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Expansion of CAS Senior Management Team

May 10, 2022 by CAS

CAS is excited to announce the expansion of our Senior Management Team. Recently, CAS has promoted two long time members of our team to Vice President roles within the company.

CAS has named Lisa Cordialini as the Vice President of Operations. Lisa has been a part of the CAS team since 2000. She brought with her 15 years of experience in banking operations. Lisa oversees and manages all operations from our headquarters, located in Pinehurst. Her knowledge and background make her a vital resource for all of our staff and communities, as she is able to pin down solutions for any issue that a community may be facing. She is highly skilled in managing and administrating effective systems and processes to ensure that our communities operate seamlessly.

Amy Damone has been named Vice President of Community Relations. Amy has spent 12 years with CAS and has had the opportunity to experience and work with many facets of Association Management. Her time as a Community Manager gives her an understanding of the needs of your community, as well as allows her to effectively troubleshoot day to day problems that may occur. With an affinity for legal documents, she is always eager to dive into Covenants, Deeds, and statutes to dig in and find answers and solutions for our communities. Amy obtained her bachelor’s degree in from Meredith College. She is oriented towards organization, problem solving and is always glad to find the most effective way to accomplish any goal.

CAS is proud to elevate these team members to allow them to use their knowledge and skills to serve our communities in the most effective way possible. We know this growth will give the CAS team, and the communities we manage more resources to meet their needs.

Filed Under: News

Why Live in an HOA

August 19, 2020 by CAS

Have you ever wondered why your neighbor set up their above ground pool in the front yard? Have you ever been unable to sleep because your neighbor’s farm animals bray and cluck through the night? Have you come home only to realize every house on your street is now a different color of the rainbow, some with neon trim?

If so, you might consider moving into a community that is governed by a Homeowners Association. Living in an HOA community ensures that properties will be well taken care of, residences will maintain uniformity and look aesthetically appealing, and the community will remain a pleasant and safe place in which to reside.

Residents of an HOA community tend to be surrounded by those who are like-minded in regard to what they expect to give and get from their community. In purchasing a home within an HOA community, residents are held to a certain set of standards and have agreed to uphold those standards. There are architectural requirements and landscaping uniformity. There may be regulations for use of the property, pets, noise, and décor. Neighborhoods that are governed by an HOA tend to be better maintained and safer, thus they have higher property values.

Community amenities can also increase property values. Recreational facilities such as pools, sport courts, parks, and playgrounds are just some of the amenities that could come with living in an HOA community. These amenities would be maintained by the HOA and are only for the exclusive use of those living in the community. Sometimes, utilities may even be provided to members of the associations. For example, sewer or garbage collection may be coordinated or paid for by the HOA. Cable and internet service could also be provided. Amenities and perks vary, but each association offers positive value to the homeowners and their property within the community.

HOAs can be wonderful organizations benefiting millions of US residents every day. If you desire to live in a place that governs its residents to ensure the neighborhood remains beautiful and peaceful, then an HOA community may be for you.

Filed Under: Resources

The Difference between Townhomes and Condos

August 11, 2020 by CAS

One of the most important decisions a potential homeowner will make is deciding what kind of home to buy. If a stand-alone single family home is not in your budget, or you prefer less responsibility, you’re likely going to find yourself facing the condo vs. townhouse decision. There are quite a few similarities and differences between the two, and each comes with a unique set of responsibilities, from both the owner and the Homeowner’s Association (HOA).

A condominium is a form of ownership of a unit. A condo is one unit in a larger building where you own your unit and typically pay a condo association fee for the building. The association pays for the maintenance and running of public areas which include hallways, parking lots, workout facilities and pool areas. While you do not own the public areas, you have full access to them. You can’t make any changes to these areas. Since you own the actual unit, however, you are free to paint and do some renovations as you wish inside the walls. Major renovations may require approval by the condo association.

Townhomes are different because you own both the outside structure, the land it sits on, and the inside unit. A townhome may have similar features to a freestanding home, such as a porch or garage, and usually has at least one shared wall with a neighbor. Townhome owners are sometimes responsible for the upkeep of the yard and landscaping that come with the property. Some townhome communities have public areas such as a pool or workout facilities that are shared by the community. Like a condo, those are public spaces maintained by the association, and you do not own them.

When you purchase a condo or townhouse, you are required to pay monthly fees into the Homeowner’s Association. The HOA handles the day-to-day maintenance of the shared spaces. In a condo, the HOA manages the building, its grounds, and its interior public spaces. In a townhouse community, the HOA manages common areas, which includes general grounds and, in some cases, roofs and exteriors of the structures. In addition to overseeing shared property maintenance, the HOA also establishes rules for all residents. These may include rules about renting out your home, noise, and what you can do with your land (for example, some townhome HOAs prohibit you from having a shed on your property, even though you own your yard).

