CHANGE IS NEEDED NOW

By Rafael Aquino

Published January 12, 2022  

 

Over the next few months, we will see how much change will be coming to our condominium associations. Multiple reports/recommendations have been made on the best way to avoid another tragedy like Surfside. While not all the recommendations are the same, the common denominator is that more needs to be done to protect those living in condominium associations. More education is needed for our volunteer boards, and the inspection timelines need to be shortened.

 

I applaud those involved in the Miami Dade County Grand Jury to insert preventative maintenance into the report. Associations with a preventive maintenance program in place will find that it costs a bit more annually; however, costs are exponentially much less in the long haul. For instance, many associations overlook the importance of exterior paint in their condo associations. A building that regularly paints its structure every six to eight years will have much less restoration than one that waits ten to fifteen years to paint.

 

I was also glad to read the recommendation to remove all language of waiving reserves and/or increase the vote required to vote down the reserves. However, I would have loved to see some wording on the minimum reserve funds necessary for an association. Life would be so much easier for the Board, its members, and management if the funds were available for the required repairs in an association. The actual cost to live in a condo association should be front and center.

 

Overall, the report provided an excellent framework for our legislatures to do the right thing for our communities. The time is now to make a change, and I'm hopeful they are taking these recommendations seriously, and the much-needed changes come this year.


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As the Co-Founder and CEO of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to redefine excellence. They serve community   associations   efficiently

and effectively with dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and excitement when providing expert advice to its board members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running a community association.

 

Since 2007, Rafael has developed a work culture that values responsive and high-quality services. He has led his team by following a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each association. Today, Affinity Management Services maintains its success and benefits as a result of the foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by providing educational seminars, continuing education classes for association managers and board members alike.


Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’ associations save money and improve their communities. His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out for the best interests of his clients and communities, and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role requires coordination and communication, as such he takes logical and intelligent steps to approach challenges head-on.


As a graduate of Florida International University’s electrical engineering program and a licensed community association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip him with unique insights to tackle complex problems through critical thinking. He understands how each component within a system works together in order to effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple challenges of running a community association management company, he understands how each property is its own unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure that all their needs are met.

For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity Management Services please visit www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279

Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST

Suite 200

Doral, FL 33166

Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300

Plantation, FL 33324

O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053


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