Condo Repairs: Federal bill provides access to financing for building rehabilitation loans

Federal legislation was introduced to provide condominium associations access to insured building rehabilitation loans—a move that would help board members make critical structural and safety-based condo repairs.

https://blog.caionline.org/condo-repairs-federal-bill-provides-access-to-financing-for-building-rehabilitation-loans/?utm_source=Real%20Magnet&utm_medium=pmengert@amgworld.com&utm_content=CAI%40Home%20July22&utm_campaign=184099099

Essential Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Home

Essential Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Home

The summer temperatures can take a toll on your home. Every season homeowners should have a maintenance list for the home. Here is a list of summer to-do items.

Inspect Your Home's Exterior

It was a long winter, and it’s time to inspect your home’s exterior for things that could put it at risk in the future. This includes rotted or loose siding, mold or mildew, and moss growth. Once you’ve inspected the siding, power wash the home’s exterior surfaces to remove dirt, dust, sap, and anything else that could damage your siding or paint job. If you notice weak spots in the siding, contact a professional service company to help repair the damage. If there are spots of chipped or cracked paint, touch them up before summer gets into full swing.

Wash Windows and Replace Window Screens

Washing your exterior windows won’t make much of a difference if you don’t wash your window screens, too. Remove your window screens and gently scrub them with hot, soapy water. If your screens are too filthy to be cleaned, you may want to replace them.

Check and Clean Your Fans and Air Conditioner

First, you should look at your ceiling fans. The tops of fans routinely collect impressive amounts of dust during the winter months. When you start using these fans in the summer, the fan will spread these particles around your house, potentially exacerbating allergies, and having a negative impact on your air quality. And they’re easy to clean. You can either use a duster with a long handle, or you can climb on up and clean these spots with a Swiffer pad or damp rag.

Then, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioning is working. If you’re installing a window unit, remove and clean any filters before installing. And if you have central air, make sure that you are consistently replacing your filters to make your unit more energy efficient and effective.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves, twigs, pollen, and other debris accumulates in your gutters over the winter and spring. If your gutters and downspouts stay clogged during heavy summer rains, the overflowing water can lead to flooding and structural damage. Typically done at least once a year, you may have to do it twice if you have a lot of trees around your home. Check also to see if any rust, holes, or cracks are developing. Repaint or repair to prevent the escape of rainwater in areas that could lead to water intrusion.

Replace the Air Filters Throughout your Home

The heating and air-conditioning system in your home works by intaking air from a room, which is then heated or cooled by coils and gets blown back into your home through the floor vents. Inside, your furnace’s air filter acts as the lungs of the system by preventing dust, pollen and other airborne particles from entering and getting blown back into other rooms. With such an important role in keeping your house and its occupants healthy, it’s vital that homeowners replace the filter on a regular basis.

Check and Clean Walkways, Driveway, and Patio

It’s a good idea to check your walkways, driveway, and patio to see if there are any cracks or weeds that need to be pulled before you begin cleaning them and repair any damage. Once you have done that, get out the power washer and wash away the last years dirt and grime.

Architectural Committee and Approval Process...Follow the Rules

Architectural Committee and Approval Process...Follow the Rules

AMG is pleased to share with you two blog posts from the Black, Slaughter & Black law firm.

The first discusses the necessity of following formalities outlined in the association’s governing documents. In particular, approvals or denials must follow the express language of the declaration, including a properly appointed committee.

https://lawfirmcarolinas.com/blog/dont-screw-up-your-architectural-committee-approval-process/

The second blog highlights the difficulty in recovering the association’s legal costs (even when the association seems to prevail on relevant points). 

https://lawfirmcarolinas.com/blog/new-architectural-review-decision-from-the-court-of-appeals-martin-v-the-landfall-council-of-associations-inc/

AMG believes the takeaways from these two blogs are that it is: 

1. Important to follow the formalities outlined in the governing documents for the community related to approving and  enforcing architectural controls; 

2. Educating community members on the importance of following the governing documents is crucial;

3. If the association does not approve an application, guidance should be given to the owner if possible (and not just a “declined”); and

4. The importance of communicating with owners to effectively gain compliance, before legal intervention is needed. 

Not only will following these steps lead to happier communities; it will prevent the high and likely unrecoverable legal costs. AMG recommends community leaders discuss the architectural approval criteria and process (for their community) with legal counsel prior to taking action. 

