, be it fictional or in real life, is difficult for people. There’s good news, though! Your association can plan ahead to avoid jealousy, fear, anger and other negative feelings and connotations associated with change.

In the world of community association management, things change every day. From board elections to rules and regulations , we have to deal with it all. However, one of the hardest changes for any community is when they choose to change management companies. Let’s be honest here, your management company does a lot of work for your community. They not only store your files, but they process your financials, bill your assessments, send letters, coordinate with vendors, communicate with your residents and owners, etc. The manager is typically a key historian for your community. So how do you conquer this monumental change with as little bloodshed as possible? Well, it takes time, a significant amount of planning, and a whole lot of communication.

Communication

There are several key players involved in your management transition, and it is important to remember to communicate with each of them throughout the process. You’ll need to work with your fellow board members, the outgoing management firm and the incoming management firm, as well as with your owners.

The communication process is really going to start with your current (or soon to be outgoing) management company. It’s important to begin communicating with them about a potential transition even before you decide to make a change. If you, your fellow board members and owners feel you’re not getting the service you’ve contracted for, don’t ignore it - communicate it. Talk to your manager. If that doesn’t help, speak with their supervisor. In many cases, you can resolve service issues without even having to make a full change in management companies. Remember

Our Condo Team Ted

Gross B Kathy Heitkemper

runing & Associates, P.C. provides a supportive environment of skilled attorneys with the highest of professional standards, a professional administrative staff with the strongest of work ethics, and an organizational platform that is particularly suited to the needs of Community Association representation. We strive to provide our condominium and common-interest community association clients with comprehensive legal services, including affordable retainer plans for transactional matters and both   collections.

The following is a list of some of the areas in which we can provide an association with representation:

 Assessment collections including representation of the association in evictions, as well as unit owner’s foreclosures and bankruptcies

 Reviewing and drafting governing documents (including Declarations, Amendments and Rules and Regulations)

 Transactional work concerning governing documents  Litigation to enforce governing documents  Developer turnover and Developer litigation  General Corporate  Attendance at Board meetings  Counseling Association Board members  Addressing mediation issues with member/owners  Construction Defect Disputes  Claims against Association Board members  Association Disputes with Vendors and Contractors  Building Code Violation matters

www.bruninglaw.com www.facebook.com/BruningAndAssociates

Schaumburg Crystal Lake 847.637.5140 815.455.3000

 |