Each year at this time the New Year’s Resolutions start flying. We promise ourselves that from now on we will do this or that to make us act better, look better and feel better. By around the 10th of the month we’re no longer exercising, we go back to eating unhealthy and we’re still drinking. But are there resolutions that those of us who either live in or work with community associations can actually stick to? Are there resolutions we can make that would help our community associations be a more harmonious place to live?
I’ll start. This year I promise to remember that there are only 24 hours in a day….despite what my billable hours say. (That’s an old lawyer’s joke) Here is one resolution though that might benefit all attorneys who work in this rather litigious community association environment: I resolve to check up on the community associations we represent more often and not wait for them to contact me. It never fails…every time I simply send an e-mail to an association just saying hello and asking if all is well, I get an e-mail in response that basically says “As a matter of fact, we need legal advice on the following……” If I had not made that call or sent that e-mail, perhaps the association would have signed that dangerous contract or taken an otherwise illegal action. So, it’s important to stay in touch not only when you’re handling a bunch of files for an association, but also when you haven’t heard from an association in a while because they may need an attorney and quite frankly might not even know it.
How about some Board members out there making a public resolution? Maybe you resolve to be a better listener or be more open to suggestions? How about lazy unit owners resolving to lend a hand to the Board, serve on a committee or show up to more meetings? How about managers resolving to calm relations between the Board and the owners or simply taking as many educational classes as you can? None of us are perfect and there is always room for improvement.
So how do you plan to help your community this year?

P.S. I really look forward to seeing everyone that registered for our Board Certification Course, Live Condo Craze Radio Show and Expo at the Orange County Convention Center on January 14th at 8:00 a.m. There will be lots of free food, entertainment, educational courses and prize giveaways. For more details, please go to: www.expo.condocrazeandhoas.com