Ghertner & Company hosted its first annual Vendor Palooza to establish business partnerships with new vendors. This allowed community association managers to meet with new HOA vendors offering various services, including landscaping, security, life safety, seal coating, and more. Over 10 vendors attended, and several sponsored a lunch for associates. The exposure to new vendors allows community association managers to offer options for different service providers to the HOA Boards they serve.
Nashville Coalition Focuses on Breaking the Cycle
The Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking (NAHT) Coalition is a local nonprofit organization that offers freedom from the cycles of addiction and abuse through rescue, counseling, hands-on compassion, resources and faith. As highly specialized addiction intervention specialists, the NAHT team builds trust that allows women to be connected to proper rehabilitation clinics and begin the journey toward a life of freedom.
To support the impact NAHT Coalition has in Middle Tennessee, Ghertner & Company donated $500 to the organization. Find out more about this organization at https://www.nahtcoalition.org.
West End Station Provided New Trees by Nashville Tree Foundation
West End Station in Nashville recently collaborated with the Nashville Tree Foundation to plant over 30 trees throughout the community. The HOA was affected by last winter’s inclement weather, impacting their landscaping and trees. In exchange for donating to the Nashville Tree Foundation, the foundation provided trees to the HOA and worked with neighbors to plant the new trees.
For more information about how the Nashville Tree Foundation can help your community, visit https://www.nashvilletreefoundation.org/.
CAI Tennessee, Ghertner Associates Advocate for HOAs During TN’s General Assembly
Several Ghertner & Company associates participated in the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Tennessee chapter’s Advocacy Day at the state capitol in Nashville. Associates and other CAI members spoke with state legislators about several bills being considered that impact HOAs. They also educated them on how HOAs function and self-govern themselves according to the governing documents of each community. Associates met with legislators in all districts Ghertner & Company manages HOAs and several others.
For more information on CAI’s Tennessee Legislative Action Committee and the work it does to advocate for HOAs, please visit https://www.caionline.org/Advocacy/LAC/TN/Pages/Tennessee-LAC-Roster.aspx.
Ghertner & Company and Your Developing Community: A Partnership for HOA Success
A new-build home comes with many perks, including the chance to be the first person to live in your home. But what about what is happening outside of your home as the community grows and new homes are built? Who oversees that before homeowners are elected to a Board of Directors for the homeowners association (HOA)?
The Roles of Your Developer and Property Management Company
A community developer can hire a property management company (like Ghertner & Company) to help manage the day-to-day business of the HOA and work at the direction of the HOA Board. The developer serves as the Board until all homes in the community are built and a turnover meeting transitions control of the HOA to the homeowners. Ghertner & Company's goal is to create a long-term relationship with the association's homeowners and help create and operate a healthy community association long after the developer control period ends.
While homes are being built in the community, Ghertner & Company works with your developer to welcome homeowners into the HOA. We will work together to distribute information on HOA dues, payment information and instructions on obtaining items like mailbox or amenity keys. In addition, Ghertner & Company serves as the custodian of the association's books and records. Once a homeowner Board is elected, we assist in developing long-term plans and goals for the HOA. This ensures that an HOA's early due diligence translates into future continued success and financial stability for the owners.
When Do Homeowners Take Control of Their HOA?
The transition from developer to the homeowners occurs at a special meeting held for the purpose of electing homeowners to serve on the Board of Directors. Once the owners are in control, the real work begins! The only thing that ends at that meeting is the developer's control over the functioning of the association, not their responsibility to it.
The New Board’s Key Role in the Foundation of Your HOA
The newly elected Board members now have a huge responsibility. They must ensure that (1) the developer provides the association with all pertinent information, (2) the association reviews that information and questions the developer on any vague or ambiguous issues and (3) the Board develops a strategic plan to go forward from that point.
The purpose of the Board of Directors is to:
Exercise financial responsibility for the community: The Board determines a budget and establishes HOA fees for the community.
Enforce the governing documents: The Bylaws and Covenants of a community outline the rules all homeowners agree to abide by. The Board also can create rules and regulations to detail these expectations further. Remember, the rules are in place to protect property values, not to inhibit an owner's enjoyment of their home or community.
Create community among neighbors: The biggest benefit of HOA living is the community! As HOA leaders, the Board sets the tone for the community in your neighborhood. Many HOAs have social committees that host regular community events for neighbors of all ages. Volunteer to join your social committee or volunteer at a community event to get to know your neighbors.
Partner with vendors for the upkeep of common areas: The Board is responsible for hiring vendors to help with the maintenance of common areas in the community like a pool, clubhouse, entrance or other HOA needs. Ghertner & Company helps obtain vendor bids and ensure these vendors do the work they’re hired to do.