Greensboro HOA Manager AMG Sponsors Big Hair Ball to Benefit Family Service of the Piedmont

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 3, 2020
CONTACT: Paul Mengert, PCAM AMG
Pmengert@amgworld.com
www.amgworld.com

Greensboro HOA Manager AMG Sponsors Big Hair Ball to Benefit Family Service of the Piedmont

Call-out: Triad Area Professional Community Management Company Honors Two Community Icons at Local Benefit Evening

Pull Quote: “We are proud this year to honor good friends to our community who have recently passed away: PTAA Chairman Steve Showfety and Senator Kay Hagan.”

(GREENSBORO, NC) AMG, Association Management Group of Greensboro, one of the Carolinas’ largest professional homeowner association managers, sponsored an original dress design at the 8th annual Big Hair Ball on Saturday evening, January 25 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro. This year’s theme, 2020: A Landmark Vision, treated attendees to a runway fashion show of one-of-a-kind outfits created by area and student designers. The sponsorship by Paul Mengert, AMG President and Treasurer of Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, was in honor of PTAA Chairman Steve Showfety and U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, both recently deceased. The evening of edgy fashions, big hair, food, and drinks was kicked off with a champagne toast in their memory. This gesture of goodwill commemorating individuals who were important airport supporters was commended by PTI Airport. AMG’s sponsored design won the Most Creative Student Designer award.

The program was presented by The Guild and Junior Guild of Family Service of Greensboro Foundation, Inc. in support of programs for Family Service of the Piedmont. This year’s event drew 1100 community advocates and raised $320,000 for Family Service, the largest nonprofit agency of its kind in Guilford County. Family Service supports thousands of children and adults facing domestic violence, mental health issues and financial stability challenges.
AMG is known for the culture of giving in its five offices across NC and SC, not only for the positive impact it has on its client communities, but also on the company. AMG boasts 100% staff participation in service activities, through contributions of time, talent, and money. “AMG understands the importance of contributing to local service organizations like Family Service of the Piedmont,” Mengert said. “Family Service is committed to something we’re passionate about: building healthy communities. We are proud to be a part of their mission, and especially proud this year to sponsor a design to honor good friends to our community who have recently passed away: PTAA Chairman Steve Showfety and Senator Kay Hagan.”

To learn more about Family Service of the Piedmont, visit www.fspcares.org/; for more about the sponsoring Guild, visit www.fspcares.org/guild.

About AMG: 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 which 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.

PHOTO CUTLINE 1: AMG Founder and President Paul Mengert and AMG VP May Gayle Mengert (center left) sponsored an original design at the 2020 Big Hair Ball in memory of PTAA Chairman Steve Showfety and U.S. Senator Kay Hagan. They were joined by Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan and PTI Executive Director Kevin Baker (far right), and Chip Hagan, Senator Hagan’s husband.

PHOTO CUTLINE 2: AMG sponsored an award-winning original design at the 2020 Big Hair Ball to honor the memory of PTAA Chairman Steve Showfety and U.S. Senator Kay Hagan.

###

Tips For Winter Weather Emergency Preparedness

As temperatures drop, the risk of severe winter weather conditions and sudden power outages rise. Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. Preparing your family ahead of time can help minimize the impact on your home and family. Every home should have an emergency plan for adverse weather.

Here are a few tips for your emergency plan.

1. Assemble an emergency kit and talk to your kids about how to respond in certain situations. Keep blankets, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries.

2. Be careful using space heaters and generators. If your power is out and you are relying on a fireplace, fire hazards are also a concern. Take precautions when heating your home.

