Downsizing? Here's What You Can Expect When You Move From a House to a Condo

Whether the kids have moved out or you just aren't using the extra bedrooms, having a house that feels 'too big' is rarely fun. In today's post, we will share a few changes you can expect when you downsize from a large house to a smaller apartment or condo.

Why Downsize At All?

As you might imagine, having too much space is the primary reason that couples and families downsize. Larger homes cost more to maintain and can feel empty if it's just one or two people living there. In many cases, old items and clutter tend to build up as there is so much storage space. Downsizing to a smaller home helps to maintain a lifestyle that is more efficient but no less luxurious.

Ask Yourself: Are You Ready?

Another consideration that you will need to make: are you ready to move? If you are retired from work, then you likely have enough time on your hands to manage a move. Conversely, if you and your spouse are both working full-time and live near your workplace, you may want to source a smaller home nearby.

Don't forget that if you own the house you are living in now, this might mean having to list and sell it while buying your new home. This is a common situation and isn't a significant problem, but it will require a bit of scheduling and financial planning.

The Hardest Part: Choosing What To Keep

Ask any couple or family that has downsized their home about the toughest part, and many will share that it was choosing what stays and what goes. When space is at a premium, everything from shoes to appliances needs to be considered.

Spend some time going through each room in your house, taking an inventory of what you have. Are there any family heirlooms or other emotional items that you can't part ways with? After that, is there anything that will be usable in your new home? Everything else should be considered fair game. Sell it, donate it or toss it out.

Moving to a smaller home can seem challenging at first, but it is a lifestyle choice that can pay significant dividends. When you are ready to make a move, contact our professional real estate team. After discussing your wants and needs, we will be happy to recommend some perfect local listings.

3 Easy Ways to Make Your Home More 'Pet Friendly'

Whether you're moving to a new home or you have a new family pet, it can be a struggle to make the place a little friendlier for them. From the garbage can to the cupboards and doors, there can be a lot of dangers that have the ability to hurt your furry friend you might not be aware of. If you're looking for some simple ways to make their life a little easier, here are a few things you can do.

Take Care Of The Trash

The image of dogs sifting through the trash is common for a reason, so it's important to guard your animal against the dangers of the dustbin. In addition to taking out any perishable goods on a consistent basis, it's a worthwhile investment to purchase a tougher trash bin that your animal can't get into. This will insure they won't be able to get at foods like fruit pits, coffee grounds and chocolate, which can be very harmful to their system.

Pick The Right Flooring

If you have the choice, ceramic tile or hardwood can be a great way to alleviate the tidy-up of having a live-in pet since you can easily wipe or sweep away the damage. If this isn't possible and carpet is your only option, stick with something that closely matches the color of your pet. As well, if you're letting your pet on the furniture, it's worth investing in materials like leather and suede that are more durable and easy to clean.

Give Them Their 'Space'

You may not have to worry about cleaning up after your pet as much if you can provide them with a space that's all their own. While it doesn't have to be anything fancy or sprawling, providing a comfortable bed where they like to nap and a water bowl or selection of toys will do the trick in making them feel right at home. It may also have the added benefit of keeping them away from the family couch!

Many homeowners are so pre-occupied with making themselves comfortable in their family home that they forget about the animal in the family. While it won't necessarily take much to please your pet, watching the waste and giving them their own comfortable area can go a long way in making your home pet-friendly.

TIP OF THE MONTH - ORDINANCE AND LAW COVERAGE

TIP OF THE MONTH 

ORDINANCE AND LAW COVERAGE

As we start this New Year it is imperative that every association check the master insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage is in place.  Full replacement cost coverage sounds great but doesn’t mean your association is fully insured – especially older buildings -- which may require code upgrades following a casualty.  All coverages – including the often neglected Ordinance or Law coverage which is needed for code upgrades to be funded – must be adequate.  When in doubt, call your attorney and insurance agent and make sure your insurance is adequate so your Association will have a Happy New Year -  even if disaster does strike.

Source: MEEB (Marcus, Errico, Emmer & Brooks)

Let's Talk Fencing: How to Put a Fence Around Your Home Without Destroying Its Appeal

Many homeowners consider a fence around their property for a variety of reasons, whether it's to keep the dog in the yard or to maintain privacy. However, the wrong fence can entirely change the look of your property and make a beautiful yard a bit of an eyesore. If you're trying to determine what kind of fence will work for your home, here are some tips before you start to dig in the dirt.

What's Your Fence For?

Before deciding what kind of material to use, it's important to know what type of utility you want for your fence. While a stone fence may be elegant and offer a lot of privacy, it can also be quite expensive; on the other hand, a wooden fence may be more affordable but it can deteriorate over time. It's entirely possible you have a material you've already decided upon, but ensure that it's something that will live up to your expectations and have the functionality you're looking for.

