Not using amenities such as pool or gym does not mean owners are not responsible for paying assessments

Michael Bogen devotes his legal practice to representing hundreds of condominium and homeowner associations. Bogen, who is admitted to practice law in Florida, Washington, D.C., and Nevada, also is admitted before the United States District Court in the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. He is assistant executive director of the Condo Council, which provides education to over 1,000 association members.

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I have always been intrigued by real estate. As a teen I would visit “The Home Of The Week” with my parents, who were always getting ideas for their “dream home.” As an adult I am honored anytime someone allows me to help them search for a home. Buying a property is one of the biggest decisions someone makes and the fact that they trust me with the process is humbling.

It is always my goal to go above and beyond the expectations of every one of my clients. I treat every customer like they are a member of How do I obtain a copy of the yearly budget? All you have to do is submit a written request to the association. I would recommend having some sort of tracking available, such as certified mail or via email. Once the association receives your request, they must provide access to the budget within 10 business days. However, prior to the passage of the budget, a copy of the proposed budget must be hand delivered, mailed, or electronically transmitted my family and always look out for their best interest, even if it means talking them out of a purchase. I look at the relationship as a lifelong one, not one that ends at closing.

The Deerfield Cove, Hillsboro Beach, East Boca Raton

24/7, I am always available to my clients. Being a Realtor is bigger than just finding and negotiating a deal – you must be there.

Make a list of your wants and needs, stick to your budget and never settle on a home. If you are purchas- (email or on the association website) at least 14 days prior to the board budget meeting, without any request and must be automatic. We have some owners who are refusing to pay their assessments because they do not use some of the facilities, such as the pool or gym. Is this legal? If not, what can the association do about it? ing a property with a significant other, talk to each other about your non-negotiables and deal breakers before meeting with your Realtor. If you are not sure what kind of property you are looking for, how is your Realtor going to find it for you? Always look at the big picture. If your Realtor recommends painting a wall, removing some furniture, or doing some light staging do it. You may have to spend $500 to paint and put some furniture in storage but your return on investment will be much greater. Choose a Realtor who will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. that such owner(s) may reduce their assessments. Whether an owner or tenant uses the some of the facilities does not matter. If an owner refuses to pay their assessments, the association may hire a community association attorney to begin the collections process in obtaining such delinquent assessments. Our building is almost 20 years old. We have had several floods from old water heaters. What can we do to help alleviate this issue?

I was a news producer for 10 years in Palm Springs, California and Richmond, Virginia. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ADVERTISING DESIGNER SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER SENIOR SALES MANAGER REAL ESTATE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE There are a few things the association can do. I recommend to my clients they suggest the association send a notice to all owners regarding having their water heaters inspected. Some boards want to take amore proactive approach and conduct an annual inspection of all water heaters under the assumption that the inspection cost are far less than dealing with a flooding water heater. Other associations choose to pass an amendment to their declaration requiring all owners to change their water heaters every GARRETT A. FOSTER DEBORAH DOCHERTY TRACY KOLODY ARIEL GONZALEZ TANYA PLATH 954-425-1642 954-425-1029 954-425-1695 954-425-1053 954-425-1517 so often. I have heard that it’s a good idea to change heaters every 10 years; however, I would check with a plumber to obtain the recommended life expectancy of water heaters.