E-Signatures: The New Normal?

While e-signatures were fairly widely used prior to spring 2020, there is no question that their usage has greatly increased as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic forced most companies to encourage or mandate that employees work from home for period of time and in some cases up to the current time. As […]

Pointers for Using Volunteers In and Around Your Association

As anyone involved in the community association industry knows, using volunteers is an important part of the efficient running of almost any Association, whether it be volunteer board members, other volunteers for projects, specific matters or general assistance around the grounds and buildings of an Association. However, care should be taken when utilizing volunteers and […]

Rules for Flying the U.S. Flag

The flying of flags can become a contentious issue in multi-family living situations. Some care and understanding of the rules of flying various types of flags can be helpful in avoiding potential disputes among residents, management, and other association parties. First and foremost, as not everyone may know, the use of the American flag is […]

Flip or Flop: What to Know and Ask When Buying a House

While the adage “What you don’t know can’t hurt you,” is typically more of a hope than a fact, it can be particularly wrong for home buyers and investors. In recent years as the real estate market has gone up and down, there has been a cottage industry of investors purchasing residential property with the […]

Brief Primer on Real Estate Arbitrations

Real estate agents often question what rights and remedies they may have against the seller in the event of a non-disclosure claim. In many home sales, the buyer, seller and agent sign an arbitration agreement requiring that claims go through arbitration rather than litigation. Many buyers, sellers and real estate agents do not fully understand […]

Record Keeping for Repairs

In our previous newsletter, discussion was had about a number of points to consider when completing repairs of issues that may arise. As winter turns into spring (hopefully!) it can often lead to other issues arising, including water leaks, ice dams, etc. It is important to consider the items listed in the previous newsletter regarding […]

Tis the Season – Winter Weather Damage and Repairs

With winter fast approaching, many homeowners’ associations will be facing physical issues with their properties that will require action in one way or another. In the fall, issues can often result from seasonal rains causing roof leaks, siding leaks, or various other water leaks. In addition, as the weather turns colder, many associations will be […]

Minnesota storm season hits

The recent tornados in the Twin Cities area announced the arrival of the Minnesota severe weather season very loudly. The storms that have occurred to date have caused significant damage in or around the Twin Cities area and putting homeowners’ in very difficult circumstances. The damage to those homes will require significant repairs in order […]

Fall clean-up… Review your contracts!

Fall is on its way and with it comes the annual ritual of the “fall clean up”. The busy season of the spring and summer may be winding down or new types of project may be on the horizon. Either way, for contractors, an annual “fall clean up” for contractors should include a thorough review […]