Manage risk for the HOA: Not only does the Board have to think about short-term decisions for the community, but they also must plan for long-term needs. Things like a reserve study to assess the longevity of common areas, having sufficient insurance for the HOA and making sustainable choices can help the HOA be protected from future risk.
Throughout the development process for a new-build community, Ghertner & Company provides community association management excellence for the developer, homeowners and homeowner-elected Board. We partner with you for the long-term success of your HOA, and it’s our goal to see your community thrive for many years to come.
Playground Improvements Make a Difference
The Carronbridge HOA Board of Directors recently updated their HOA playground to be more suitable for all age groups instead of just young children. The Board worked with a homeowner committee to determine which equipment would provide the association with the best experience for their small space. The committee and Board ensured the equipment was safe and had a prolonged useful life to ensure it would grow with the community and the owners’ children and grandchildren.
The Carronbridge HOA completed the project with Happy Backyards in Franklin, TN. It includes one large piece of playground equipment and two new benches to ensure the parents and children have a resting place while utilizing this association amenity.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: Why HOA Reserve Studies Matter
Financial success and security for homeowners associations can be attributed to several factors. One crucial key is a regular reserve study of the HOA's common elements—things like buildings, roofs, pools or landscaping. It dives deep into expected lifespans, repair costs, and potential replacement expenses for each element. Like a good crystal ball, this analysis helps the HOA predict future financial needs and plan accordingly.
Picture this: your pool's filtration system suddenly goes out. Without a proper reserve fund, the HOA faces several unpleasant options: a special assessment, raising HOA fees or letting the pool become a murky swamp. A reserve study helps avoid these situations by creating a budget roadmap for essential upkeep and replacements. It ensures the HOA has sufficient funds to tackle future challenges without burdening residents.
Beyond the financial benefits, reserve studies provide stability for the community. Residents gain peace of mind knowing their community is financially prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, the study identifies areas requiring attention, allowing the HOA to maintain common areas and optimize their functionality and safety proactively. This translates to a higher quality of life for everyone, as amenities remain well-functioning and enjoyable.
Reserve studies are essential for responsible HOA management. Regular studies, ideally every three to five years, keep the financial forecast updated and ensure the HOA remains financially resilient. Investing in these studies might seem like an expense, but it's truly an investment in the future of your community, safeguarding its financial stability and enhancing everyone's living experience.
HOA Board members who are interested in having a reserve study done for their community can contact their Ghertner & Company Community Association Manager to get started.
Make Sustainability A Priority in 2024
As resolution-making for 2024 ramps up, make it a goal to make sustainability a priority in 2024. Making sustainable choices benefits you, your HOA and the environment, and it's easier than you think! See our tips below to help you and your HOA meet sustainability goals.
1. Prepare your home for the changing seasons and temperatures
Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent drafts and save on heating costs.
Use natural swaps like a mosquito bucket of doom instead of standard pesticides to keep unwanted pests away and your yard safe.
When considering your landscaping for the upcoming year, replace your shrubs or trees with native options.
Leave the leaves in your yard and landscaping (as allowed in your community) as a free source of mulch and to provide food and shelter for birds and pollinators.
2. Save money with sustainable practices
Invest in a programmable thermostat: This lets you adjust the temperature automatically to save money on heating and cooling costs.
Choose LED lightbulbs: They use less energy and last longer than traditional lightbulbs. Be sure to turn off lights in spaces or rooms you aren't in to conserve electricity.
Conserve water: Fix leaky faucets, take shorter showers and water your lawn less frequently.
3. Plant native trees and shrubs
Including native trees and plants in your yard or homeowners association common areas provides essential food and shelter to birds and pollinators while saving money. Local organizations like Root Nashville and the Tennessee Environmental Council can help HOAs organize tree-planting days in their communities. In addition, some organizations host free tree giveaways throughout the year, providing easy access to native trees. Click here to learn more about the benefits of native trees.
4. Visit Ghertner & Company's website for resources
Ghertner & Company's Sustainability Initiative, established in 2018, encourages homeowners associations to adopt sustainable practices through nurturing healthy yards and common areas. Visit our website at https://ghertner.com/sustainability/theinitiative for sustainability tips, a list of informative books, and examples of what other HOAs are doing to incorporate sustainability in their communities.
Ghertner Maintenance & Remodeling Committed to Ongoing Training
The Ghertner Maintenance and Remodeling (GMR) team serves Ghertner & Company-managed communities with various HOA maintenance needs. Each month, the team meets to discuss industry safety tips to ensure compliance and safety on the job. In December, GMR Director Kent Knapp shared the different dangers and solutions for working outside in windy conditions. The GMR team includes licensed and talented carpenters, plumbers, electricians and support staff.
