April 2016

Amenities: Keeping Them Modern

By Brian Weaver, CMCA, AMS Wilkin Management Group, Inc.

pool is lined with private cabanas, a contemporary style lounge, and a back drop of the clear blue ocean. While there, one feels like a distinguished king until the morning of checkout, at which time reality quickly sets in that the expe- rience just enjoyed came with a hefty price tag. As one dodges the valet in an attempt to save the last five dollars in their wallet from a weekend of spending, one quickly realizes that their kingly status has instantly been diminished to that of a pauper. During the long and lonesome walk to the far corner of the parking lot for your car that the valet attendant once brought to you, one justifies that the less expensive, non-ocean front, economy hotel without any services or amenities may not have been so bad. And so it is with community association living. All things being equal in two adjoining communities, the community with the amenities and services comes with a price tag. It is true that in today’s real estate market, there is a trend toward paying more for a smaller condo that boasts a lifestyle with amenities and conveniences versus a larger home that has none of these. Understandably, developers are aware of this and are willing to add the amenities and services if these help the sales process. But, in the end, it is the association that must continue to properly plan for and fund the ongoing maintenance and replacement of such amenities. And how many associations are properly funded for all of these reserve expenses? While a hotel can rapidly change the nightly rates to account for a change in the amenities and services offered, an association does not have that same luxury. What association replaces their clubhouse furniture with the

“...there is a trend toward paying more for a smaller condo that boasts a lifestyle with amenities and conveniences...”

A t one time or another, most of us have spent at least some time in a chic, modern hotel with well- groomed doormen, knowledgeable concierge and hotel staff greeting us by name. The lobby, as the cen- tral point, boasts modern décor and multiple restaurants bearing the names of today’s most prestigious chefs. On one side of the hotel, soothing background music leads to a Miami style gym and spa. Outside, an infinity edge

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