Spring 2013 Newsletter

Active Adult Centers Replacing Senior Centers

Many senior centers are being renamed as active adult centers.  The simple fact of it is that many people do not like being called “senior citizens.”  These people do not want to stop doing the activities they enjoy.  Age is just a number to these people.  A number which does not reflect their energy or desire to enjoy life to the fullest.

LandArc specializes in the management of highly amenitized active adult communities.  Our portfolio includes several communities in Michigan, North Carolina, and Georgia.  Our commitment to providing a fulfilling active lifestyle surpasses our competitors.  Find us on Facebook and Twitter to ask us any questions you might have about the property management services we provide.

Click here to read more about senior centers which are now active adult centers:

http://standardspeaker.com/news/senior-centers-now-active-adult-centers-1.1489489

Spring Has Sprung

Now that spring is here and the last frost of the season likely over, here are some things to watch out for in your association;

Property Signage: appearance is everything when it comes to the home values in your association.  The association sign is the first thing people see upon entering an association.  There were a lot of instances this past winter where the snow would melt and then refreeze which can weather your association sign as well as other signs throughout your community.  A routine inspection could save a lot of grief in the future

Concrete: freezing and refreezing can be especially hard on concrete as well.  When melted snow seeps into gaps and the sidewalks and refreezes, it expands which creates cracks in the concrete.  Over time, the winter damage caused to concrete could be a potential safety hazard.  If someone were to fall on a crack in the concrete and get hurt, the association would likely be held responsible.  If you see concrete damage in your association, contact LandArc at (888) 646-9888 and we will see what can be done about it.

Pot holes: Winter can also be very hard on roads creating pot holes in streets and parking lots.  These could become hazardous if not dealt with promptly.

Parking spaces: time and weathering can cause parking spaces to fade.  Is this an issue in your association?

Outdoor lighting: check to see if any street lights or  other external lighting is burnt out within your community.

Landscaping: LandArc has a strong working relationship with our vendors.  Now may be the time to address landscaping needs within your association.

Security: ensure that all residents are aware of security systems and procedures that are in place.

For any questions you might have, call LandArc at (888) 646-9888.

To view the source used for this post, click here: http://www.propertymanager.com/2013/04/spring-is-finally-here/

Welcome Dee Dee Blizard

LandArc is glad to welcome Dee Dee Blizard to our team as VP of Community Management.  Dee Dee brings 15 years of experience working in our industry.  *Not only does Dee Dee have extensive experience as a community manager, but her passionate commitment to customer service can be described as follows:

"...I have always worked by and through relationships. It is remarkably easy to provide first class service consistently in meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of your clients when you value the relationship. When it's more than a transaction, it's transforming - both personally and professionally." - Dee Dee Blizard

Community Associations Institute:

APCM National Board (2012-2014)

Certified Manager of Community Associations

Association Management Specialist

Professional Community Association Manager

Washington, DC Association of Realtors, Inc.

Graduate Realtor Institute

Construction Arbitration Services:

New Construction & Warranty Arbitrator

Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution:

Mediator

National Center for Housing Management:

Certified Manager of Housing

Certified Occupancy Specialist

Site-Based Budget Specialist

Certified Manager of Maintenance

National Association of Power Engineers:

Low Pressure Boiler Certification

*Edited 5/9/13

LandArc Spring Board Review

Active Adult Market Improving

There are more signs that the housing market is improving. A small active adult community is being planned for construction in northwest Virginia. This new community, called River Crossing at Spring Arbor, will be located in Spotsylvania County. There will be an age restriction of 55 or older. The community will contain 33 single family houses and 30 villas.

Construction has also begun for Carolina Arbors in Durham North Carolina, which will be managed by LandArc. This is another sign that the housing market is improving and builders are more willing to invest their earnings in constructing active adult communities to support the lifestyle of retirees.

For more information about River Crossing at Spring Arbor, click here:

http://news.fredericksburg.com/businessbrowser/2013/04/12/active-adult-community-planned-in-spotsylvania/#

Active Adult Resource

The city of Farmington Hills is a great location for active adult activities.  Many of these activities are located in the Center for Active Adults, which is located in the Costick Center at on 11 mile road between Middlebelt and Inkster.  Later today, the Center will host a Tiger’s Opening Day party from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.  Coming up this Monday April 8th is lunch at the Detroit Institute of Art from noon to 2 pm.  For more information about activities offered through the Center for Active Adults, click here: http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20130331/NEWS06/303310438/Senior-adult-activities.

HOA "Injustice"

There are many articles floating around on the internet that speak of the “injustices” that occur within homeowner associations.  Many homeowners feel that they do not have to answer to the association’s governing board, viewing the board as a group of bullies that trample on the rights of homeowners.  However, these homeowners forget that by living in a HOA community, they are agreeing to abide by the governing documents that apply to everyone living within the community.  These bylaws and governing documents try to serve the greater good that would benefit everyone in the most optimal way.  That does not mean that the board of directors will always make the right decision; they are also human beings and make mistakes.  It is not easy for anyone to exercise judgment over their neighbors. 