3. A burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage! Thankfully, you can do something to help protect your pipes from freezing in bitter-cold weather.

   Let faucets drip during serious cold snaps to provide relief for your pipes.

   Give your home a once over for any exposed or vulnerable piping, and wrap them with insulation. Hardware stores usually carry foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves for pipes, which are easy to install.

4. When snow is forecast, try to avoid making unnecessary journeys, or wait until the roads have been gritted. If you need to clear a snowy or icy path or driveway, only do so if it won't pose a risk to your safety. It's also a good idea to buy de-icing salt for your drive or path before snow or ice comes.

If you live in an HOA community and extreme weather or ice impacts community property, follow the emergency guidelines that are in place in your HOA information.

Stay safe contact emergency officials when necessary.

Pumpkin Spice - The History of the Iconic Symbol of Fall

Pumpkin spice has become the iconic symbol of fall. Check out these details about the history of the iconic autumn flavor, from holiday pie to lattes and even dog treats.

Pumpkin spice is a combination of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger and sometimes actual pumpkin.

Early settlers may have made pumpkin pies that contained similar spices  as early as 1620, by making stewed pumpkins or by filling a hollowed out shell with milk, honey and spices, and then baking it in hot ashes. But it isn’t until 1936 that we find the earliest popular mention on record for anyone using the term “pumpkin spice” for this blend of flavors.
(Washington Post)

It wasn’t until the 1950’s that spice companies actually began selling blends labeled “pumpkin pie spice”, which was then simplified to “pumpkin spice” in the 1960’s. While these flavors had been frequent companions in pumpkin pie for some time, cooks soon began to get more comfortable using the blend in a variety of other dishes, often those containing other squashes or sweet potatoes.(Wikipedia)

While everyone may assume that Starbucks was the first company to begin the modern pumpkin spice craze, it actually appears that a candle company in New Mexico beat them to it, releasing a pumpkin spice candle in 1995.( Fact from Wikipedia)

Soon after that, small coffee shops around the country began to become interested in the spice blend, and pumpkin spice coffee started showing up everywhere. By the early 2000’s, someone had realized the flavors were even more delicious if you added milk and sugar, creating the latte. And, well, you know the rest.

Food manufacturers and grocery stores bet heavily that pumpkin products will help sales during the fall. At Trader Joe’s, the amount of pumpkin products has steadily increased since the grocery chain began offering them in the mid-1990s, according to a company spokesperson. This year, Trader Joe’s shelves will be stocked with more than 70 pumpkin items, up from around 60 items in 2015.

Today, pumpkin spice products generate $500 million in annual sales – most of which happens in a single season.

How to make your own pumpkin spice at home:
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
2 teaspoons ground ginger.
1 teaspoon ground cloves.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe | Taste of Home


ENJOY YOUR PUMPKIN SEASON

AMG NEWS: Postal Service Offering High-Tech Way To Preview Your Mail. Letters & Packages

At Association Management Group, the well-being and safety of community residents is a high priority. Additionally, technology and government services that provide tools can positively impact communities nationwide.

Association Management group would like to share this new technology tool provided by the United State Postal Service (USPS).

Recently, the USPS released an online software application called Informed Delivery.  Informed Delivery is a free and optional notification service that gives residential consumers the ability to digitally preview their letter-sized mailpieces and manage their packages scheduled to arrive soon. The feature is provided at no additional cost for all Informed Delivery users.

Find more detail here:

https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action

Homeowners: 3 DIY Projects That Will Keep You Busy Until the Weather Warms Up

Do you find yourself staring out the window, longing for an early sunrise, hot days and late evenings? With spring just around the corner, it might feel like summer is a lifetime away. However, the good news is that you can be productive around the home while you wait for summer to arrive. Let's take a quick look at three easy do-it-yourself projects that will keep you busy until the summer sun is shining.

