So when it comes time to give your house a facelift, consider these touch-ups and renovations that will not only make your home look better than ever but also help increase its value:

Re-paint Your Rooms: One of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to dramatically change the entire look of a room is to add a fresh coat of paint. Not only will it immediately make your walls look crisp and clean, but also, because wall color can greatly dictate the feel of a room, it’s a simple way to change the ambiance of your home. Since darker colors seem intense on walls and can make a room look smaller, it’s usually best to stick with lighter, warmer hues for your overall color to make your home feel open and welcoming. If you want to paint with darker colors, consider limiting them to an accent wall so that the color isn’t overwhelming and pops against the lighter colors.

If you’re doing the painting yourself, here are a few tips so your paint job looks professional:

• Apply a coat of primer first so that walls won’t soak up as much paint. Use two coats of paint to ensure a rich, even coverage.
• Use painters’ tape along the outside edge of the area you’re painting to get sharp, even lines.

Update Your Kitchen and Bathrooms: If your kitchen or bathrooms look like they belong in an era long since passed, it might be time to update them. That can be as simple as retiling the floor and replacing faucets and cabinet hardware or as complex as completely remodeling the rooms. When you remodel, consider avoiding too-trendy decor and instead stick with classic looks that will stand the test of time–this will keep you from redecorating again in five years and also make your home all the more appealing to potential buyers.

Add a Home Office: People’s work and home lives are drastically merging as more and more workers telecommute from home. Because of this, turning an empty basement, attic or bedroom into a dedicated home office can give you a peaceful place to work and also be a real selling point for potential buyers.

A good home office will have enough space to comfortably work in and have easy access to the Internet, electrical outlets and cable and phone jacks. Touches like built-in bookcases and desks can add that extra something that makes your home office a productive place to work.

Let There be Light: When a room doesn’t have enough light, it can feel very drab and enclosed. Bring in some much-needed brightness by adding new light fixtures to a dreary room. Don’t be afraid to use different types of fixtures to get the best results—for example, in a kitchen you could use a hanging pendant to spotlight a specific area (like the kitchen’s island), recessed light fixtures to spread the light  over the entire room and track lighting under the cabinet to make the kitchen feel open and bright. If you’re not sure which types of lighting fixtures will work best for you, consult a residential lighting designer to find out how to light your room just right.

Finish Your Basement or Attic: Utilize every inch of your home by turning your unfinished basement or attic into extra living space. These areas are untapped gems that can be used as game rooms or extra bedrooms, or, with enough space and the right design, a home all on its own complete with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. Basements and attics have special characteristics that need to be addressed. For example, basements are prone to water infiltration and attics often have slanted ceilings. It’s a good idea to bring in the professionals to guide you through these obstacles and make sure all major components like pluming, electric, walls and floors are done correctly.

In joining the companies, Duvall/CAMS and CAMS will now have a combined 100 employees, managing more than 200 finer communities in North and South Carolina. Dave Sweyer and Mike Stonestreet of CAMS and Howard Duvall of Duvall Investment are optimistic about integrating Duvall’s distinct approach to commercial and residential property management with CAMS’ expertise and presence in the NC market.

“Duvall Investment Group, Inc. is a company with similar values that will additionally compliment our resources,” Sweyer said.

Duvall Investment Group, Inc. was founded in 1983 by Howard Duvall and now comprises over 30 commercial and residential properties throughout the Charlotte and Piedmont Triad areas. Duvall’s primary services include property, facility and association management, office development and redevelopment, asset management and planning.

Like Duvall, CAMS specializes in managing community associations through a highly knowledgeable and certified management staff. CAMS manages 175 properties along the coast of North Carolina, in the Triangle area of NC and in Georgia.

Duvall/CAMS will be able to take advantage of CAMS Management Systems which include a new business operating software that is specifically designed for associations. With this, customers will have greater online access to their community information, accounting, community communications, etc.

“With the strengths, experience and synergies of both companies we feel that we can grow the new company in Charlotte and Western North Carolina and South Carolina,” Stonestreet said.

Ray Received BA, BS, & MA degrees from the University of DePauw, University of Wisconsin, and University of Colorado. In addition, he held a Florida Condominium Manager License and completed all hotel and restaurant management course work at Florida State University.

His glowing letters of reference contain statements such as:

“Ray did very well and maintained a great working relationship with the Board and the residents.”

“Ray was always very calm and unexcitable. Quiet and reserved mostly, but when he felt he needed to make a point, he did not hesitate.”

“Clearly he was proactive. It was Ray who finally convinced this community to embark on a decade overdue infrastructure improvement program.”