Homeowners may not always have their way in inevitable issues that turn up in HOA communities, but when the decisions they make about their property affect the home values or other costs of those who follow all the rules, who is really the victim?  A lawsuit between a homeowner and an association where the homeowner wins will likely result in an increased cost for everyone in the community as the association tries to pay for attorney fees.  When one person wins and everyone else in the community loses, is that really justice?

To read more about this topic, click on the following link:

http://constructionlawva.com/big-bad-hoa-not-actually-so-big-definitely-not-so-bad/

Carolina Arbors

We are proud to announce that construction is under way in Carolina Arbors, a Del Webb community that will be managed by LandArc.  Residents will begin moving into the first completed homes early this summer.  When completed, there will be 1280 units.  LandArc offers a unique approach specialized towards managing active adult communities.   Our portfolio includes sites in Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina. 

We are striving to raise brand awareness. If you know someone who is the board member of an active adult community, please let them know about the services offered by LandArc.  Or, if you are a board member from an active adult community click on the following link to see how we can improve your active lifestyle: http://landarc.com/Portals/0/lapromo/01.html

Del Webb Home Supremacy

Del Webb is committed to constructing premier homes.  Through experience gathered through the construction of more than 50 active adult communities, Del Webb is prepared to offer a new standard in home environmental efficiency.  Whether it involves electrical wiring or the external architecture of a home in an active adult community, Del Webb is prepared to offer among the best quality available.

To find out more, click on the following link: http://www.delwebb.com/why-delwebb/home-quality.aspx.

Routine Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Simple tasks performed at regular intervals throughout the year can make or break a homeowner association.  We have included a checklist containing routine preventive maintenance focal points, which has been taken from this website. (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/111478)

Here are some things to keep in mind for routine preventive maintenance:

·         Roof:

o   Look for wear in asphalt shingles

o   Look for damage in clay tiles

o   Slate, while more durable, needs occasional inspection to look for damage.

o   Look for Corrosion in metal

o   Look for air circulation in wood shingles.

o   Look for leaks in built-up roofs/membrane roofs.

·         Roofing Elements:

o   Look for projections that may cause leaks.  Example of branches, loose joints, etc.

o   Look for corrosion caused by Galvanic Action, such as ferrous metals touching dissimilar metals.

o   Look for damaged cornice.

o   Inspect the underside of the roof for projection, including the eaves.

o   Inspect flashing for damage.  Flashing is installed on every protrusion through the roof and every joint where the vertical edge intersects with the roof.

o   Inspect gutters and leaders for clogged ice or other materials.

·         Exterior Wall Material:

o   Inspect mason and mortar for loose joints, stains, wet spots in the walls.

o   Look for loose stucco or plaster.

o   Inspect siding, shingles, and sheathing for damage (broken/missing boards, rotted or missing members, or signs of veins of dirt that indicate termite tunnels.

·         Exterior Finishes:

o   Inspect paint for cracks, damage.

o   Inspect any ornamental elements including cast iron and stone/terra cotta.

·         Fenestration (doors and windows):

o   Inspect doors for proper alignment and for any signs of deterioration.

o   Inspect windows for strength in joints and structural support.

·         Exterior Ceilings/Decks

o   Inspect porches for damage as a result of poor drainage.

o   Check wooden supports for damage.

o   Check for any insect infestations.

·         Grounds

o   Check for cracks/damage in driveways and sidewalks.

o   Check for leaks in window wells.

o   Inspect any storm drains.

o   Inspect retaining walls for damage.

o   Check for proper draining around foundations

o   Inspect landscaping for dead bushes, diseased plants

·         Interior Inspection

o   Load bearing masonry wall.

§  Check for cracks, damage.

o   Check caste in place concrete walls for

§  Settlement.

§  Cracks.

§  Other damage.

o   Inspect wood joists and beams.

o   Inspect steel beams, concrete decks for sloping or other degradation.

o   Inspect

§  Concrete floors

§  Wood floors

§  Carpet

§  Ceramic tiles

§  Interior walls/Finishes

§  Ceiling finishes

§  Fireplaces

§  Interior decorative masonry

§  Metal surfaces

§  Stairs

§  Interior doors/windows wood trim

§  Kitchen cabinets/counters

·         Mechanical/Electrical:

o   Make sure there is sufficient power to run all appliances.

o   Look for any deterioration in plumbing/mechanical systems.

·         Attic:

o   Look for condensation that might cause damage.

For more information about routine preventive maintenance, click on the following link: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/111478

Del Webb Museum

The national active adult community developer, Del Webb, has created a museum to display the history of their very first community.  This Sun City Community museum describes how a community designed only for retirees succeeded at a time when very few thought it would.   Fifty three years later, Del Webb communities have spread all throughout the country, providing the active adult lifestyle to many retirees who are not all that tired yet.  To find out more about the Del Webb Sun City museum, click on the following link: 

http://arizona.newszap.com/westvalley/120592-114/del-webb-sun-cities-museum-where-history-comes-alive.