What's Your Home's Style?

An imposing stone fence may be the style that instantly draws you, but if you have a relatively unassuming home or a more whimsical style, it can be a bit much for what your home. Instead of basing your fence purchase around the budget you can afford and the style you like, ensure that it will complement the style of your home and the yards surrounding yours so there is no marked contrast between your fence and the rest of your property.

What's The Neighborhood Vibe?

Most neighborhoods have a distinct style, so to get some ideas for what type of fence will work with your property, look around your local area. There will likely be homes that look similar to yours and they may be able to give you a good idea of what options you have when it comes to fencing. You'll also want to take note of how particular fences look around the gardens and patios of other homes, as these are features you won't want to obscure.

There are many fences available on the market that serve every purpose, but it's important to be aware of what will work for your property so you can make a good aesthetic decision. If you're currently renovating your home and are looking to put it up for sale, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information.

Winter's Here: Learn How to Prepare Your Plants, Trees and Other Landscaping

From the approaching holiday season to the New Year, there are a lot of things to prepare for when it comes to the winter. It's important, though, not to forget about the needs of your lawn for the upcoming cold season. If you're wondering how to ready your trees, your plants and your yard, here are some tips for saving your vegetation until the springtime.

Fertilize For Grass Growth

It might seem like a waste of time to fertilize your grass going into the winter months, but this is actually the perfect time to prep it for spring. As fertilizer will provide much-needed nutrients to the grass in the months when there is less growth, it will actually stimulate improved growth down the road. It's just important to ensure that you provide a consistent amount of fertilizer so a patchy-looking yard can be avoided. Since weeds scale back in winter, like most other varieties of plants, it can also be an ideal time to apply a herbicide.

Garden Plants And Perennials

While plant maintenance duties like pruning can be done in the spring or fall months, it can actually be a better idea to give your plants the summer months to grow before diving in. Cutting them back will enable the plant to focus its energy on maintenance through the cold winter months, so it's a good idea to get to work in before the first signs of cooler air set in.  If you happen to have plants that won't last through the winter, you'll want to compost them so they can be used for soil in the next gardening season.

Clearing Away The Wood

Beyond the garden and the lawn, it's also worthwhile to provide a little care for your favorite trees before the winter hits. While you'll want to be cautious about what you do and may want to consult with a gardening professional, clearing away dead branches can help your tree retain its health throughout the year. You may notice the difference in your trees when the spring rolls around again, as they'll likely have a revitalized look and show signs of new growth.

Winter is a busy time for many people, but it's important to make the time to fertilize your grass and prune your perennials so your yard will be ready for spring. 

AMG Working With Charity To Benefit Underprivileged Children

AMG  Working With Charity To Benefit Underprivileged Children 

- AMG is participating in our 3rd Operation Christmas Child supported by Samaritan’s Purse and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. The charity benefits underprivileged children who otherwise would not receive Christmas gifts.

-To participate, please visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ or visit a public Angel Tree location at News & Record [200 E Market St], Whole Foods in Friendly Center or Morehead Foundry

-Donation cut-off is December 4

-Please drop off your donations to one of the three public Angel Tree locations or bring to Jamie Rettie at the Greensboro AMG office

-Help AMG make children’s Christmas’ this year a little brighter!

10 Tips To Secure Holiday Packages Delivered To Your Door

Burglars scout neighborhoods prior to the holidays looking for easy targets. Packages sitting on doorsteps , on lawn chairs or sticking out of mailboxes are all a sign of the residence being unattended. Most HOA's struggle with crime during the holidays. While it is not the responsibility of the HOAs to secure or accept  delivered packages, they can assist residents with support, resources and tips to reduce burglary during the holiday season.

Around 23 million people said their packages have been stolen from their homes, according to a December 2015 survey from insuranceQuotes.com.

UPS delivers 17 million packages around the world every day and much more during this time of the year. In fact, during December, they will delivering some 585 million packages, with single-day volume surging as high as 34 million on their peak day December 22.  

Here are a few tips that all of your neighbors can use to help keep your community free of crime this holiday season.

1. Ask a neighbor to watch your home for the delivery of holiday packages and to retrieve the packages until you arrive home.

2. Consider an alternate destination. Have your packages delivered to work, family or friends. Encourage residents to use different delivery options or addresses during the high-crime season. Have packages delivered where someone can accept them, or require a signature.

3. Instruct the delivery company. Find a non visible place at your home and leave detailed instructions as to where to hide the package. FedEx and UPS drivers will place packages behind a gate, shrub, or other location; residents should contact their carrier.

4. Be diligent about tracking your expected holiday packages. Residents can often receive a text message when their package is delivered. This will eliminate your package sitting in the open for long periods of time.