Figuring out your own answer to the condo vs. townhouse debate comes down to measuring the differences between the two and determining which one is the best fit for your family, your budget, and your future plans. When evaluating the role of the HOA in each, keep in mind that your own personal influence can help make a community successful. Whether you serve on the board, are a vocal and well-informed HOA voter, or at the most basic level, read and consider your contracts carefully and understand all obligations.

Filed Under: Resources

History of HOA’s

August 3, 2020 by CAS

Homeowners’ Associations (HOA’s) have been around a lot longer than you might think, although not necessarily in the same form that we see them in today. The first planned community was Levittown, a community built in Long Island in the late 1940’s. It was built primarily to offer low-interest homes to veterans. Though there was no formal association at Levittown, community rules and regulations were formed.

Similar planned communities continued to be developed as more and more people began to move out of city centers and into the suburbs. In some, the houses would look essentially the same; in others, several designs would be built. These communities attracted more affluent families and people who lived in these communities generally shared common ideas of how streetscapes should look. These developments were often more self-contained than traditional neighborhoods in that they maintained stricter standards regarding the appearance of the homes (both the structures and the landscaping). The general idea was that people who were looking for a certain aesthetic standard would be drawn to these communities.

Because of the popularity of these communities, real estate developers began increasing the density of homes on each parcel of land. Instead of large individual lots for each house, shared, common recreational spaces were built.  Clusters of homes would be built around a common green space. Starting in the 1960’s associations would be appointed to manage that common space. The common grounds association would essentially function as type of local government, managing things which were previously taken care of by municipal workers.

As more communities were developed, the association responsibilities began to shift according to the wants and needs of residents. Eventually, this morphed into what we know today as the modern Homeowners Association.

Filed Under: Resources

The Arbor Creek community is making their quarantine a little more bearable.

July 23, 2020 by CAS

Over the next few weeks, many residents will be spending more time at home to practice “social distancing” in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19. If young children are at home it may be especially difficult to find things to do. Especially with schools, libraries, play areas, and social activities all shuttered.

Arbor Creek came up with a new, fun way to get outside and be entertained. Residents saw other communities hosting “scavenger hunts” throughout their neighborhoods and decided to organize one themselves. They called on neighbors to put up shamrocks in their windows or on the outside of their homes on a designated day, in this case, March 17. The idea is for young children to walk through the community and make a game of seeing how many “shamrocks” they could find.

Residents said it’s been perfect for the neighborhood to get out while still social distancing. Not only young children had a good time, but older kids and adults were involved as well.

“Getting out getting fresh air, it’s great to do. It’s nice to see other neighbors doing the same thing. Kind of wave to each other at a distance, but enjoying an activity together but apart,” one neighbor said.

In hopes of spreading cheer during this difficult time, some community residents have started to put Christmas lights back up and try to add pops of color to their homes exterior. During a scavenger hunt such as the one organized in Arbor Creek, good cheer was spread with not only a genius neighborhood activity, but a healthy, social (from afar), and interesting one to boot.
Currently, in communities around the state, kids are drawing colorful images to put in their windows for other children to find. Every time kids go out for a walk, they can go on mini “scavenger hunts” to locate homes with a colorful decoration in the window. In some cases there are even Google maps dedicated to the idea, showing all the participating homes nearby. Members of a community are able to access a map and add their property to it if desired. Residents have been posting photos of the images and objects they find online, and in this time of extreme social isolation, this activity helps others feel a bit less lonely.

On working with the Arbor Creek HOA, CAS manager Jim Herold says “The board of directors have a great sense of humor, they created a vibrant social scene with a family focus and a passion for increasing the value of their community. They think big and do not sweat the small stuff. ” Jim has ten years of experience in the HOA management field and has earned his CMCA and AMS. He states his favorite part of being a manager is “leaving a community better than I found it and forming quality working relationships.”

Filed Under: News

Quarantine Giveaway Winner

July 14, 2020 by CAS

CAS Manager Ebony Heart-Curtis was recently selected to win the NEC POWER Social Media Giveaway.

By entering on Instagram and on Facebook, Ebony was chosen to receive the Quarantine Prize Pack. She received a pack of KN95 Protective Masks, an 8oz hand sanitizer, a bottle of Vitamin C, and a $100 Harris Teeter gift card. A $150 dollar value!

Ebony, a Portfolio Manager for CAS in the Raleigh office, was notified of her win via email after participating in the contest online. Though she normally uses social media for personal reasons, she felt compelled to enter because “…this helps the small guy promote their business and they appreciate me for taking time.”