Add A Splash Of Spring-y Color

As long as you are willing to do the prep work, painting is one of the most straightforward home improvement projects you can undertake. It is also the best way to put your own personal touch in each room in your home.

If you haven't painted before, it is best to start with a single room. Spend an hour or two watching instructional videos on YouTube before you head out and begin buying supplies. The colors that you choose are up to you, but if you are going for a 'spring' look, consider pastel colors including soft greens, powder blues and creamy whites.

New Planters For The Garden

If you have a flower or vegetable garden, building new planters is a fun weekend DIY project. You can make planters out of wood, but a more durable option is to use granite, marble or another hard stone. Simply buy four slabs of stone and a tube or two of stone adhesive. Line up the slabs together and, using a ruler, ensure they are at 90-degree angles. Caulk or glue the slabs on the inside of where they meet and then tape them together on the outside to hold them until the glue cures.

Bird Seed Rings For Your Feathered Friends

Do you enjoy the sound of birds around your home? If so, bird seed rings are the perfect treat to attract them. Creating these delicious treats is easy. Combine gelatin, corn syrup and flour into a thick paste. Mix this paste with a bag of bird seed, ensuring that it is fully combined. Then mold the rings together using a donut pan. Hang these tasty treats outside for your feathered friends to enjoy.

Investing your time in home improvement projects is an excellent way to wait out the sunny days of summer. If you decide that it's too much work to renovate and that you would rather explore a new home, give us a call. Our friendly real estate team is happy to show you some beautiful new homes in the local area.

5 Key Maintenance Tasks to Prepare Your Home for the Winter

The days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping and the kids are heading back to school. The approach of autumn means that winter is just around the corner. The question is – is your home ready? Break out your checklist and let's run through five key maintenance tasks that will get your home prepared to face the winter.

Pack Up And Protect Your Outdoor Furniture

Unfortunately, the arrival of winter means that the patio has to be closed up for the season. It's time to get chairs, tables and other furniture covered up or stored if you have space. The BBQ will also need to be covered or moved off to the shed or another dry area.

Get Your Windows Ready For Cold Weather

Next, take some time to inspect your windows for drafts, leaks and other issues. This can be as easy as shutting them tight on a windy day and using your senses to determine if any air is leaking in. Depending on where you live in the country, you might need to do some additional work on your windows to get them prepared for the cold.

Turn Down Your Garden, Plants And Flower Beds

Unless you have a garden full of robust, cold-loving plants, it's likely that you will see most of them die off as we move from autumn into winter. Spend some time turning down your gardens and other areas. This can help to move nutrients into the soil where they'll be ready to nourish new plants in the spring.

Check Your Furnace And Heating Ducts

If you haven't used it in a few months, now is the time to fire up the furnace and check the home's heating system. The last thing you want is to discover that your home isn't heating on the first cold night!

Consider Giving The Roof And Gutters A Quick Inspection

Last but not least, don't forget to check your roof for any damage or areas that might be prone to leaking. You will also want to check the gutters to ensure they are clear of debris. Keep in mind that this does involve climbing up a ladder and physically inspecting these areas. If you're not good with heights or don't own the proper equipment, don't sweat it. Give a professional roofing team a call and have them handle the inspection instead.

The better your home is prepared for winter, the less likely you are to have a nasty surprise waiting for you in the spring. 

It's The Season For Pumpkin Spice

This is the time of year to enjoy the flavor of pumpkin. It seems everyone is trying to invent their own recipe.  It may not be the real Pumpkin Spice Latte, but it is pretty close. Go ahead and give it a try. Don't forget to top it with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 cup milk, divided

• 1 tablespoon white sugar

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup brewed espresso 

• Whipped cream (optional)

• Sprinkles for top (optional)

Directions

1. Blend 1/2 cup milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over low heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Whisk in remaining 1/2 cup milk.

2. Pour milk mixture through a fine strainer. Return milk mixture to saucepan and simmer, blending, 2 minutes. Add espresso and whisk until foamy.

3. Add whipped cream and toppings as desired.