5. Help your HOA by volunteering a few hours in your Neighborhood Watch program. Extra eyes can help deter crime and stop burglary in progress.

6.  Require a signature so that your item won't be left unattended. It may be a little inconvenient, but you can have the package redelivered or go pick it up at the local station.

7. Most homes have a security camera so that, if a theft occurs, you have proof for insurance purposes and to help police find the burglar.

8. Customize your deliveries. Use FedEx Delivery Manager® to customize your residential deliveries. You can change the time of delivery. You can select the actual time you will be home from work. During the holidays they deliver late evening hours.

9.  Signs for security systems can be a great deterrent for thieves. Post a security warning sign near your front door. These warning signs can help protect your packages and your whole house as well. 

10. Insure your packages if they are valuable. At least if your holiday package goes missing you will recover the money for valuables. 

Security cameras may work well, but check with your HOA about policies regarding security cameras and where they can be located. Some HOAs may restrict usage of cameras (especially "dummy" cameras) for reasons of liability. If your community has a serious crime problem ask your HOA to support asking local law enforcement to patrol the neighborhood more frequently.

Strong communities can reduce crime. Owners who know their neighbors are more likely to report suspicious behavior. Although midway through the holidays may be too late, boards should try community-building events throughout the year. At minimum, make sure that everyone has the appropriate police phone number.

Help your neighbors have a great holiday season by stopping burglary of holiday packages. Involve your HOA and at least ask them for recommendations on how to handle the issue in your neighborhood.

Learning to Love Technology: 3 Tips That Will Help You to Embrace Home Automation

Learning to Love Technology

Are you still using a key to unlock your door and twisting a dial on the wall to set the temperature? Home automation technology has made considerable strides in the past couple of years, so it might be time to invest. In today's blog post we will explore three tips that can help those looking to make the leap into a fully automated home.

Tip #1: Start With Home Security And Go From There

Installing a modern home security system is the perfect place to start with home automation. Does your home already have an alarm? If so, it's likely to be one of the older "set it and forget it" models. You punch in a four-digit code when you leave the house to arm the alarm, and if someone decides to break in while you're gone the alarm trips and notifies the security company. Sound familiar?

The good news is that there are far better and more high-tech options on the market today. You can install cameras that connect directly to your phone, so you can see what's happening inside of your house. You can automate turning the lights on or off, as well as deciding what panic options you need in case a burglar shows up.

Tip #2: Consider Using A Central Hub

If you're not as technologically-inclined as some, then you may want to consider using a central hub to help control all of the other automated pieces in your home. Amazon's Alexa is a popular option, as are Mi Casa Verde and SmartThings. The idea is that you can use one single device to control everything else, rather than trying to figure out a myriad of apps and settings.

Don't forget that once you lock into using a central hub, you will need to make sure that any new pieces of tech you invest in are supported.

Tip #3: If It's Easy To Use, You'll Use It Regularly

Finally, be sure to test things out before you decide to buy. If a piece of home automation tech is hard to use, you're unlikely to stick with it over the long term. Ideally, setting up and using the device should be no harder than using your mobile phone.

Getting started with home automation is as simple as following the three tips above. When you're ready to look at high-tech, automated homes in the local area, contact us. Our professional real estate team is happy to show you around.

WINTER IS COMING...ARE YOU READY?

Ready or not, winter is quickly approaching and far too often, condominium associations find themselves unprepared for Mother Nature’s wrath. Accordingly, it is essential for condominium associations to plan for the winter ahead, even as the last of our summer tans are still fading.

First, associations should ensure that the condominium’s insurance coverage is up to date and is consistent with the requirements set forth in the condominium’s declaration of by-laws. It is also recommended that the association remind unit owners to have their own H06 policies to cover their own personal property in the event of a loss. Additionally, associations should have a clear plan in place for the reporting of insurance claims to the condominium’s property manager and/or to the managing board, and the association should disseminate that protocol in advance to all unit owners, so that the association will have an easier time managing and fielding calls following a widespread loss, i.e., the reporting of ice dam conditions.

Some things (like ice dams) may be unavoidable, despite an association’s reasonable efforts to remove snow and ice. However, an association is still required to exercise reasonable care to properly maintain the condominium’s common areas during winter months and during periods of prolonged inclement weather. To that end, associations should regularly remove snow from the condominium’s common area roof(s) and/or awnings. Additionally, associations should clear ice and icicles from common areas to prevent ice from falling. In some cases, this may prove difficult if the common areas where icicles may be forming are not easily accessible (particularly during those winters where a significant amount of snow falls). However, even if these common areas are not easily accessible, it does not absolve associations of their obligations to maintain the same. Therefore, it is important that associations have a plan in place for investigating those difficult to reach areas, and it may be helpful in such instances to request that all unit owners or residents whose units are adjacent to those common areas, to promptly report any adverse condition, which the association may not otherwise be aware of.
 

