“I think that I shall never see / a poem so lovely as a tree.” – Joyce Kilmer, “Trees” Trees seem simple: You plant one, you wait a long time, then you admire its beauty—right? Though these steps are certainly part of the proce…
One of the trickiest things in planning a budget for your building or HOA is the surprise maintenance problem or structural crisis that comes out of nowhere and depletes your community’s bank account. While you might be prepared for sno…
Part of the job of a condo board is to keep your association’s grounds or lawn looking healthy and attractive. After all, curb appeal can do wonders when it comes to appraisals and even the morale of your community members. But most con…
These days, money is tight for just about everybody, including the boards and managers trying to run the day-to-day business of their condo community or homeowners association. Everyone is looking to get maximum return on all expenditu…
Chicago is a city known far and wide for its harsh weather—and like its residents, Chicago's lawns are built to withstand the icy winter blasts off Lake Michigan. That doesn't mean that your condo or HOA's lawn doesn't need a little ten…
Q How can condo owners contest a condo board without hiring a lawyer? Are their rules impeachable? Can we contest a fine? They assess owners to pay legal fees if we start proceedings. Is that fair? —Amazed and confu…
Q Can a condo owner be elected president if they have a lien on their condo due to not paying some of the maintenance fees due to the association. Could this be construed as a conflict of interest? —Curious Board Memb…
Q My condo association has not revealed the bank that we bank at nor has the condo board members treated me fairly in depositing my assessments and pro-rations. What can I do about this without hiring a lawyer? —Financial Exam…
Every condo or homeowners association has its own board and management company to handle the community's day-to-day business and administrative activities but who advocates for those communities at the municipal and state level? Who loo…
Having the same cachet as Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Chicago’s Gold Coast is as affluent as its name suggests: it is the wealthiest residential neighborhood in the Windy City. The landmarked neighborhood for the super-rich go…