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

Digging Out

Five inches of snow dumped on the tri-county area.  At least two more inches expected throughout the day.  Associations, please be aware that LandArc is doing everything in our power to ensure that roads within your associations are cleared.  We work closely with our vendors to make sure that the job is done.  In the meantime, take it slow out on the roads.  If possible, give yourself more time to reach your destination.  Better to arrive at your destination a little late than to drive into a ditch and not arrive at all.  When it comes to safety, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Hot and Cold

This has been a strange year so far in terms of temperature.  On Tuesday, it was 50 degrees, fairly comfortable.  Yesterday, it dropped down to the mid twenties with snow added into the mix.  Today, it’s cold as well.   This is because the jet stream.  The flow of air that dictates weather patterns in the United States is taking an odd path, pushing cold air to the south and pulling warmer air to the north.

Based on this, it is important to keep an eye on your pipes with all the freezing and refreezing going on.  Did you know that when water freezes, it also expands?  Which is why routine preventive maintenance is necessary for your community.  This way, you can be sure that you do not experience any problems in your community that could have been prevented through routine measures.

Cold Concerns

It’s cold outside in Southeast Michigan.  While driving into work this morning, the thermostat in my car read 4 degrees and that is without wind chill.  When it’s this cold outside (and you can usually tell by the squeaking sound snow makes beneath your feet) there are certain precautions that need to be taken to protect your home and protect yourself.  Limit exposure to these frigid temperatures to prevent frostbite and always make sure you wear proper winter gear: hat, gloves, scarf, etc.

Also, make sure that you check up on the regulations in your HOA community to see what snow removal procedures are in place.  While vendors are hired to take care of many snow removal activities, their contracts can limit what situations they are supposed to handle, so it is always better to be aware of such things before a sudden snowfall catches you unawares.  As always, cold temperatures create the risk of pipes freezing/bursting which creates problems for everyone involved.  Precautions are often as simple as leaving the cupboard below each sink open so warmer air inside of your house can reach water pipes.  Implementing routine preventive maintenance activities makes things easier for you and it also makes our job at LandArc easier too.

HOA Self Management?

As we begin 2013, many can only hope that his year will bring better economical conditions than previous years.  In the recent recession, many businesses have survived only by drastically cutting costs.  However, where homeowner associations are concerned, self management is not the answer.

In an article titled “The Myth of HOA Self Management,” the author states that the myth of HOA self management was started in the 1960s by developers which stood to profit from the decreased costs of self management.  As many HOA boards went forward with self management, they found the path of self management full of pitfalls and dead ends.

An unhappy truth of HOA Management is the need to collect delinquent payments.  This requires a high amount of diplomacy and very thick skin.  How many board members want to walk next door, knock on their neighbor’s door, and tell their neighbor that they are behind on their association payments?  What kind of community environment does that create?  Is it worth the money that might be saved?

The article went on to say that “…the two most emotional reasons that even the smallest HOAs should be professionally managed: Money and Rules. No neighbor should have to collect money from or enforce rules on another neighbor since the actions are predictably confrontational.”

LandArc has more than 25 years of experience in the property management industry.  This experience simply cannot be matched by volunteer boards of HOA communities.  Within the last year, LandArc has proven our excellence in crisis management when one of our communities was damaged in a tornado last year.  Our response to that situation gained us the business of a neighboring HOA community.  What board member would be able to handle managing the cleanup and reconstruction of not only their own home but their neighbor’s homes as well?

Self management is not the answer to reduced costs and will lead to more headaches.  To read more about the myth of HOA self management, click on the following link:

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20020123_selfmanage.htm

A Message to Homeowners

Here are some things that homeowners should keep in mind with snow and cold weather rapidly approaching.  HOA residents should be aware of your associations' stance when it comes to snow removal, as well as holiday decorations.  By researching what is permitted ahead of time, homeowners would be able to avoid fees associated with misconduct and everyone will be able to enjoy this wonderful time of year.

LandArc would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season!