Fall Is A Great Time For Family Outdoor Activities

Fall is a great time for families to map out and plan time for activities to ensure they are added to the daily routine. Here are some ideas for outdoor family fun and exercise.

• Family community or nature walks - 20-30 minutes will provide the daily recommended 20-30 minutes of moderate physical aerobic activity.

• Biking -- is a great low impact aerobic exercise the entire family will love.

• Hiking -- If your neighborhood has walking or hiking trails this is a great activity.

• Gardening -- is a fun way to teach the importance of daily care/maintenance and learn about healthy eating. In addition, the family can get satisfaction in eating the harvest.

Benefits of physical activity:

The benefits of exercise extend far beyond weight management. Research shows that regular physical activity can help reduce your risk for several diseases and health conditions and improve your overall quality of life. Regular physical activity can help protect you from many health problems.

It’s important for kids of all ages to get enough exercise to help prevent childhood obesity. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that school-aged kids and teens get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. But how do you make it happen?

 Spending more time together and indulging in leisure activities strengthens the family bond.  This holds true to all type of activities. They don’t always need to be such that require a bigger sum of money. Even home-based, low-cost activities such as playing a board game, gardening or playing outdoors have a big impact on the ‘health’ of the family.

The weather is great for outdoor activities. Get the family together or get families from your neighborhood and enjoy the great outdoors.

You can also plan a few fall family outings that everyone will enjoy. Here are 5 ideas:

• Sit around a campfire

• Collect some leaves

• Drink some apple cider

• Visit an apple orchard

• Visit a farm

Use this special fall season to make new lasting memories with your family.

A Lot Of Good People In The World

Thursday I had the honor of traveling with Samaritan's Purse on a relief mission to Puerto Rico. Since the hurricanes have decimated much of the Caribbean, Samaritan's Purse has been flying regular relief missions in its DC-8 from Greensboro, North Carolina to the Caribbean.
As a Board member and the Treasurer of the Piedmont Triad International Airport and as a commercial pilot, I was invited to accompany the organization on its mission October 5. I arrived at the airport at that wonderful time just before dawn when the sun is beginning to creep over the horizon.

First of all, I was amazed by the size and freight-hauling capabilities of the DC-8. The DC-8, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, first went into production in the 1950s and was produced through the early 1970s. It became known as a workhouse freight and long-distance carrier. To this day it is one of the most efficient airplanes available, particularly for long-distance hauling. As configured by Samaritan's Purse, its DC-8 can fly at nearly 500 miles an hour for up to 15 hours hauling freight and 32 passengers.

Samaritan's Purse's capabilities to quickly swing into action to aid those in need is incredible. Not only does the organization have the equipment and facilities to deliver much-needed aid, but it also has a team of amazing individuals who dispense the supplies with professionalism and caring. They organization, known for its strong religious connection, has a passion to help those in need, which is truly amazing. It takes a large, dedicated team to deliver disaster relief. In this case, the team consists of dozens of highly professional individuals serving in roles from pilots to line persons, flight attendants, logistic and administrative support and legal staff.

As we landed in Puerto Rico, a little over three hours after leaving PTI with much-needed supplies, I was struck by the thought that while the news is often filled with horrifying reports of disheartening events, how refreshing it was to see people who get up every day with the aim of helping others. I understand that in North Carolina, Samaritan's Purse has more than 700 employees supporting its worldwide relief efforts. The dozen or so people I met assisting with this relief effort are truly amazing people who I want to thank! The world needs more people from all faiths willing to help those less fortunate and in need.

Paul Mengert, President and CEO of Association Management Group, Inc. in the cockpit of a DC8 relief mission to Puerto Rico. 

Food Safety During a Power Outage

Power failures can be one of the most annoying—and disabling—occurrences in a community. Whether caused by summer storms, power lines crippled by winter ice, equipment failure, an overloaded regional grid or an animal disrupting a power line, electrical outages can be costly, uncomfortable—and without forethought—sometimes even dangerous.

Residents can face many hazards when a power failure occurs—usually without any warning—including losing refrigerated and frozen foods. Some food items can be salvaged, however, if you’re prepared.

In anticipation of a power failure:

• Have at least one or two coolers on hand, and at least one spare 5-pound bag of ice in the freezer.

• Know where to get bag, block or dry ice quickly when you need it, particularly if you anticipate a long-term outage. (Caution: Dry ice is made from carbon dioxide, so it requires safe handling. Never breathe in its vapors or touch it with your bare hands.) According to the Food Safety Branch of Kentucky’s Department of Health, a 50-pound block of dry ice will keep a tightly packed, 18-cubic-foot freezer cool for up to two days.