For more information about the GMR services, contact your Community Association Manager or visit https://ghertner.com/ghertner-maintenance-and-remodeling.
Ghertner & Company Gives Back to Our Kids
Ghertner & Company presented local Middle Tennessee nonprofit Our Kids with a $600 donation as part of its annual holiday giving. For 35 years, Our Kids has provided medical evaluations and crisis counseling to child sexual abuse survivors. Executive Director Sue Ford White and Development and Communications Coordinator Jill Martindale received the donation on behalf of Our Kids. To learn more and support Our Kids, visit www.ourkidscenter.com.
Leading by Example for Sustainability
On Thursday, November 9, Ghertner & Company held a reception and workday in honor of its recent recognition as a Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) Level Two Arboretum at the corporate office in MetroCenter. Representing the TUFC were Kevin Bolger, TUFC Council Operations and Program Coordinator, and Michael Davie, TUFC Secretary and Board Member, along with Ghertner & Company's arboretum champion, Patty Ghertner.
Associates celebrated the accomplishment with refreshments in the lobby. In addition, several new trees were planted and certain areas of the arboretum were mulched. The arboretum contains 67 tree species, displaying a wide variety that homeowners associations can consider in their sustainability programs. For more information on Ghertner & Company's sustainability efforts, visit https://ghertner.com/sustainability/theinitiative.
Village of Burkitt HOA Board President Selected as Men Wear Pink Ambassador
Ghertner & Company celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month and congratulates Village of Burkitt Board president Scott Levine on being selected as an Ambassador for American Cancer Society’s Men Wear Pink Campaign. Levine has taken up the cause of supporting breast cancer awareness after his wife, Sheila, was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago. We want to celebrate that Sheila is now in her seventh year of being cancer-free.
Men Wear Pink ambassadors raise awareness and money to fight breast cancer. As an ambassador, leaders commit to:
- Wearing pink throughout October
- Raising awareness for the cause through their personal, professional and social media networks
- Raising a minimum of $2,500 to help the American Cancer Society fight breast cancer
Levine was also featured on the local Nashville TV station WSMV4 for his fundraising efforts.
https://www.wsmv.com/2023/10/07/two-nashville-men-raising-breast-cancer-awareness-different-reasons/
To support Levine’s fundraising efforts through the end of October, please go to:
HOA 5K Builds Community Among Neighbors
In September, Nichols Vale HOA in Mount Juliet hosted its first-ever HOA 5K Walkathon. Homeowners of all ages participated in this event, which brought them together to walk around the neighborhood. NutriShop of Mount Juliet sponsored the event and awarded prizes to the first three overall winners.
HOA Board Hosts Vendor Appreciation Lunch
The Board of Directors at the Cottages at Valleybrook HOA recently hosted their preferred vendors for an appreciation lunch. Board members and some committee members took part in the lunch, including cooking BBQ for the vendors to enjoy and talking with the vendors.
In all, the HOA hosted 16 associates and family members. All the vendors were very appreciative, stating they had never had a HOA reach out to them for such an event. The vendors in attendance included Evergreen Lawncare and Landscaping, Northwest Exterminating, HOA1Call, Greater Nashville Pool and Ghertner & Company.
Ghertner & Company Sponsors HOA Swim Team
Ghertner & Company was a proud sponsor of the Traceside HOA Barracudas swim team during its 2023 swim season. The team included 75 kids ages five to 18, three coaches and a group of parent volunteers. In addition to winning its division this year, head coach Joe Helmer won Nashville Swim League’s Coach of the Year. Way to go, Barracudas!
Clearing Up Misconceptions: How Ghertner & Company and Your HOA Board Work Together
At Ghertner & Company, the success of your homeowners association is our top priority. We are ready to provide your HOA Board with the property management excellence and support it needs to see your community thrive. The role of a property management company in the daily operations of an HOA is crucial. Still, there are several misconceptions homeowners have about a property management company’s role and the role of the HOA Board.
Misconception #1: My property management company is my HOA.
Many homeowners think that their HOA Board and the property management company, like Ghertner & Company, are one and the same. That’s not true—they are separate entities. Your homeowners association has contracted Ghertner & Company for support in the daily operations of the homeowners association. Ghertner & Company is a separate business that serves multiple homeowners associations throughout Middle Tennessee.
Misconception #2: The rules in my HOA prohibit my rights as a homeowner.
We know that HOA rules aren’t homeowners’ favorite things. Still, we encourage you to remember that they are in place for the upkeep, safety and enjoyment of your community and to protect the investment you made when you purchased your home. When all homeowners follow the rules, everyone can feel at home in their neighborhood. To see your community rules, log in to your owner’s portal at www.ghertner.com/owner.
