Ghertner & Company managers, leadership and support team members benefitted from the June Law & Order: HOA workshop where a three-attorney panel fielded questions related to HOA matters. Team members submitted questions and discussed challenges regarding annual meetings, ballots, proxies & electronic voting with attorneys Garrett Asher, Alvin Harris and Gerald Wigger.
Five Reasons to Serve on Your HOA Board
Homeowners associations (HOAs) manage and maintain common areas, amenities and finances in a neighborhood or community. The Board of Directors is a group of homeowner volunteers who oversee these tasks and make important decisions on behalf of the community. Ghertner & Company partners with Boards in the communities we manage to advise on HOA issues, give day-to-day support, and provide training for Board members to learn more about the best ways to help their communities.
If you are a homeowner, joining the HOA Board can be a great way to get involved in your community. Some reasons to serve on your HOA’s Board include the following:
Have a say in decision-making: As a member of the Board, you will have a voice in important decisions that affect your community. You can help prioritize projects, allocate funds, and ensure that the community is being run in a way that benefits all residents.
Build relationships: Joining the Board is a great way to meet your neighbors and build relationships within your community. You can work closely with other Board members and residents who attend HOA meetings and events.
Gain valuable experience: Serving on the Board can provide valuable experience in leadership, decision-making, and communication. These skills can be useful in other areas of your personal and professional life.
Improve your community: By joining the Board, you can help improve your community in tangible ways. You can work to ensure that common areas are well-maintained, amenities are updated, and rules are enforced fairly.
Protect your investment: By participating in the Board, you can help protect your investment in your home. A well-managed HOA can help maintain (or increase) property values, attract new residents, and create a desirable living environment.
Joining your HOA Board is a rewarding experience that allows you to positively impact your community. If you are interested in getting involved, consider attending HOA meetings and speaking with current Board members to learn more about the responsibilities and opportunities for serving on the Board. You can also contact your Ghertner & Company Community Association Manager to learn more.
Better Health Promoted Among Associates
Over 40 associates took part in the 4th Annual Spring Fling 5k Walk/Run event held last month on the Cumberland River Greenway. This company-supported event is part of Ghertner & Company's wellness emphasis. The 5K promoted a healthier lifestyle by encouraging physical activity in the upcoming warmer months. Each participant was given a half-day of PTO, and the onsite raffle included other giveaways as an incentive.
Giving Back to Those Who Served
For their second quarter “Giving Back to the Community” charity, Ghertner & Company selected local non-profit, Matthew 25. Matthew 25 exists to provide housing, hope and healing to homeless veterans in Middle Tennessee. Their service-intensive transitional housing program offers a safe, sober and supportive living environment for men in need by providing beds, meals, counseling and job placement services. Learn more at Matthew25Nashville.org.
Pictured at the $500 check presentation are Jim Ward, Matthew 25 Executive Director; Jaye Kloss, Ghertner & Company CAM Lead/Marketing; Patrick Landrum, Community Association Manager; and Matthew Miller, Matthew 25 Director of Development.
One way to get involved is through the organization’s Walk Through the Woods event on May 6. Find out more at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/walkinthewoods2023/.
Lenox Village HOA Meet and Greet
In January 2023, Ghertner & Company hosted a meet and greet with the Lenox Village HOA members at the Citipointe Church Nashville. Homeowners had the opportunity to learn more about HOA management services, including using the online owner portal and meeting the leadership team. Insurance professionals were also in attendance. Representatives from Ghertner Maintenance and Remodeling shared how they could be resources for homeowners and the HOA. Tiffany Putman is the community manager.
Lenox Village, located in South Nashville, is comprised of 1,089 single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments and includes several commercial enterprises to serve the community. Recognized with the Smart Growth award from the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee, its 208-acre tract is Nashville’s first full-scale traditional neighborhood development.
Panel Featuring Attorneys Proves Helpful
Three attorneys specializing in homeowners association governing documents and common association issues were panel guests for a special Education and Development training for associates. Representing three law firms used by Ghertner & Company, Garrett Asher, Alvin Harris, and Gerald Wigger discussed a wide variety of planned topics and fielded questions that resulted in a practical and lively workshop.
Murfreesboro Workshop: Code of Conduct
Over forty Board members and Ghertner & Company team members attended the February Leadership Training Workshop in Murfreesboro. Participants were treated to a complimentary lunch at the Hampton Inn, while learning more about developing a code of conduct for Board members. The presentation and ensuing discussion focused on the basic factors of an official Code of Conduct and how it will benefit the Board and Homeowners.