• Have an instant food thermometer or appliance thermometer available to ensure your freezers, refrigerators and coolers are staying cool enough store food safely.

• Arrange the refrigerator and freezer efficiently. Frozen food will last longer in a full freezer—up to 48 hours if tightly packed—and refrigerated food will last longer—up to four hours—if there is room for air to circulate around items.

When the electricity goes off:

• Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator unless absolutely necessary.

• Cook and use perishable food before using canned food.

• Check the temperature of refrigerated foods if the power is out for more than a few hours. Discard any food item than has been at 40° F or warmer for two or more hours. Exceptions include butter and margarine; hard cheeses like Parmesan and Romano; some condiments like mustard, peanut butter, soy sauce, olives and vinegar-based salad dressing; and fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables.

• Check the temperature of frozen foods as well. While tightly packed freezer foods will stay frozen for many hours, some items that may have thawed can be refrozen if they still retain ice crystals or have remained at a temperature lower than 40°. Fruit and vegetable juices; breads, rolls and pie crusts; flour, cornmeal and nuts; meat and chicken; and prepared foods and casseroles can be refrozen safely if they have not been at 40° F or warmer for more than two hours.

• After the power comes back on, you may need to deodorize the refrigerator and freezer by washing surfaces with a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water. Place an open box of baking soda inside the refrigerator to absorb any lingering odors.

Since the appearance and odor of a food item isn’t an accurate indication of its safety after a power outage, use the 40° rule-of-thumb. And when in doubt, discard the food.

While a power can go out any time, most power failures occur between mid-July and late September. But no matter when our community experiences an outage—and it inevitably will—knowing how to handle frozen and refrigerated foods can help us keep your food supplies safe until the lights come back on.

Paul K. Mengert, President and CEO of Association Management Group (AMG), will participate in Operation Smile’s 10th annual “Dancing with the Carolina Stars” fundraising event in February 2018.

Photo Cutline: AMG President/CEO Paul K. Mengert

Paul K. Mengert, president and CEO of Association Management Group (AMG), the Carolinas’ leading community association management company, has accepted the challenge to participate in Operation Smile’s 10th annual “Dancing with the Carolina Stars” fundraising event in February 2018.

Mengert will perform an original dance with the goal of raising a minimum of $10,000.

“Operational Smile is dedicated to providing cleft lip and palate repair surgeries to children worldwide, dramatically increasing their quality of life,” Mengert said. “While I am certainly not a dancer by nature, I am ready to step outside my comfort zone for this worthy cause.”

With 10 North Carolina Stars and two professional Showcase Dancers participating, Operation Smile hopes to raise upwards of $350,000 at the 2018 event to give at least 30 children the chance to receive new smiles.

Mengert and AMG have gained a reputation for community involvement in the Triad. Operation Smile’s spokesperson Stephen Hartley said, “Paul has a long history of giving back to the community. We could not be more excited to have Paul turn his fundraising efforts to such an important cause as Operation Smile.”

To learn more about Operation Smile and “Dancing with the Carolina Stars,” visit the organization’s webpage at https://operationsmile.org/events/dancing-carolina-stars

. For more about AMG, contact Joselin Paz at Jpaz@amgworld.com

About Association Management Group: AMG is the Carolinas’ leading professional community Association management company dedicated to building effective, successful community Associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the Association's interests, enhance the lives of community members and improve the property values of the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., as well as Greenville, S.C., AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques. AMG specializes in supporting communities with a broad range of services that can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Group, Inc. is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB, as well as a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit https://www.amgworld.com.

Photo Cutline: AMG President/CEO Paul K. Mengert

Association Management Group, Inc. to Sponsor Majestic Floor Covering’s Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting Victory Junction Children’s Camp

AMG to Serve as a Driving Range Sponsor, Donating Funds So Disabled Children Can Attend Camp

“AMG is dedicated to giving back to the communities we manage and to serving the Triad at large.”  - Paul K. Mengert         

GREENSBORO, N.C.-- Association Management Group (AMG), one of the Carolinas’ leading homeowners association management companies, will serve as a Driving Range Sponsor in the 2017 Majestic Floor Covering Premiere Charity Golf Tournament on Oct. 13, 2017 All proceeds for this tournament will benefit Victory Junction, a summer camp for children living with mental, physical and developmental disabilities.

AMG President, Paul K. Mengert, said he was honored to be able to sponsor a portion of the golf tournament, adding to the growing list of philanthropy performed by his community association management company.

 Mengert says, “AMG is dedicated to giving back to the communities we manage and to serving the Triad at large. Our participation in this tournament is just one of the ways in which we do this. I am thrilled that AMG can help children with disabilities attend camp, where they can have fun, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and meet new friends.”