Ebony has worked with NEC Power on a very difficult project and stated she “prefers to use smaller companies (like this) because they tend to give you better service and since they have less overhead the prices are usually better.” NEC Power Electrical Contracting is a small company serving Wake County. With over eighteen years of experience they specialize in electrical service for both residential and commercial properties, and also provide full service and installation of backup generators.

Ebony used her Harris Teeter gift card to purchase Mother’s Day dinner for her Mother.

Filed Under: News

Lake Hogan Farms Quarantine Activities

July 10, 2020 by CAS

Lake Hogan Farms Social Committee hasn’t let social distancing get in the way of social opportunities. The Social Committee leads – Nikki Brown, Lisa Tooloee, and Margaret Swingler, have organized many opportunities for the neighborhood children and families. It started week one of closures with a rainbow hunt in which families were invited to paint a rainbow and place it in a front window. Then when residents walked the neighborhood, they knew to look for them and see how many they could find.

During Easter week, they encouraged painting or drawing eggs to put in the window for a neighborhood egg hunt. In addition, the social committee has organized a birthday parade for anyone in the neighborhood who would like a drive by visit from neighbors. The birthday parade was open to anyone who wanted to participate – just decorate your car, hop in line with your neighbors, and drive by the birthday person’s home while you wave and honk to them. The highlight though, was the wonderful Carrboro Firefighters from Station 2 on Homestead Rd who lead the parade in one of the firetrucks.

The greatest activity organized by this social committee though, was Friday Night Bingo Night. Families hop on a neighborhood Zoom call with Bingo cards that are provided digitally. A host called the numbers while families played from the comfort and safety of their homes. There were gift card prizes from local businesses. The third week of Bingo, they spiced it up a bit with costume night. Many favorites came to play, including Wilma and Fred, Star Wars characters, Avengers characters, and some very beautiful princesses to name a few. 

Even in this time of uncertainty, communities have come together to make the best of the situation.

Article contributed by the Lake Hogan Farms Social Committee

Filed Under: News

Kitts Creek Installs a Pool Lift

May 1, 2020 by CAS

Kitts Creek, a CAS managed community of 845 single-family houses and townhomes recently installed a handicap pool lift at its pool complex. Kitts Creek is a diverse community located in the heart of Research Triangle Park; minutes from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This community features a beautiful clubhouse and fitness facility, swimming pool, tennis courts, dog-park, open areas, and community garden for residents to enjoy and use. Kitts Creek HOA held over 40 social events in 2019, and prides itself on accommodating a diverse population by striving to meet the needs of all its residents, to include those with disabilities and physical challenges.

Swimming pools are outstanding recreational areas, but it is important to remember that not everyone can enjoy it in the same way. While we may enjoy the ability to swim in the deep end or leap off the high dive, there are those who suffer from disabilities stemming from either injury, genetics, or some other unfortunate circumstance. Finding ways to get these people involved in swimming activities is vital, but it is not always practical. The obvious solution, however, is to make use of a handicapped pool lift.

A pool lift for handicapped people is a mechanized seat that is tasked with raising and lowering a disabled or injured person into a swimming pool. This seat usually features some type of restraint to keep the individual in question from leaving the seat voluntarily or from simply falling off. The pool at Kitts Creek features a permanent pool lift that was installed on the edge of the concrete pool and will always be available.

People with disabilities were, for too long, excluded from participating in many recreational activities, including swimming. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) changed that. In 2010 the ADA set minimum requirements for making swimming pools, wading pools, and spas accessible to those with disabilities. The requirements for newly constructed and existing pools ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy the same activities— a community pool; a community swim meet; private swim lessons—at the same locations and with the same independence, ease, and convenience as everyone else. The 2010 ADA Standards established two categories of pools: large pools with more than 300 linear feet of pool wall and smaller pools with less than 300 linear feet of wall. Large pools must have two accessible means of entry, with at least one being a pool lift or sloped entry; smaller pools are only required to have one accessible means of entry, provided that it is either a pool lift or a sloped entry. With the new pool lift in place, Kitts Creek meets the standards set by the ADA for handicap accessibility.

The benefit of installing a handicap pool lift is to give everyone the chance to enjoy the water, and simply having it is bound to draw more swimmers to use the facility at Kitts Creek. If a person is able to swim using at least their upper bodies, the pool lift will be able to drop them into the water, and they will be able to swim free of it, thus allowing more residents to participate in pool activities. In addition to the health benefits, swimming is downright fun and something that everyone should be able to experience.