Ghertner & Company Director of Development and Training, Kathleen Sutherland, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, presented the workshop and led the Q&A session.
Plant Native Shrubs When Replacing Dead Evergreens
The flash freeze in December in Middle Tennessee killed many exotic evergreen shrubs. Naturalist and author, Joanna Brichetto, makes a strong appeal for choosing certain deciduous and evergreen shrubs in her article, “Skip the Skip Laurel, Say No to Nandina: Choose Native”. She includes an extensive list of the names of shrubs to look for and locations where these can be purchased. As a member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of Wild Ones and of the Tennessee Native Plant Society, she shares factors to consider when choosing plants and the reasons why ‘choosing native plants’ plays an important role in our environment. The following is an excerpt:
“If your exotic evergreens are now “ever-brown” from the recent freeze, this is an ideal time to upgrade to natives. It doesn’t make sense to simply plant more of the same: the same non-native foundation shrubs that are anything but foundational to our ecosystem. Laurel, boxwood, nandina, Chinese holly, euonymus, false cypress, red-tips, Japanese cedar, and so forth: plants that evolved with creatures and conditions on different continents. What we need in Tennessee are more shrubs that evolved nearby. Native shrubs can be more likely to survive extreme weather, year-round. And most importantly, natives are the only sustainable choice: they contribute to local foodwebs in countless, critical ways that non-native plants cannot.
But, which native shrubs give us the color, texture, and size we want, while giving birds, bees, and butterflies what they need?”
Read the entire article at https://ghertner.com/sustainability/sustainability-articles.
As part of Ghertner & Company’s commitment to sustainability in middle Tennessee and managed communities, our website has many other resources at Ghertner.com/sustainability.
Unique Amenity for Downtown HOA
The Muse, featuring 56 condominium homes in the heart of Nashville, has added to its uniqueness of a mixed residential and commercial space with the opening of The Drip Bar. This onsite business allows residents and guests to schedule vitamin therapy treatments to increase energy and improve overall health.
Chanel Mumford is the Community Association Manager.
State Representative Freeman Speaks at CAI Event
The Tennessee Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) began the year with a record attendance for the January lunch meeting. Featured speaker, State Representative Bob Freeman, addressed topics and issues relevant to middle Tennessee and the state such as, taxes, infrastructure, traffic, and political dynamics. Many Ghertner & Company managers and associates were present as part of the company’s ongoing investment as industry leaders.
CAI is dedicated to enhancing the quality of community association living through education, legal advocacy, professional development and networking opportunities. Learn more at CAITN.org.
Top Five Reasons to Love Your HOA
February is all about things we love, and today we’re sharing the top five reasons to love your homeowners association. There are many things that make owning a home in a homeowners association beneficial to you and your neighbors.
1. It protects your home value (and may even increase it).
According to the July 2019 Journal of Urban Economics, “houses in HOAs have prices that are on average at least 4%, or $13,500, greater than observably similar houses outside of HOAs”. In addition, a 2022 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey by the Foundation for Community Association Research revealed that 68% percent of homeowners living in homeowners associations believe that the association’s rules protect and enhance property values.
2. It keeps your community looking clean and in tip-top shape.
When your Board of Directors employs a property management company, it can help with managing day-to-day activities like maintenance of front entry signage, common areas, and community amenities. In addition, community rules (outlined in your governing documents) establish individual home maintenance and appearance standards that all homeowners must abide by.
3. You can enjoy community amenities.
From the pool to your clubhouse or walking trails and gyms, some HOAs provide generous community amenities for all residents to enjoy. If your community has an amenity to enjoy, be sure to follow all rules while you utilize it.
4. Your HOA gives you the opportunity to know your neighbors better and be social.
The heart of a homeowners association is the community! Many HOAs have welcome committees to welcome new neighbors or social committees that plan events for neighbors to gather and get to know each other better. Some of the communities we manage host holiday parties, community breakfasts, and pool parties to either kick off or end the pool season. If your HOA doesn’t have a social committee or welcome committee, contact your Board and ask about starting one.
5. Your HOA can be your voice in the city you live in.
Property management companies and HOA leaders keep tabs on important HOA issues and legislation in your city and state that affect homeowners associations, for example, restrictions around leasing and large leasing companies owning homes in HOAs.
Do you want to learn more about your homeowners association? Log into your Ghertner & Company owner portal today at ghertner.com/owner to view association documents and the community calendar or make a payment.
