Bill Dowell Condo Assoc. Management in Worcester, MA

Source: New England Condominium, November 2008

It's best to have a schedule of cleaning for properties and associations so you can be sure you are properly maintaining it. Here are some checklists to use as a reference:

Spring checklist:

• wash windows inside and out; check drapes and vacuum window treatments; clean blinds; send drapes to cleaners if necessary
• drain sediment from hot water heaters
• clear away dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawns; begin spring planting and consult a landscaping professional for specific planting recommendations for your area
• inspect roof for water damage, missing leaks, shingles etc. Arrange needed repair

Summer checklist:

• schedule furnace maintenance now before the October rush
• inspect yard and garden for carpenter ants or termites
• inspect building exterior for peeling paint; this small thing makes a big difference in the outward appearance of a property
• control garbage can odor with a can clean out. Rinse the garbage ca, dump the water, spray a disinfectant. Let the can sit for 10 minutes then rinse again
• make a safety inspection of children's outdoor pay equipment; inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture
• inspect gutters and clean out debris
• be sure common area patio and sliding doors operate smoothly on their track. Spray the track well with a degreasing spray and rub the built up debris from out of the track.
• check washing machine hoses and dryer filters and vents; replace any hoses over two years old.

Fall checklist:

• have a heating professional check your heating system every year and make sure the duct-work and filters are clean.
• clean lawn equipment and run all gas-powered machines until the fuel is gone
• have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean flues and check fireplace dampers.
• clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• inspect for water leaks; looks for cracked cauliking around tubs, toilets and vanities. Properly sealing gaps can prevent damage

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The Fall Home Show is back in Worcester on Oct 24-26 at the DCU Center!

Regular admission $6, children under 12 free

Friday Oct 24: 5PM-9PM
Saturday Oct 25: 10AM-8PM
Sunday Oct 26: 11AM-5PM

For free passes into the event visit www.worcestershows.com

Green Condos-Energy efficiency at its best!
Live in a truly energy efficient condo. Dickinson Place at 20 William Street in Worcester offers FOUR times the insulation value of other condos. We are so confident in our efficiency we are offering a five year heating cost credit if you are under agreement by Oct 31, 2008. Contact me more for details!

Thinking of hiring a management firm for your three family or townhouse/condo? Your first step is to call around and find a management company who will take a smaller building or one unit. Many of them won't.

Next, find out their rates (this might require you to meet with them in person at the property). Be up front with your needs. Are you looking for simple rent collection and lease renewals? Do you want someone else to handle the calls for repairs, complaints? Do you want to get the 2AM phone calls about a burst pipe or are you looking for the management company to cover that? Think about it all and decide what your needs are.

Beyond the rates, you should pay attention to personality and accessibility. Do you get along well with the firm's property managers? It's important to have a good working relationship with the firm. If you don't like them at the start, chances are it won't get better.

Another crucial point is record keeping. An example: a long term tenant suddenly destroys your apartment and abandons it, you'll need her information--social security number, addresses, employers--it will all help find where the ex-tenant has gone and thereby file court papers. Can you find the tenant's rental application from 6 years ago? A good management firm can have you all the paperwork, no matter how long ago it was, within 5 minutes.

Bottom line: work to find a firm that wants to work with you and your property, albeit a small one. You should be given the same respect as a condo association or large apartment building. After all, it's your investment and you have every right to have it managed professionally!