Victory Junction was founded in 2002 as the brainchild of the late NASCAR driver Adam Petty, whose passion was working with children living with disabilities. Today, Victory Junction serves children ages 6-16 with a wide range of disabilities, providing medically safe and exhilaratingly fun challenges- always at no cost to the children or their families. At this year’s tournament, Majestic Floor Covering hopes to raise $50,000 for Victory Junction, enough to send 20+ children to camp for a week of life-changing experiences.

“We are proud to be working with a great organization like Victory Junction”, said Mike Key, owner of Majestic Floor Covering.  “Those of us with healthy children cannot relate to the challenges faced by parents of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.  If not for Victory Junction, these children might miss out on many of the activities we take for granted”.

For further information on Victory Junction, visit https://victoryjunction.org/

For more information about AMG’S philanthropy, contact Jpaz@amgworld.com

About Association Management Group: AMG is the Carolinas’ leading professional community Association management company dedicated to building effective, successful community Associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the Association's interests, enhance the lives of community members and improve the property values of the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., as well as Greenville, S.C., AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques. AMG specializes in supporting communities with a broad range of services that can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Group, Inc. is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB, as well as a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit https://www.amgworld.com or contact Joselin Paz at Jpaz@amgworld.com

Lessons Learned in a Taxi Cab

It's interesting to consider why some businesses flourish and others decline. Often organizations that experience a decline in sales and lose customer confidence lack a clear understanding of why the business is not flourishing.

I learned an important lesson last weekend when requesting a taxi cab. I seldom use taxi cabs because of the efficient services now provided by such ride-sharing apps as Lyft and Uber. However, this morning I was in a hurry. An Uber or Lyft was five minutes away and there was a taxi waiting at my hotel. Even though I hadn't used a taxi in some time I thought, "They're going to be just as good and they're sitting right in front of me so let's go for it."

This was not a great decision. I began feeling regret as soon as I got into the cab and realized how dirty it was. Heat was coming out of the vents at a strong rate even though it was a warm day. I gave the driver my destination and she said, "Do you know the directions?"

Now it's been quite some time since I was in a taxi. Because the online services immediately know the directions based on the request, I wasn't prepared to supply the address beyond the name of the large conference where I was speaking. "Can you put it in your navigation system based on the name or Google it?" I asked. To my chagrin she responded, "What's Google?" I think this sums up my experience. I'm in a dirty cab, heat is blasting out of the vents even though it’s a hot day, and the driver is clueless about Google.

I quickly put the destination into my iPhone and began to give the driver turn by turn directions.

Now the real fun begins. She's driving like a maniac and there's no seatbelt available. And they wonder why the taxi service industry is in decline.

When we reach my destination there was a credit card machine available so I slid my credit card but no result. The driver exits the cab and comes around to assist me but it still doesn't work. I notice the fare is still increasing, which by the way is approximately double what Lyft or Uber would've charged.  At this point I asked the driver, "Did you stop the fare?" She responds by saying, "Oh, I didn't know I had to do that." After she stopped the fare I processed my credit card. Of course with the experience I'd had I wanted a receipt to make sure I was charged the correct amount. No receipt. The driver explains, "The machine jams a lot of times and won't give us receipts." "Okay."

Trying to make the best of it, I decided it was a great learning experience. If the owners of the taxi cab would take an Uber ride and learn what the competitive services offer, I'm sure they would realize that if they want to compete in today's world they're going to have to step up their technology and customer service.

This is a lesson I try to remember every day at Association Management Group. If we want to be the best, we have to offer not only high-level service, but service that is ever evolving — service that gets better every day. We have to stay on top of technology, offering our customers more than others and at competitive prices.

Association Management Group Leaders Present $100,000 Check Represents Efforts of 60 Sponsors and 1,200 Runners Working Together To Help Fight Hunger in the Triad

Paul K. Mengert and May Gayle Mengert of AMG Present “Run on the Runway” Fundraiser Check of $100,000 to Hunger-Relief Beneficiaries.

Co-Chairs Association Management Group President/CEO Paul K. Mengert and Vice President, May Gayle Mengert, present hunger-relief charities a $100,000 check raised from the Piedmont-Triad International Airport’s 8th Annual “Run on the Runway” 5K 10K

GREENSBORO, N.C.—On Sept. 14, 2017, Paul and May Gayle Mengert, returning as co-chairs of the 8th annual Piedmont-Triad International Airport (PTI) 5K/10K “Run on the Runway” fundraising event, presented a $100,000 check to help fight hunger in the Triad. The Mengerts’, founders of Association Management Group (AMG), led the effort that included more than 60 sponsors and 1,200 runners.

