Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Condo Associations Can Save Money in a Down Economy

By Chris Lim

Unused Amenities - Cut back or close unused amenities. Close the pool during winter months when no one is using it. Reevaluate the hours of the fitness center. If people are truly not using the the services they will not mind if they are cut back. They will also appreciate the saving.

Sell Memberships - If you amenities are nice enough you can sell memberships to the pool tennis courts and fitness center, you can also allow guests to use them for a small fee.

Advertising - Many local business will buy advertising in the newsletter and the common areas. One easy way is to place Google adsense on the website.

Lower Maintenance Landscaping. Many developers only think of initial costs when landscaping. Many times there is little thought put into long term landscaping costs. Roses and Hydrogena take much more care than bulbs and ornamental grasses.

Collect Past Due Fees. Monies owed to a condo association can drag it down. Also you want to make sure fees are collected before they get so high the property goes into foreclosure. Lawyers many be willing to work on contingency.

Insurance Claims - If in the last 5 years your association had to get a loan (like those from SBA or FEMA) for repairs (Storm, Hurricane, Natural Disaster, Tornado or any accident) your regular attorney many not be enough. Contact an attorney who focuses on insurance claims. Many insurance companies deny underpay insurance claims. Many times the law states that the insurance company has to pay the legal fees. Moreover, many Lawyers will handle insurance claims in a way that no funds will be out of pocket.

Rehabilitate instead of Replace. instead of copper pipe repair can be rehabilitate to better than new condition with epoxy pipe lining from CuraFlo. It is generally 30% cheaper than re piping and is much less obtrusive. RLS Solutions offers sewer lining and manholes to increase their life and save on costs.

Property Manager - Get a property manager who is experienced in lowering costs. A property manger with experience will also know which contractors come in on budget and which ones have a history of not competing jobs on time. - 15433

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