Misconception #3: My HOA’s property management company is the only vendor that serves my community.
It takes a village to run an HOA, and Ghertner & Company isn’t the only vendor making things run smoothly. Landscape companies, cleaning companies, pool companies (if applicable to your HOA), and trash pickup companies are just some of the vendors your HOA may use. If you ever have a question about these vendors’ work, please submit a General Question through your owner’s portal at www.ghertner.com/owner, and your Community Association Manager will respond.
Misconception #4: My HOA Board members are paid for their time and don’t live in my community.
The Board members who lead your community are homeowners just like you! They volunteer their time and talents to support your HOA. The Board makes decisions on behalf of the community. Keep in mind, too, that Ghertner & Company works at the direction of the Board. We provide advice and support to your HOA Board. Ghertner & Company prides itself on our Community Association Managers' relationships with their Boards and the regular training and resources we provide to Board members.
Gallatin Community Wins Best of Sumner County Award
The Fairway Farms Homeowners Association recently became the two-time consecutive winner of the Best Community in Sumner County as part of the annual Main Street Media Awards. The awards are organized by Gallatin, Hendersonville and Portland newspaper publishers and voted on by the public. Located in Gallatin, next to the Long Hollow Golf Course, Fairway Farms’ HOA Board and residents work together to provide a culture where individuals and families can get involved and enjoy living. Congratulations to the Fairway Farms community!
Giving Back Donation Supports STRIVER Day 2023 Event
On Wednesday, July 26, Ghertner & Company presented local nonprofit organization STRIVE4You with a $500 donation as part of its Giving Back to the Community quarterly giving initiative. STRIVE4You’s mission is to empower all individuals with low vision through physical recreation, as well as to educate professionals on how to best serve their clientele with low vision. They work each day to achieve a more inclusive and productive society by providing support services and peer-to-peer programs.The donation will be used to support the October 14 National STRIVER Day at the Tennessee School for the Blind. This unique hands-on conference features interactive and informational breakout sessions designed to encourage attendees in fitness activities, nutrition classes and disability-related topics.
STRIVE4You Co-Executive Directors Ricky and Christy Ray-Jones are pictured with Ghertner & Company president Scott Ghertner and associates at the check presentation. Learn more about this worthwhile organization at www.strive4you.org
What To Expect When Joining A HOA
You’ve bought the perfect house in the best neighborhood, and now it’s time to move in and enjoy your new community. Your community has a homeowners association, but you’re unsure what to expect as a new HOA member. Read below to learn more about homeowners associations and the things that come with being a part of one.
Property Management
A homeowners association is either self-managed, or the Board of Directors partners with a property management company for assistance with day-to-day operations, homeowner communications, and financial management. The important thing to remember is that the property management company doesn’t run or make decisions for the HOA; your volunteer homeowner Board does. A good property management company will advise the Boards it serves and provide high-quality customer service to the homeowners in the community.
HOA Fees
An important part of a homeowners association is the HOA dues (referred to as maintenance fees at Ghertner & Company) that each homeowner pays to the HOA. These dues help pay for things like the upkeep of common areas, insurance or community amenities. HOA dues are paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, depending on the community’s governing documents. If you live in a Ghertner & Company-managed community, you can pay your dues through our web portal at www.ghertner.com/owner.
Rules and Regulations
In an effort to maintain property values in the community and make HOAs a safe, enjoyable place for everyone to live, governing documents outline the rules all owners must follow. For owners who have moved into a Ghertner & Company-managed community, you can view your rules and regulations on the web portal at www.ghertner.com/owner. For potential buyers, please visit https://associationlinks.ghertner.com/ to learn more about your HOA.
Common Amenities
Some communities offer pools, gyms, or clubhouses for all owners to share. It is important for all owners to abide by the rules for these areas. If your Ghertner & Company-managed community has one of these amenities and you need an amenity key, please visit www.poolkey.ghertner.com.
Neighbors and Community
The fun part about living in an HOA community is the people! Some HOAs have welcome committees to help you acclimate to your HOA or social committees that plan events for neighbors to attend. Take the time to participate in these events to get to know your neighbors, or volunteer for one of these committees to get involved.
July Fourth Holiday Brings Summer Fun!
Ghertner & Company associates recently enjoyed a company cookout to celebrate the July Fourth holiday. Different activities to promote patriotic fun included cookie decorating, an American trivia contest, a patriotic dress contest, and a competitive cornhole contest. Team members also enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs and other summertime favorites including homemade ice cream at the cookout.
Ghertner & Company prioritizes employees’ personal and professional well-being and hosts team-building activities for its 150+ associates throughout the year.