Board meetings often zero in on immediate concerns, reviewing landscaping contracts, scheduling elevator repairs, or addressing noise complaints. But if your goal is to build a strong community that thrives for decades, it’s important to zoom out and tackle bigger, strategic questions.
Here are seven everyday situations that might sound familiar, and the key questions they raise about your community’s future.
It’s budget season. The treasurer leans back with a sigh and says, ‘We’ll need a $50,000 special assessment to replace the rooftop cooling tower.’ Silence falls across the room; no one saw it coming.
This is all too typical. Nearly 70% of associations are underfunded in reserves. And when reserves run low, it’s not just special assessments you have to worry about; property values decline as well. For example, older Florida condos have seen property values plunge by as much as 22%, a drop the New York Post attributes to chronic reserve shortfalls and long-neglected repairs.
Takeaway: A healthy reserve fund protects both your community and your portfolio values.
Imagine a resident expressing their frustration to a board member: ‘Why didn’t I know about the elevator repairs?’ Your property manager posted the notice in the lobby, but the resident never saw it, causing unnecessary confusion, repeated questions, and tension at the next board meeting.
Most resident complaints stem from communication gaps. That’s why boards are ditching paper flyers and implementing digital tools that guarantee important messages are timely delivered to their residents.
Takeaway: If you’re still relying on bulletin boards and paper flyers, BuildingLink’s communication tools meet residents where they are, on their phones, so no message goes unnoticed.
At a resident gathering, you overhear complaints about fees and landscaping. While no formal concerns have been submitted to the board, it’s clear that some residents are unsatisfied.
A 2024 survey by Zogby Analytics found 86% of residents are satisfied with their community association. That’s great news, but it also means about 1 in 5 aren’t. Without simply asking, you won’t know what’s working and what isn’t.
Takeaway: Surveys give you honest feedback before gossip turns into complaints. With BuildingLink, your community can send out resident surveys in just a few clicks.
A powerful storm hits. The power goes out, and suddenly, the building’s elevators stop working. Residents on upper floors can’t leave their units. Meanwhile, the board scrambles to communicate updates as phones and internet connections falter. Tensions rise, and uncertainty spreads quickly.
When dozens or hundreds of residents depend on your condo community, not having a tested procedure can turn a stressful situation into a dangerous one.
Takeaway: A well-documented, emergency preparedness plan that addresses critical issues like elevator shutdowns, communication, and resident safety ensures your community stays calm, informed, and secure.
You hear about a new state law affecting condos and wonder: Does this apply to us? What happens if we’re not in compliance?
Rules are changing fast
. And sustainability is making its way to the top of the list. For example, New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act requires condos over 25,000 sq. ft. to benchmark energy use, reduce emissions (40% by 2030, 80% by 2050), and submit annual reports starting May 1, 2025. Non-compliance can result in fines or even criminal penalties.
Takeaway: Staying ahead of regulations keeps you compliant and makes your community more attractive to future buyers.
A small leak in one unit turns into water damage in several others. Tempers flare, neighbors demand answers, and the board is scrambling to contain a situation that could have been prevented.
This isn’t just hypothetical. Financial mismanagement, deferred maintenance, and unclear bylaws are the leading causes of costly lawsuits in condo communities. With insurance premiums rising, even minor incidents can quickly become major financial and legal headaches.
Takeaway: Proactive risk management, reviewing policies, bylaws, and procedures annually, keeps your community protected, prevents disputes from spiraling, and safeguards both residents and the board.
It’s election season, and once again, the same names are on the ballot. Volunteers are stretched thin, and new residents aren’t stepping up. What happens if the board burns out?
Recruiting volunteers is one of the toughest challenges communities face. Without a plan to bring in new voices, leadership gaps can hurt progress.
Takeaway: Mentorship and open invitations help build a pipeline of future leaders and prevent burnout.
These scenarios aren’t just hypothetical; they happen in condo buildings all the time. By asking the right questions, boards can shift from putting out fires to building stronger, more connected communities.
And with tools like BuildingLink, boards can simplify communication, stay organized, and make smarter decisions that benefit everyone.
Ready to see how BuildingLink can support your board? Book a demo today.