Why a Budget is so Important

Community associations operate and execute their duties based upon an annual budget. That budget is developed and approved by the board of directors but is sometimes subject to a vote of the membership during the association's annual meeting. Requirements for budget approval are typically outlined in the association's by-laws. Throughout the year, the board then monitors the economic condition of the association through periodic (usually monthly) financial reports and updates.

The association's budget is, essentially, an estimate of the income and expenses of the association for the year. A budget reflects an association's policy decisions (as proposed by the board of directors and approved by the members) regarding the programs and services that will be completed during the budget year. Often, the governing documents of the community will define the common property expected to be maintained by the association and other maintenance and service requirements. The budget then establishes what services the community will provide, when they will be done, and how much they are expected to cost.

Fo More inforamtion on Budgeting, read here:

• Budgeting Whys and Wherefores

If you have further questions on this issue, please feel free to contact J Brooks & Associates, Inc. at (239) 313-7129. As always, we are here to help.

17041 Alico Commerce Ct., Unit 1

Fort Myers, FL 33967

(239)313-7129

www.JBrooksai.com

J Brooks & Associates, Inc. is a full service Homeowner Association (HOA), Condominium Association, Cooperative Association and Master Community Association property management company servicing all of Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and all of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties.www.jbrooksai.com

Speed Bumps in a Private Community Association

Their are always problems when speeding vehicles are in your private community. Having Speed Bumps or Humps installed and ensuring the residents of the community are happy is a tricky battle.

Speed Bumps in a Condominium or Homeowner Association | Florida, Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Sarasota | J Brooks & Associates

If you have further questions on this issue, please feel free to contact J Brooks & Associates, Inc. at (239) 313-7129. As always, we are here to help.

17041 Alico Commerce Ct., Unit 1

Fort Myers, FL 33967

(239)313-7129

www.JBrooksai.com

J Brooks & Associates, Inc. is a full service Homeowner Association (HOA), Condominium Association, Cooperative Association and Master Community Association property management company servicing all of Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and all of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties.www.jbrooksai.com

Naples Associations' Resident Portal

J Brooks & Associates is proud to announce their new Community Association Management Resident Portal. Now, all of our Naples Associations will have access to their community documents, and a community bulleting board. As well as many other features! Check out all the great new features available to their Property Management clients.

Community Association Property Management | Resident Portal | J Brooks & Associates

If you have further questions on this issue, please feel free to contact J Brooks & Associates, Inc. at (239) 313-7129. As always, we are here to help.

17041 Alico Commerce Ct., Unit 1

Fort Myers, FL 33967

(239)313-7129

www.JBrooksai.com

J Brooks & Associates, Inc. is a full service Homeowner Association (HOA), Condominium Association, Cooperative Association and Master Community Association property management company servicing all of Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and all of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties.www.jbrooksai.com

Counterfeit Money Circulating in Southwest Florida

J Brooks & Associates, Inc. would like to take this time to warn our local associations to be on the look-out for counterfeit money circulating in the Southwest Florida area.

Please be careful and know what a "Real" bill is suppose to look like. It is OK, to ask for a different bill from a cashier if you do not feel safe about the money they are handing you.  It is your money after all.  Just be polite and explain that you would prefer a different bill.  Some may not like it, but remember to always be kind and express yourself in a polite way when making your request.

 Read NBC-2.com's story on the subject.

• Secret Service: More fake bills in SWFL - NBC-2.com WBBH News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida

If you have further questions on this issue, please feel free to contact J Brooks & Associates, Inc. at (239) 313-7129. As always, we are here to help.

17041 Alico Commerce Ct., Unit 1

Fort Myers, FL 33967

(239)313-7129

www.JBrooksai.com

J Brooks & Associates, Inc. is a full service Homeowner Association (HOA), Condominium Association, Cooperative Association and Master Community Association property management company servicing all of Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and all of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties.www.jbrooksai.com

Who is Responsible for Assessments on Properties Owned by the Association?

Our Fort Myers Homeowner Association Management Blog wrote and excellent article about who is responsible for the Assessments on Association owned properties. We wanted to share this information with our Naples' Homeowner Association residents. 

This is an issues that comes across our desk often. Due to the downturn in the economy and housing market, many properties in Associations have been foreclosed on or taken over by the Association. Many times, the Associations that has acquired a vacant property are not aware that as the new owner, the Association is responsible for all Assessments for that property, just as if it were owned by any other person or entity.

It is imperative that the Association prepares for the added costs of owning the property, and reviews the Covenants, Rules & Regulations carefully regarding the sale or leasing of the property. The Association must be prepared for the financial obligations required of them and plan accordingly.

We advise that the Board of Directors discuss the potential obligations of the Association with their Property Manager, Association Accountant, and Legal Advisor prior to taking over any vacant or foreclosed property in their Association.

If you have further questions on this issue, please feel free to contact J Brooks & Associates, Inc. at (239) 313-7129. As always, we are here to help.

17041 Alico Commerce Ct., Unit 1

Fort Myers, FL 33967

(239)313-7129

www.JBrooksai.com

J Brooks & Associates, Inc. is a full service Homeowner Association (HOA), Condominium Association, Cooperative Association and Master Community Association property management company servicing all of Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and all of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties.

Naples HOA Management

If you live in Naples Florida and are looking for a new Homeowner Association Management Firm, consider J Brooks & Associates, Inc. With offices in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sarasota, we can handle any size association from the Naples/Collier area up to the Sarasota/Venice area.

J Brooks & Associates, Inc. is a full service Homeowner Association (HOA), Condominium Association, and Master Community Association property management company servicing all of Southwest Florida.

At J Brooks & Associates, Inc. we have multiple licensed CAM’s and are experienced Community Association Management Accountants, experienced in all your Property Management needs.

So give J Brooks & Associates, Inc. a call and let us help you and your Association with all your Property Management needs. Call (239) 313-7129 in Lee & Collier Counties, and (941) 237-0129 in Charlotte & Sarasota Counties.