The $100,000 raised in proceeds will translate to 600,000 meals for those in need across the Triad, and will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, Greensboro Urban Ministry and Open Door Ministries of High Point. These organizations provide valuable food assistance to Piedmont Triad residents.

“We live in what we strive to make the most advanced country in the world," said Paul Mengert, Co-chair of the event, and President of AMG, “Yet there are families in our own communities who don't have enough food to feed their children. This is why we participate: So that no child in North Carolina has to go to bed hungry”.

In fact, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle has recently found that North Carolina has the 8th highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, highlighting the necessity of philanthropic efforts on the part of local businesses.

“So few people realize the extent of hunger across our state,” said May Gayle Mengert, Vice President of AMG, “We need to work together to lift one another up and provide nourishment to families in our own backyard. We are so humbled that AMG was able to participate in this event and contribute to ending hunger across the Triad.”

For more information about AMG’S philanthropy, contact Jpaz@amgworld.com

About Association Management Group: AMG is the Carolinas’ leading professional community Association management company dedicated to building effective, successful community Associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the Association's interests, enhance the lives of community members and improve the property values of the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., as well as Greenville, S.C., AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques. AMG specializes in supporting communities with a broad range of services that can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Group, Inc. is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB, as well as a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit https://www.amgworld.com or contact Joselin Paz at Jpaz@amgworld.com

Before The Bell Rings: Back To School Safety

As boys and girls throughout the community sharpen their pencils and get ready to head back to class, it’s important to ensure they have a safe school year. Here are some tips on how your family can be proactive and avoid potentially harmful situations:

    Make sure your school has your child’s updated emergency contact information. Write down any specific instructions that should be followed in case of an emergency, and have the school keep them in your child’s file.

    Talk to your child’s teachers before classes start and alert them to any medical issues your child has. Also, explain to the teacher what he or she should do if the medical issues arise—such as an allergic reaction, asthma attack or seizure—and provide school personnel with emergency medication such as EpiPens® (Epinephrine Auto-Injectors) and inhalers.

    Help your children memorize important phone numbers so that they know how to get in touch with you and other trusted adults. Also, make sure those numbers are programmed into their cell phones, or provide them with a list of phone numbers that they can keep in their backpacks or wallets at all times.

    Let your children know exactly who they can go home with after school if their regular ride can’t pick them up, and make sure they know not to accept rides from people who aren’t on the list.

    If your children will be walking to school, walk the route with them several times before classes start to make sure they understand traffic laws and can walk the route on their own. Also, find a friend or sibling they can walk with, and make sure they always use the buddy system.

    Show your children which houses in the neighborhood they can go to in case no one is at home after school. Talk to the HOA board to see if there are any official safe houses in the community that your child can go to.

    Report reckless drivers to the HOA board and the police to help make sure the neighborhood remains safe, particularly during times when kids are going to and returning from school.
 

5 Things to Have On Your Homeowner Association (HOA) Calendar

Teips From The AMG Manager Blog

Being on the Board of an HOA can be quite a difficult task. If you are volunteering it requires commitment and involvement of time. With so much on your plate, you want to make sure that your community is the best place to live. Residents of the complex, townhome or building should feel at ease. So, what can you do this summer to increase your HOA’s efficiency?

While the HOA plans a year-round schedule, and understands what the requirements of the community are, here are a few suggestions that you should include in your HOA calendar this summer:

1.      Community Maintenance and Repairs
Community maintenance and repairs need to be put on the calendar so that they are done routinely and in a timely manner. In different seasons of the year different repairs and routine maintenance is necessary. The summer hot days cause several inconveniences, like common sprinkler system repairs, pool cleaning, clubhouse air conditioning, common area landscaping and grounds upkeep and other tasks. As an HOA board member, you must work with board members and committees to ensure that these repairs are made as soon as possible.  During the winter months repair and routine maintenance may involve pipe repairs from cold weather or snow removal. There are year-round tasks that the HOA needs to be on top of. These may involve security, common area trash, pools, clubhouse cleaning, golf course grounds maintenance, playgrounds or other amenities your community offers. Everything a community offers will require upkeep, maintenance and repairs. These maintenance and repair tasks are paid for and budgeted from the funds receive from member’s dues and fees.

2.      Community Landscaping and beautification day
Scheduling the community landscaping or beautification day is a great event to put on the calendar in advance to gain volunteers and participation. The community entry landscape sets the first impression for guests who visit your community which is why it is important. Moreover, better surroundings have positive effects on residents and enhance property values. When there are high temperatures, plants start to die. To make sure that the community place looks healthy and beautiful, the HOA must inspect and replace any dead plants and trees. You can lighten the board member work load by asking residents to participate in this endeavor by making ‘cleaning’ a community event.  Your board might offer snacks and cool drinks to volunteers. An annual community clean up day is important for the overall beauty and enhancement of the community.