Del Webb Communities Recognized

Del Webb has had eight of their communities named among the top fifty places to retire in the United States.  As a strong leader in active adult communities, Del Webb has developed more than 50 active adult communities.  These communities include: Sun City Anthem, Sun City Festival, Sun City Shadow Hills, Del Webb Anthem Ranch, Del Webb Stone Creek and Sun City Peachtree.  To read more about Del Webb, click on the following link: http://www.delwebb.com/newsfeed/story.aspx?newsid=800531261.

Governing Board Duties Increasing

As many cities, including Detroit, experience financial difficulties, some homeowner associations have assumed control of various duties for the associations they serve.  The nature of HOA communities has shifted to include property maintenance, trash collection, and other duties that were once performed by local governments.  As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult for board members of HOA communities to take care of the day-to-day operational tasks of managing the communities they represent.  According to USA Today, 75%-85% of HOA communities perform their day-to-day activities with the assistance of an experienced property management company, while the other 15%-25% are still self managed.  

As the residual effects of the housing crises continue, governing board members of HOAs are required to take on more and more responsibilities.  This ranges from daily operations like dealing with contractors, bookkeeping duties like paying invoices, and collecting delinquent association fees from fellow members  These tasks can prove to be daunting without the assistance of a professional management company, such as LandArc.

Click on the following link to read more:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/03/03/hoas-pick-up-duties-left-by-struggling-cities/1960671/

Coyote Information

Southeast Michigan is having a growing problem with coyotes in neighborhoods.  This can be a problem when homeowners have small pets or young children. While coyotes rarely attack humans, all animals can behave in unexpected ways if they feel threatened. We have prepared some tips from the DNR for dealing with any coyotes that might be present in your neighborhood:

• Never approach or touch a coyote
• Never intentionally feed a coyote
• Eliminate all outside food sources, especially pet foods and bird feeders
• Put garbage out the morning of pickup day
• Clear out wood and brush piles; they are good habitat for rats and mice and may attract coyotes
• Do not allow pets to roam free when coyotes are present - consider keeping pets indoors or accompany them outside, especially at night
• If you see a coyote, yell, clap your hands, bang pots and pans, in general make a lot of noise to scare away the coyote and let it know that this is your space and you don’t want it there. By making yourself seem scary and threatening the coyote should retain its fear of people and easily scare away, this may not work if the coyote is being fed or if there are food sources like pet food or bird feeders in the area.

For more information about coyotes, please visit the following link:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_12145_12205-60378--,00.html.

Homeowners Identities Stolen

Thousands of homeowners served by a Florida Management Company have had their identities stolen.  This was because a computer server was stolen during a break-in.  The management company runs six associations in the Osceola Florida area.  There were no signs of forced entry, which indicated the thief may have had a key. 

LandArc has strict security measures and system redundancies to ensure that our information is always safe and secure.

For more information about the Florida Management company break-in, click here.

HOA "Shakedown"

In a homeowner association, decisions are made with the entire community in mind rather than individuals.  As a result, there are some instances where homeowners feel that since they pay their dues, they have a right to get their way.  So in some cases, homeowners start withholding dues in order to “shakeup” the board and get their desired outcome.  When this happens, the source listed below states that it is important to gain an understanding of the situation in a personal manner (a phone call from a board member as opposed to an email or letter).  

If the homeowner’s request is reasonable, then the situation could be resolved along with possibly waiving any late fees that have been incurred.  If the request is not reasonable, then explain the reasons why.  In many cases, withholding fees could simply be the result of financial difficulties.  If that is the case, the homeowner might be able to receive accommodations such as a payment plan based on their situation.  To read more about this topic, click here.

Snow Removal FYI

In light of the snow storm which will hit Southeast Michigan today, LandArc would like to inform our customers that we will do everything possible to ensure efficient snow removal.  Our strong working relationship with our vendors ensures that the job is done.  As you are most likely aware, we are expecting to get 5-7 inches this afternoon and evening, although it seems like we may receive less. 

As stated in our contract, “in the event the continuing snowfall exceeds 4”, the contractor shall immediately plow out driveways and roads to facilitate ingress and egress from the site, and then complete the remaining areas as designated in this contract.”  We would also like board members to be aware that snow removal will commence no later than four hours after snow fall has reached the level stated in the contract between your association and your snow vendor.  If snow accumulation continues, the vendor has within four additional hours to clear and within 24 hours to clear areas that were inaccessible initially or where snow has drifted.  We ask for patience while our vendors strive to keep up with the needs of our communities. 

LandArc Winter 2013 Newsletter

Carolina Arbors Groundbreaking

Del Webb recently held a VIP groundbreaking ceremony to initiate the construction of Carolina Arbors.  Attending the ceremony were local politicians, community leaders, and Del Webb representatives.  Home construction is expected to begin immediately and residents are able to move in as soon as this summer.  Carolina Arbors is in a great area located in a great city and will be managed by LandArc.  Read the LandArc blog for more news about Carolina Arbors in the future.