All healthcare professionals agree that swimming is an outstanding way to stave off chronic illnesses and those that encompass pain as a regular side effect. In addition, it is known that swimming is good for the prevention of mental illness and other negative mental conditions.. Swimming is, therefore, an outstanding and highly recommended activity for everyone whether they suffer from a medical condition or not. It is a great preventative treatment, and with the installation of a handicap pool lift, it becomes accessible to anyone who wishes to try.

No matter who you are or what condition you are in, there is no reason you should not enjoy the water at Kitts Creek!

Filed Under: News

Million-Dollar Facelift

April 23, 2020 by CAS

The Homeplace I and II in Durham recently completed a million-dollar “face-lift,” and homeowners are “quite happy with the overall results.”

The Association spent approximately $1.4 million on 210 new roofs with CertainTeed Lifetime Architectural shingles by Roofwerks, all new gutters on all homes, repainting of the homes by Onofrio Construction, community-wide pruning of all trees near buildings, streets, and parking lots by Bartlett Tree Experts, and oversight by Giles Flythe Engineering. The community (known as Homeplace Townhomes Association, Inc., Phase I and II) was built in 1984 and consists of 210 ranch-style, brick townhomes, located in building clusters of two, three or four homes.

When a community undertakes a project like this, there are many factors that go into planning and preparation, logistics, coordination, and oversight. The industry generally defines major repair/reconstruction projects as any project that costs over $500,000 or one that involves at least three types of skills, such as carpentry, roofing, and painting. Major projects can take up to two or more years to complete depending on the size of the project and the availability of funds.

Once work is underway, frequent communication between team members is of utmost importance. The HOA manager at The Homeplace was involved with the construction manager, general contractor, and any personnel that were on-site during the project. The Board of Directors and the HOA manager had frequent meetings to receive full reports on progress and any changes in the contracted work. Owners were also allowed input during meetings, and were a big part of the communication chain through email updates and online software portals.

Todd Petheridge, one of the most senior and seasoned managers at CAS, played a prominent role in the oversight of this major repair project at The Homeplace Townhomes. Todd is a certified CMCA and AMS and has worked with CAS for fifteen years. One of the most rewarding aspects of his role as a manager at Homeplace, Todd stated, “is working with the Board and the community to improve the community.”

Filed Under: News

COVID-19 Adjustments at CAS

April 17, 2020 by CAS

At this time, estimates are that the COVID-19 virus has infected 200,000 people worldwide, and killed more than 3,000. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. While we hope this virus will be eradicated soon, CAS has taken measures to reduce the risk to its employees and clients.

In response to this crisis, CAS President Jonathan Stone stated, “The decision has been made to allow managers the option to work remotely for at least the next two weeks as our nation contends with this virus. The exact duration of this time period is unknown and dependent on factors beyond our control. It is important for the health of ourselves and the company as a whole.” Most CAS offices are now closed to the public, but business continues, although in different arenas.

In addition to enacting protections for employees during this time of uncertainty, CAS has also implemented strategies to help protect clients as well. It has been recommended by health officials and attorneys that HOA Associations postpone all person to person meetings and limit contact as much as possible. In response to these recommendations, CAS offers several methods by which association members or association boards transact business in the absence of everyone gathering at the same time and location—some form of written consent, electronic meetings, or a vote outside a physical meeting can all be ways to manage business without contact.

Like many state statutes, the NC Nonprofit Corporation Act provides that a director can participate in a Board meeting by electronic communications. The only requirement is that everyone must be able to simultaneously hear everyone else. Most often that means speakerphone or conference calls, but other online communications platforms like Skype or Zoom can work as long as everyone can hear and speak to everyone else.
In North Carolina, unfortunately, there is no statute clearly authorizing electronic annual membership meetings, so if an association had an annual membership meeting planned for the near future, CAS managers will recommend postponement of the meeting.

We remain hopeful that this virus will soon be contained with minimal loss of life and that daily living for everyone will return to normal. However, regardless of what the future holds, there will likely be at some point a different crisis or natural disaster that will require the association or its Board to act outside of the standard, in-person meeting process. CAS staff are prepared and are embracing the change in business practices and methods. It will benefit CAS clients to become accustomed to the use of the electronic methods of meeting and conducting business for the foreseeable future in order to protect all.

Filed Under: News

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Latest News & Resources

Expansion of CAS Senior Management Team

CAS is excited to announce the expansion of our Senior Management Team. Recently, CAS has promoted two long time members of our … [Read More...]

Why Live in an HOA

Have you ever wondered why your neighbor set up their above ground pool in the front yard? Have you ever been unable to sleep … [Read More...]

The Difference between Townhomes and Condos

One of the most important decisions a potential homeowner will make is deciding what kind of home to buy. If a stand-alone … [Read More...]

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