3.      Fun activities and events
The HOA should have meetings and appoint volunteers to committees for these community events to be a success. For best results, these events should be on the HOA calendar well in advance. Every community loves the family annual and holiday events where the entire family can get involved. By organizing fun events, such as a bake sale to collect funds for a cause, a future event, movie night, one-dish dinner party, BBQ, garage sale, summer book club, workshops by members to help other members, learn a new skill for free, you can make an effort to increase friendliness between members and allow them to unwind. You can also have kids’ friendly events during their summer break. All of this will enhance community engagement.

4.      Update and Evaluate Community Amenities
Every HOA should schedule an event where board members walk around or drive through the community to make assessments.  Careful evaluation of all common area buildings and grounds are essential to the safety and protection of the residents and reduces liability and accidents. The HOA board will want to schedule this well before summer which gives an HOA ample time to update amenities such as the hot tub, pools and playgrounds etc. Whether it is the gym equipment that’s worn out or the pool flooring that needs to be replaced, including amenity update to your summer calendar will save you from the hassle of updating them when everyone wants to use them.

5.      New season planning session for the Board
An efficient HOA always plans ahead of time. This practice will create a sense of security within members of the neighborhood when they will see how focused and d­­edicated you are. As an HOA Board member, it is your responsibility that all members connect during seasonal events. Whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas, bring the community together by planning ahead. To make residents participate more, you can ask them for suggestions in the summers and start formulating a budget for the next season.

By adding these 5 things to your HOA calendar, you will be able to plan and chalk out annual activities better and make living in a community easy, simple, convenient and fun.  Moreover, members will also start to value your efforts even more!

Greensboro/Winston-Salem HOA and Condo Manager Crystal Beaman Completes Advanced Management Certification

PHOTO CUTLINE: Crystal Beaman, AMG’s newest Community Manager, recently achieved her AMS (Association Management Specialist) certification.

Crystal Beaman, a new community manager at Association Management Group - Greensboro (AMG), one of the Carolinas’ largest professional homeowner association managers, recently achieved the rigorous AMS (Association Management Specialist) certification. The AMS is a credential from CAI (Community Associations Institute), the industry’s international membership organization dedicated to building better communities. The AMS credentialing process is an exhaustive program requiring two years of professional experience in association financial, administrative, and facilities management. Completion requires multiple management courses and passage of the comprehensive CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations) exam.

According to AMG President Paul Mengert, the impressive AMS credential signifies expertise, extensive knowledge, and the smart application of best practices in the field of managing townhome, condo, and single-family HOAs. “This certification is a symbol of Crystal’s dedication to community management and her excellence in the industry,” he said. “It will be an invaluable aid in her job of supporting the day-to-day operations of her portfolio of communities, including vendor oversight, paying bills, negotiating contracts, assisting homeowners, and advising volunteer Board members.”

Beaman, who moved to the Triad area in June, and has a strong background in customer service, leadership, and financial management, was a community manager in Charlotte before joining AMG-Greensboro. “It was very rewarding to receive my AMS certification,” she said. “The course work is challenging and it’s a tough industry to learn. I was proud of myself for reaching this milestone and am eager to continue my education and pursue a PCAM certification down the road. I believe it shows our clients that I am experienced and dedicated to my professional development. I am numbers-driven and enjoy working on budgets; I find it very satisfying when I can find ways to save money or afford additional improvements for a community. I feel that AMG is a good fit for me because it is a very positive and supportive environment.” To learn more about AMG’s community management services, email Beaman at cbeaman@amgworld.com.                                                          

About Association Management Group, Inc.: 

AMG is a professional community association management company dedicated to building effective community associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the association's interests, enhance the lives of community members, and improve the property values in the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, and Greenville and Aiken, SC, AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques, and supporting communities with a broad range of services that can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Group, Inc. is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB and is a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute. For more about AMG, visit www.amgworld.com.

ATTORNEY GENERAL JOSH STEIN ALERT - ECLIPSE TIPS

In anticipation of the solar eclipse scheduled to take place on Monday, August 21, the State Highway Patrol is placing an emphasis on safe travel. Due to the expected number of people taking part in the event, roadways across portions of the state will see a significant increase in motorists.

A total solar eclipse will be visible in the western portion of North Carolina, drawing several visitors from surrounding states. Authorities are encouraging onlookers to arrive early for the event in an attempt to decrease the number of vehicles on the roadways at one time.

Safety Tips Prior to and After the Eclipse:

https://www.ncdps.gov/state-highway-patrol-hopes-eclipse-doesn%E2%80%99t-shadow-safety