“Mr. Sohl has been an effective general manager in meeting the demands of this very high workload position. He has achieved strong cost controls, effectively managed the construction of a new maintenance facility, dealt with some challenging staff issues, and greatly improved the appearance and overall maintenance of the grounds and facilities. During his tenure, Mr. Sohl supervised turning a derelict building into a beautiful clubhouse for meetings and events, expanded and remodeled the marina, installed a new easy pass entry system at the gatehouse and has been integrally involved in the community’s massive dam spillway repair project.”

We are fortunate that Ray is now a Community Manager in the Triangle area which includes Chapel Ridge Community Association, Providence Glen Condominiums and Wexford Homeowners Association and will manage additional associations .

CAMS is pleased to announce Tetterton Management Group has merged their business with CAMS. Tetterton Management group has been in business in the Morehead City/Atlantic Beach area for over 20 years and currently manages 9 community associations with 450 property owners. CAMS has been in business since February 1991 and currently manages 175 community associations with approximately 22,000 property owners.

“We believe the strength and success of both companies and the fact that our customers are very similar is why we feel this merger is a great fit for both of us”, states Dave Sweyer, CEO of CAMS.

To the excitement of both companies, Hilton Tetterton, who has been paramount in the success of Tetterton Management Group, has decided to continue his management pursuits with CAMS as a Community Manager working with the same customers in the Morehead City/Atlantic Beach area.

“Hilton has been very involved in almost all areas of professional real estate services over the years and knows the markets very well. Therefore, our plan is to try to grow our Association Management business in these markets after we transition the existing customers”, states Mike Stonestreet, President of CAMS.

The benefit to having these two companies merge is that CAMS will be able to offer Tetterton’s customers some new innovative services such as greater online access to their community information, accounting, community communications, etc. Each homeowner will have the ability to access their association account online, submit and track online work order requests, submit and track architectural change requests, check on the status of community violations, and setup online bill payment.

“Our internal push at CAMS is to transition most of our associations to paperless solutions for their membership,” Sweyer says. CAMS’ clients will carry out savings by sending out e-statements as opposed to traditional coupons or paper statements, or sending out electronic newsletters and notices as opposed to mailing out hardcopy newsletters.

“We are challenged in these tough economic times to find savings for our customers while improving the value we provide,” Sweyer said.

Generally, too much secrecy by boards leads to suspicion, distrust, and strife. With that said,why would a board exclude association members from its meetings? Most often,boards meet in private to avoid having to deal with association members. Some boards hold closed sessions to discuss controversial issues. In other associations, the board develops an “us versus them” attitude and prefers not to have members watching. At times boards meet in secret to avoid dealing with an irate homeowner. These are poor reasons to close a meeting, and most can be resolved without upsetting the entire neighborhood. For instance, association members generally have no right to participate— make motions or to debate—in board meetings. As a result, their attendance should not interrupt business. In the event a homeowner becomes disorderly, that owner can be excluded from the meeting without excluding all association members. Legitimate reasons for closing a meeting generally concern issues that if discussed in public could violate privacy laws, harm the association, or cause embarrassment to a party. Valid reasons for going into closed session include:

• Consulting with legal counsel;

• Discussing litigation or prospective litigation by or against the association;

• Reviewing information that is confidential or should not be generally known, such as delinquent dues;

• Conferring about contracts or real property purchases;

• Reviewing association employees or personnel issues; or

• Handling disciplinary matters or rules violations by members.

CAN YOU GO INTO CLOSED SESSION?

A first question is whether state law permits association boards to hold closed meetings. One NC statute provides that homeowners must be given an opportunity to attend a portion of a board meeting to speak about issues or concerns “at regular intervals.” Certainly, then, not all board meetings can be closed. Another statute provides:“Except as otherwise provided in the bylaws, meetings of the association and the executive board shall be conducted in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.” However, Robert’s doesn’t care whether board meetings are open or closed. In fact, there are no general parliamentary prohibitions on closed meetings or what can happen during closed portions. A better question is how closed meetings are impacted by language in association governing documents. For instance, the declaration or bylaws may restrict when a board can go into closed session to certain circumstances. Occasionally, association governing documents will provide that “all board meetings shall be open to association members.” Generally, such language is too broad in that there are legitimate reasons for a board meeting in closed session. Associations sometimes attempt to avoid in-person meetings by transacting business through telephone or e-mail. Beware. There are statutes dealing with telephonic meetings. However, decisions made online or by e-mail are usually not official actions and must be ratified at a later meeting.

