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THE VALUE OF ASSOCIATIONS: INSIGHTS FROM TWO DECADES
OF EXPERIENCE
By
Rafael Aquino
Published February 14, 2024
In my nearly twenty
years managing condominiums and homeowners associations (HOAs), I've
observed a discrepancy between common perceptions and the reality of
community association living. Contrary to frequent discussions about
its downsides, the majority of residents appreciate the benefits and
camaraderie that come with their community. Here are the core
advantages:
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Improved
Aesthetics: Community associations excel in maintaining an
appealing environment. Uniform landscaping and architectural
standards enhance residents' quality of life and help preserve
property values.
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Exclusive
Amenities: Residents enjoy access to facilities like pools,
fitness centers, and green spaces, enriching their living
experience beyond the confines of their own homes.
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Community Spirit:
These communities foster a strong sense of belonging, with
social events and clubs promoting connections among neighbors.
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Enhanced
Security: Added security measures, including gated access and
surveillance, offer peace of mind to residents about their
safety.
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Effective
Governance: A structured set of rules helps manage interactions
and maintain standards, ensuring the community runs smoothly.
Living in a community
means encountering diverse opinions. Achieving unanimity is
unrealistic; instead, progressing through majority consensus is key.
This scenario is no different from an orchestra: though each
musician plays a different part, under the conductor's guidance,
they create harmony. Similarly, in a community association,
consensus leads to collective progress and satisfaction.
The challenge of
managing a community is about more than pleasing everyone but
fostering an environment for progress. Management must maintain a
conducive living atmosphere while the board focuses on governance
and making decisions that benefit the community. Residents
contribute by respecting the community's rules and participating in
its activities.
Despite its
challenges, community association living offers significant
benefits, from enhancing property aesthetics to fostering a strong
sense of community. By working together—management, board, and
residents alike—we can create environments focusing on shared
success and improving the quality of life for all. This approach
makes our communities more attractive and ensures they are places
where people are proud to live.
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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
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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
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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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