COLUMN: Confusion swirls around new officer

Q. I am the newly installed secretary of an association. I have only been involved for a few months, but no one seems to know what is going on or what to do. We have had two presidents quit without notice in the past four months, the finances are in a shambles, and there seems to be much confusion as to the exact meaning of the covenants. We also have some pending legal action which is costing us a fortune in legal fees.

Where can we get free or low-cost advice on how to get our association back on track?

A. Good advice costs money. Consultants who specialize in association management are few and would expect compensation.

There are alternative sources available, however, that are either free or low-cost, such as association management seminars that are offered regularly through the Continuing Education Department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the ombudsman's office of the Nevada Real Estate Division. Some law offices and professional organizations offer similar programs.

Although education is worthwhile, information by itself will not necessarily cure the ills of your association. You must put that information into action, and a professional property manager may be able to help.

Your association should consider hiring a management company that specializes in problem associations. An effective and efficient management company will provide continuity regardless of changes in personnel on the board, as well as help establish financial stability and advise on legal responsibilities.

With a good management company, your job as secretary will be much easier.

Q. Shortly after closing on our townhouse, we received payment stubs with the association's name and post office box number. We don't know where these payments are going. We've tried calling the telephone number that is listed, but no one answers and there is no answering machine. We can't reach the builder either.

I don't want to send money to a P.O. box, not knowing who is receiving it and who we can contact when problems arise. Since closing, our development looks terrible and the landscaping has been pulled.

Can you help?

A. Contact the escrow company that processed your purchase. It should have this information on file, because it was probably the escrow company that sent information about your transaction to the management company, which then sent the payment stubs to you.

Questions for Barbara Holland may be sent to Association Q. & A., P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125. Her fax number is 385-3759.

Barbara Holland, Certified Property Manager, is president and co-owner of H&L Realty and Management Co. She is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management and is the author of two books on the subject. Holland is a past president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors.

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