Enough Blame to Go Around

By Darlys Walker

Published October 30, 2013

 

Have you ever noticed when things go wrong they tend to rapidly deteriorate into total chaos? This often ends in finger pointing, passing blame and total dysfunction.

 

Case in point, Joe Smith, Board President of a luxury high-rise meets with Sam Jones, Property CAM. Joe tells Sam to order new floral arrangements for the elevator vestibules on each floor. Joe gives Sam a budget of $300 per arrangement x 30 floors. For a total of $9,000, plus $1,000 shipping and tax. Total approved expense is $10,000.

 

Sam the CAM loves Elvis, so he orders floral arrangements with a “Vegas Motif” and stays within budget. The arrangements arrive and are placed in each vestibule and the Homeowners go crazy, not only are the arrangements hideous against the Mediterranean décor but the Homeowners are aware that the Board is currently working on a “special assessment” due to the high delinquency and low cash so that the community can pay its operating expenses. So who’s to blame here? EVERYONE!

 

The Board President should not be directing the CAM, without first getting direction from the entire Board. The Board should ensure that the CAM understands the protocol for approving such expenses. The CAM should use common sense and know due to the financial condition of the Association these funds were not available. The Board President after gaining proper approval from the entire Board should have clearly defined the acceptable standard and design of floral arrangements to be purchased. Incidents like this occur every day and are a result of “Lack of Communication” and establishing expectations. Document clearly stated protocols so that Association funds are not wasted.


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About HOA & Condo Blog

 

Darlys Walker, Founder and CEO of Condominium Concepts Management, Inc. (CCM), is recognized for her straight talk, subject matter expertise, and valued insights regarding real estate

management, leasing, and HOAs. Her company serves a diverse portfolio of properties, from 16-units up to 600 as well as large mixed-use developments.

 

   From its beginnings in 2000, CCM has become a well-respected asset manager and now works with over 100 associations with 16,000 units served by over 300 employees. Darlys and her team deliver resources and responsiveness through six regional offices - in Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Charleston, Nashville and Atlanta.

  

   Darlys Walker is best known for her passion and precision, understanding that the only difference that matters in today's demanding marketplace is service delivery ... doing what is promised and what is right. She knows that every community serves two masters ... the property owner/developer and the resident/homeowner. "If we are not equally responsive to both, we are not doing our job," she states.  

 

   Her clients say it best: "Darlys really knows her stuff" ... "at the top of her profession and it shows in the caliber of her clients" ... "delivers quality resources that match up well with needs and expectations that are really rigorous."  

 

   She is a licensed Real Estate Broker in four states, holds an Associate's Degree in Marketing and has earned the Accredited Real Estate Manager designation from the Georgia Institute of Real Estate Management. Also she is one of few certified as a Lead-Based Paint Abatement & Removal Trainer in Georgia. 

  


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   Darlys Walker and her team have been selected to manage the condominium conversion process and day-to-day operations for many of the Southeast's most high-profile condominium communities including luxury high-rises, mid-rises and garden-style homes. Most recently she has been recognized as an expert in 're-versions' of communities from condominiums to leased homes, as well as repositioning projects. A visionary and a tireless perfectionist, Darlys demonstrates hands-on leadership, working individually with each client and staff associate to achieve defined business outcomes and satisfaction.

   

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For more information about Darlys Walker and Condominium Concepts Management, Inc. please visit www.condominiumconcepts.com.