Successful Board Member Training Event
Ghertner & Company’s Board Leadership Training kicked off in Murfreesboro in 2023 after a successful training session in the area at the end of 2022. Around forty-five Board members and several community association managers attended. January’s topic was Strategic Planning and Board Dynamics led by industry leader Kathleen Sutherland, Director of Training and Development.
Board members participated by creating community goals and plans to achieve them this year utilizing Board member strengths, available funding, and community dynamics.
Ghertner & Company provides monthly leadership training for its HOA Board members, free of charge, with a complimentary lunch to support the volunteers in this critical role. For more information, contact your community association manager.
Annual Partnership Benefits Children
Our Kids Center is a Middle Tennessee nonprofit that provides expert medical evaluations and crisis counseling in response to concerns of child sexual abuse in a compassionate environment. Our Kids is dedicated to increasing community awareness of child sexual abuse, conducting research, and offering education and training about the issue in 47 counties.
Each year, Ghertner & Company associates collect and donate much-needed resources in support of their work in the community as part of its Giving Back initiative. Executive Director Sue Ford White and Development and Communications Coordinator Jill Martindale received the donation on behalf of Our Kids.
Nichols Vale Community Hosts Diwali Event
Homeowners in the Nichols Vale HOA in Mount Juliet celebrated Diwali in October. Diwali is an Indian holiday celebrating light overcoming darkness. Homeowners celebrated with food, dancing, and other activities.
The Mount Juliet Police Department was invited to participate in the festivities, and homeowners recognized them for their efforts to protect the city. The mayor of Mount Juliet also attended.
Demetria Nunley is the Community Association Manager for Nichols Vale.
Christmas Party at Cool Springs East Brings Neighbors Together
Cool Springs East HOA in Franklin recently celebrated Christmas as a community on December 11. There were activities for homeowners and residents of all ages, including cookie decorating, reindeer food-making, and a gingerbread house decorating contest. A quartet from Ravenwood High School performed Christmas carols. Santa made a visit to the neighborhood to attend the event and meet the youngest residents to hear their Christmas wishes.
Jennifer Williams is the Community Association Manager for Cool Springs East.
Celebrating the Holidays with Associates
Ghertner & Company associates shared in the spirit of the season with a holiday party to end 2022 on a great note. While the company provided the main course, team members supplied delicious sides, desserts, and drinks. There were also contests for creative holiday outfits, best desserts, and games related to the songs of the season.
Murfreesboro Workshop for HOA Board Members
Over 60 Board members from Murfreesboro and surrounding areas attended the Lunch & Learn workshop on December 1. Director of Development and Training Kathleen Sutherland presented on Financial Reports and Planning. An overview of how to understand income statements, balance sheets, and related data was beneficial to attendees in setting strategic goals for their communities. Also discussed was how easy these reports are for Board members to access through their online Board portal. Questions and discussion were shared as Board members related the topic to everyday challenges. Many managers and Board members met extensively after the meeting to further discuss the topic.
Monthly Lunch & Learn workshops are provided as a complimentary service to Ghertner & Company-managed communities throughout the year online and in-person, covering a wide variety of practical subjects.
Getting In Shape for the Holidays
As the holidays approach, Ghertner & Company associates participated in the fall Turkey Wobble as a reminder to make good health a priority throughout the year by getting out and walking. This 5K event takes place near the corporate offices and is one of the many ways the Go365 wellness ‘Champs’ encourage exercise in cooperation and support of the Humana Wellness Program. Besides enjoying the outdoor air and fellowship during the walk, incentives were provided by the company and wellness provider.
HSC Team Enjoys Hands-On Experience
Looking for a way to build camaraderie within the Homeowner Service Center team, the group had a unique outing to a local business, Painting With A Twist. Each associate was able to create their own Nashville skyline work of art while spending time sharing, laughing together, and encouraging each other. This talented team is the first line of engagement with homeowners handling a myriad of challenges, including helping homeowners with billing or general questions, helping homeowners navigate the owner's portal, and reaching the community manager or administrative assistants for additional support. The team is led by team lead Alaina Beard and Homeowner Service Center director Felecia Berry.
Ghertner & Company Annual Trade Show Returns!
Over 100 people attended the recent annual Ghertner & Company Trade Show and seminars at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville on Friday, November 4th. Board members, community managers and Ghertner associates were able to network with a wide variety of vendors to learn more about their products and services. A complimentary lunch was provided for attendees and door prizes were given by vendors.
Helpful seminars were provided in two sessions prior to the midday Trade Show. Industry professionals shared to a full room the value of reserve studies along with another seminar on ways to increase a community’s environmental features.