CONCLUSION

Closed board sessions should be approached cautiously and with the advice of legal counsel. Even if permitted by law and the governing documents, the question must still be asked,“Should the meeting be held in private?” Not much has changed since President Kennedy noted inherent opposition to secret proceedings. Except for those instances where closed sessions are truly necessary, the controversy and suspicion may not be worth the trouble.

Article courtesy of Jim Slaughter – CAI Serving NC Newsletter

Step 1. Get a Rescue Alert Sticker

This sticker will let people know that pets are inside. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers and that it includes:

a.       The types and numbers of pets

b.      The name of your veterinarian and phone number

c.       If you must evacuate with your pets and time permits write “EVACUATED” across the sticker.

Step 2. Arrange a Safe Haven

Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. It is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:

a.       Check with your Vet for a list of preferred boarding kennels

b.      Ask your local shelter if they provide emergency shelter

c.       Identify hotels or motels outside your immediate area if they accept pets

d.      Ask friends and family outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.

Step 3. Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits

Keep an Evac-Pak and supplies handy, items to consider keeping in or near your

packs include:

a.       Pet first-aid kit and guide book

b.      3-7 days’ worth of canned ( pop top) or dry food

c.       Disposable litter trays ( aluminum roasting pans are perfect)

d.      Litter or paper toweling

e.       Liquid dish soap and disinfectant

f.        Disposable garbage bags

g.       Pet feeding dishes

h.       Extra harness and leash

i.         Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a supply of any medicine your pet requires.

j.        Bottled water, at least 7 days worth for each person and pet

k.      A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet

l.         Flashlight

m.     Blanket ( for scooping up a fearful pet)

n.       Recent photos of your pets( in case you are separated and need to make “LOST” posters)

o.      Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoop able litter

p.      Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liners.

Step 4. Choose “Designated Caregivers”

This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver.

Step 5. Evacuation Preparation

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case-scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks

When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instruction of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

a.       Store emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.

b.      Make sure your pet wear collars and tags with up to date identification.

c.       the ASPCA recommends micro chipping your pet as a permanent form of identification

d.      Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.

e.       Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangement for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

CENTURY 21 Sweyer & Associates, Century 21 Sweyer Rentals & CAMS announced today that the company has raised over $40,000 for Easter Seals UCP of North Carolina and Virginia as a result of the successful CENTURY 21 Sweyer Fundraiser & Raffle held at Century 21 Sweyer Landfall Office on August 6^th, 2010.

Thank you to the generosity of everyone who donated money. Special thanks to our Gold Sponsors:

North State Bank – $1000.00
Coverbind – $1000.00
Alpha Mortgage – $750.00
MEDAC – $500.00
Lenders Title & Escrow – $500.00
Allen Meglin – $500.00
Nicholas & Tia Saffo – $500.00
Blitz Research, Mike Harms – $500.00
Brian King – $400.00
Peter Saffo – $400.00
Stuart Vick – $360.00
2-10 Homebuyers Warranty – $350.00
Dave & Lisa Sledzik – $300.00
Tony Kotsopoulos – $300.00
Shoreline Maintenance & Security – $300.00

Thank you for your donation to Easter Seals UCP of North Carolina.  MEDAC purchased the winning ticket for the raffle drawing.  They graciously donated all of the winnings back to Easter Seals UCP.

“It is a pleasure to donate our time and resources to raise funds for our local Easter Seals chapter.  Fundraising events such as our CENTURY 21 Sweyer Fundraiser & Raffle provides our sales associates & employees, CAMS Division, & Rental’s Division the opportunity to give back to the local community while raising awareness of this worthy cause,” said Jeff Sweyer, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 Sweyer & Associates.  “It is a great feeling to have, knowing that our contributions go directly toward helping people with disabilities in our community achieve greater independence.”

The entire CENTURY 21 System has been affiliated with Easter Seals since 1979 and has raised more than $100 million to help children and adults with disabilities lead fuller, more independent lives.

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. For more than 85 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals create life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities.

As the economy slowed down over the last couple years, at CAMS, we took the opportunity to focus our company on a couple of areas that we felt would have a positive impact for our customers.  Our goal at CAMS is to be one of the leaders in professional association management.  We continuously look for opportunities to improve our professionalism, utilize technology to better serve our customers, be a voice for our customers on legislative issues, and educate our customers on homeowner associations.  The following is some of the results of our most recent improvement efforts:

• AAMC Certification - CAMS recently joined the elite group of community association management companies who have earned the Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) designation from Community Associations Institute (CAI).  CAMS is one of only 150 management companies nationwide (only nine in NC) who have earned the highest level of professional recognition in the community association field.  Furthermore, CAMS employees are continually participating in advanced level CAI classes and CAMS’ semi-monthly manager meetings to ensure a higher standard of knowledge, experience and integrity.
• PCAM Certification – Community Manager, Todd Edmiston, who has been employed with CAMS for 12 years, received his PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager) designation from CAI.  This designation is the highest professional recognition available nationwide to managers who specialize in community association management.  Managers who have earned the PCAM designation have displayed a significant commitment to their profession.  Through extensive education requirements, they have gained an understanding of all aspects of community association management.  CAMS now has four PCAMs on staff.
• CPA - CAMS added a 30-year veteran CPA to the staff last fall, another senior accountant with an MBA degree is taking classes to gain his CPA which should be completed in 2011, and our third senior accountant has been with CAMS since 1998.
• New Software - CAMS has invested $60,000 in CINC, a web-based software, that allows a higher level of transparency, a quicker production of information, seamless integration with banks, and offers a user-friendly interface for board members and members.
• Enhanced Collections – CAMS has partnered with Financial Data Systems (FDS) to attack delinquent homeowner collection problems head on at negotiated rates based on volume. Together we offer an enhanced program on ensuring your community association follows accounts receivables best practices.  These enhancements improve communications, make it easier to pay (with affordable credit card and ACH payment options) and put teeth in the consequences of non-payment.  A contingency collection process is also available for particularly difficult accounts.
• Customer Education – CAMS hosts free “Ask The Experts” seminars every year to provide education and access for Board Members to lawyers, accountants, insurance professionals, engineers, management company, etc.  Association Board Members have fiduciary responsibilities, which compel them to make decisions that can have profound financial and social impact on their communities. Our goal is to drive up the knowledge of HOA administration.  Additionally, CAMS personnel serve on discussion panels with HOA-NC for customer education.
• North Carolina Legislation – CAMS participated in forums with lawmakers in Raleigh discussing authority of an HOA and change considerations to the State statutes.  We are actively involved with State lawmakers and the discussion of licensing and regulating of community managers.  Furthermore, we have worked setting up FHA financing within multi-family communities with mortgage financing changes.
• Vendor Forums - CAMS has been hosting lunches for many of our largest vendors over the course of the year to keep lines of communication open, discuss pricing, quality service and other industry issues.
• Outreach - In addition to serving the associations we manage, CAMS’ team members contribute to the communities it serves individually and corporately through “CAMS Gives Back.”  Recent volunteer opportunities include managing “Pro Bono” a Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity community; providing healthy snacks for an afterschool enrichment program for at-risk children; gathering coats for the homeless; participating in Work on Wilmington (WOW) by painting at the Boys & Girls Brigade Club; supporting a camp for children with special healthcare needs; and raising tens of thousands of dollars annually for Easter Seals.

We hope this information has enlightened you, and further explains who we are.  Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or concerns.  We value your relationship with CAMS.  Thank you.

Most sincerely,

- Dave Sweyer and Mike Stonestreet, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®
CAMS Co-Owners

We would like to extend a special thank you and congratulations to those who started NBC-CAM, those who governed the program over the past 15 years and those who have been a part of creating and maintaining this successful credential.

And, congratulations to the nearly 10,000 credentialed managers for earning and maintaining the CMCA!

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits professional certification programs across the country that complying with strict standards. The mission of NCCA is to help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of certification programs/organizations that assess professional competence. The purpose of NCCA accreditation is to provide the public and other stakeholders the means by which to identify certification programs that serve their competency assurance needs.

- CAI (Community Association Institute)  www.caionline.org

CAMS has been an active association management company since 1991.  Mike Stonestreet, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Co-Owner/President of CAMS, also holds the prestigious Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®) designation from CAI.  Mike merged with CEO Dave Sweyer of Century 21 Sweyer Property Management in 2003, and together with the 50-person organization, they manage over 160 condominium and community associations.

To earn the AAMC distinction, management companies need three years of experience in community association management and at least 50 percent of their managers must have earned professional designations. 

Professional managers provide administrative, operational and managerial counsel to community association boards.  They typically are responsible for managing budgets and contractors, directing association personnel, and overseeing compliance with association covenants and restrictions. 

CAMS’ community managers attend advanced level continuing education courses with CAI on a regular basis, and together with their co-workers participate in semi-monthly in-house training to ensure a higher standard of knowledge, experience and integrity.

CAI is a national organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, responsive, competent community associations.  Some 50 million Americans live in the nation’s estimated 250,000 association-governed communities.

CAI and its 55 state, regional and local chapters work on behalf of the professionals and volunteers engaged in the management and governance of homeowner & condominium associations, cooperatives and other planned communities.  CAI’s 16,000 members include community association volunteer leaders, managers, management companies and businesses that provide products and services to these communities.