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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
Amenities:
Keeping Them Modern
By Brian Weaver, CMCA, AMS
Wilkin Management Group, Inc.
© iStockphoto.com
CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 30
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...”