Condo Media - October 2011 - 62

Insight
Condominium Owner Responsibilities
It is every owner’s responsibility to understand that they agreed to the rules when they purchased their units. If they are uncertain about a rule, they need to ask. They don’t get to decide which ones they like and don’t like. They can’t be changed to appease one group. If there is a good reason for the rule, there is no reason to change it. There are times when it is appropriate to add new rules. For example, adding a rule about the length of residency in order to run for a board position. The reason is that the community should feel confident that the person interested in becoming a member of the board is familiar with the governing documents of the community and that they do understand the rules and how and why they are there. However, all this being said, rules can be changed and you will find how you can do that described in your governing documents. Make time to attend your condo meetings. Learn how the board makes decisions. Read the minutes of the prior months meeting and, above all, ask questions. Never assume!

Board Member

Homeowner Resources and Information
There is help available for condominium owners at CAI and CAI-NE. An Introduction to Community Association Living will provide information for homeowners new to common interest ownership and introduce them to the roles and functions of the community association including providing services, managing physical assets and advocating for fellow homeowners. Download a copy of this introductory primer at www.caionline.org for a better understanding of exactly how a community association works and how homeowners can enjoy and benefit the most from condominium living. A number of local chapter educational programs are held by CAI-NE, providing an opportunity for live instruction and sharing ideas and concerns with other homeowners, as well as industry professionals. At the Annual CAI-NE Condo Conference and Expo scheduled for Oct. 22 in Marlborough, Mass., homeowners can get all their questions answered as several hundred owners participate in educational programs held throughout the day. Vendors and consultants will be on hand to answer all your condominium related questions. For a schedule of local events and to register for the annual condo conference and expo, visit www.caine.org. I hope to see you at the show. CM Geri Matraia is a condominium owner with more than six years of experience as a trustee. Elected to the CAI-NE board in January 2010, she is serving a threeyear term as a homeowner member.

A BETTER BANK

FOR YOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Expect it.
At Webster, our team of experienced association ﬁnancial services bankers understand the unique needs and the challenges facing your community. We know that your communities’ long-term maintenance, capital improvements, and ﬁscal health are critical to the value of your home. Let us tell you why communities throughout New England have home. Let us tell you why communities throughout New England have chosen to bank with Webster. chosen to bank with Webster. To learn more, contact Jordan Arovas at (508) 235-1351 or To learn more, contact Jordan Arovas at (508) 235-1351 or jarovas@ websterbank.com or Mary Stuart Kilner at (401) 228-2045 jarovas@websterbank.com or Mary Stuar t Kilner at (401) 228-20 45 or mkilner@ websterbank.com. or mkilner@websterbank.com.

WebsterBank.com/ExpectIt
1

All credit products, pricing and overdraft protection are subject to the normal credit approval process. Some applications may All credit products, pricing and overdraft protection are subject to the normal credit approval process. Some applications may require further consideration and /or supplemental information. Certain terms and conditions may apply. SBA guaranteed prodrequire fur ther consideration and/or supplemental information. Cer tain terms and conditions may apply. SBA guaranteed products may also be subject to additional terms, conditions and fees. All loans/lines of credit require Webster business checking ucts may also be subject to additional terms, conditions and fees. All loans /lines of credit require a Webster business checking account which must be opened prior to loan closing and which must be used for auto-deduct of payment. account which must be opened prior to loan closing and which must be used for auto-deduct of payment.
Webster Bank, N.A. Webster e Member FDIC

The Webster Symbol and Webster Bank are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Of ﬁce. The Webster Symbol and Webster Bank are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Ofﬁce.

CONDO MEDIA • OCTOBER 2011

http://www.caionline.org http://www.caine.org

Condo Media - October 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Condo Media - October 2011