Management Search Q&A

Q. Our board has always called or sent requests for proposals to a few management companies. Is there a better way to solicit bids?

A. Benchmarking your current service and defining a more satisfactory level of service expectations will enable your board to make a reasonable business decision. Why change companies and disrupt your residents and owners without first establishing your requirements so that you can compare “apples-to-apples”?

Q. In the past, when we have gone out to bid for a new management company we have been bombarded with questions that we can’t answer. Why do management companies have so many questions?

A. A management company will need to understand your association before they can present a fair and complete proposal. A board can jump from the frying pan into the fire when making a change based on incomplete or erroneous information. Community Association Consulting can liaison with the management companies that are pre-screened to submit a proposal.

By creating detailed specifications for bidding and being able to anticipate and find the answers to the management company’s questions, the proposals will be complete and easy to compare.

Q. We are all busy business and professional people who need to make sound decisions for our owners. What can you do for us?

A. As volunteers who agree to make good business decisions, you must consider the most effective means to accomplish your annual goals. If deciding to change management is a goal of your board, it should be your most important contract decision. You hire experts to advise you on your finances and your legal issues; therefore you should also hire an expert in the

community management field to help you find the best manager or management company for your unique community.

Q. Our community is concerned about costs. Why should we spend money with your company to find a new manager?

A. You can’t afford to make a wrong decision. Choosing a management company or manager is your most important contract. Evaluation of the reputation of the companies, verifying satisfaction with similar communities managed, company stability, supervision of the manager, record keeping quality, philosophy of company and educational level of manager assigned are all considered and evaluated in helping you make your decision.

Karen Bennett, PCAM®, CCAM®

Community Association Consulting

www.CIDexpert.com