|
This page addresses questions that are most often asked about JBC
Property Management and Association living. If you have a question that you
would like to see addressed here, please let us know by
clicking here.
About JBC Property
Management
About JBC Property
Management and Association Websites
About Association Living
About Association Board of Directors
About Financial Information
About Administrative Information
About JBC Property Management
What are JBC
Property Management's business hours?
We're open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding Holidays.
What is JBC Property Management’s mailing address and contact
information?
You can send any correspondence
to your Association at the following address:
JBC Property Management, Inc.
13486 Canal Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Phone: (586) 254-3000
Fax: (586) 254-3331
Email:
info@TeamJBC.com
How
do I reach JBC Property Management for after-hours emergencies?
The main telephone number of our office (586-254-3000) is
answered during our regular business hours. After hours (5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Monday - Friday and 24 hours a day on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays) our
24-hour emergency answering service can be reached at 586-254-3000 and pressing
1 upon hearing the voice prompts. Please leave a message after the voice
prompt. Your voice message is delivered electronically to numerous JBC
employees. The JBC employees answering these calls will know who to contact in
the event of an emergency. Remember for police, fire or medical emergencies dial
911.
What does JBC
Property Management do for my Association?
JBC Property Management implements the decisions of the Board
of Directors, attends Board meetings, oversees Association contractors, performs
site inspections of the property, ensures architectural integrity, ensures Rules
and Regulations compliance, produces and manages Association website, monitors
insurance policies, and provides a 24-hour emergency service.
In addition JBC Property Management answers questions by mail,
phone and e-mail about the Association, processes architectural modification
applications, writes necessary violation and compliance letters, and prepares
and mails Association notifications.
JBC Property Management also collects and deposits Association
assessments, pays Association invoices, prepares monthly financial statements,
answers account balance questions, tracks delinquent accounts, and interacts
with the association’s collection attorney.
In general, JBC Property Management handles the day-to-day
operation of the Association under the direction of the Board of Directors.
Why do we need JBC Property Management when we have a Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors positions are voluntary and fulfilling
the many obligations assigned to the Board can be a difficult task. That's why
the majority of Associations hire professional management firms to handle some
or all of these duties. When JBC Property Management is hired, it allows the
Board to maintain oversight of the affairs of the community without having to
sacrifice personal pursuits in order to carry out the various Board duties.
How do I obtain a
quote for management services?
Click here and submit the requested information to obtain
a detailed presentation noting pricing and the complete list of services offered
by JBC Property Management.
About JBC Property Management and
Association Websites
Why do I have to login to your
site?
By logging in to “My Account” through the JBC Property
Management website, we are able to provide you with unique features specifically
for you and your Association. Logging in to “My Account” allows us to give you
real-time updates on your financial status with the Association, compliance
related issues (if any) and keep you current with any announcements or events
pertaining to the Association. In addition, a separate username and password
for each visitor allows us to provide you with a safe and secure internet
experience.
About Association Living
What is an Association?
An association is a non-profit corporation created in order to
enforce the Association Documents as well as maintain, enhance, and protect the
value of common property and the neighborhood as a whole. By virtue of
purchasing a home within an Association, you are a member who must pay
assessments and abide by the Association Documents.
How does an
Association operate?
Your Association is a private, non-profit organization
comprised of the individual owners in your particular development. In most
cases, you are automatically a member of the Association upon purchase of
property in the community. The Association is responsible for the regulation,
protection, and maintenance of the shared property of the community in order to
protect the investment of each individual, as well as to enhance the value of
everyone's property. Your Association's operating funds come from the required
assessments paid by each owner of the community. The Association conducts an
Annual Meeting to select its Board of Directors, disseminate the Board approved
budget and discuss and vote on a wide variety of Association business issues.
What are my
rights as an owner within an Association?
As an Owner, you are automatically a member of the Association
in most cases and will remain so as long as you own your home. You have the
right to participate in the Association at the level of involvement you choose.
You can seek to be elected to the Board of Directors or appointed to a
Committee, or you may prefer to only attend Association meetings and vote on
issues of interest to you.
What
are my responsibilities as an owner within an Association?
You are responsible for paying all assessments as determined
annually by your Board of Directors. Assessments are the primary source of
income for your Association. You will be notified of the amount of such
assessments and will receive a billing (for most homeowner associations) or a
monthly coupon book (for most condominium associations). From time to time, as
operating expenses go up, you may see increases in your assessment. It is
important to pay all assessments in a timely manner, as failure to pay could
result in fines, a lien against your property, a lawsuit for payment, or even
foreclosure proceedings.
You are responsible for abiding by the Rules and Regulations
outlined in the legal documents you received at closing. Typically, these
documents establish architectural standards, govern use of the property within
the community, and require that PRIOR written approval from the Board of
Directors be obtained for all modifications to the exterior appearance,
additions, and structural changes. If you wish to request approval for a
modification, please
click here and
submit your request on the form provided.
You are responsible for obtaining and maintaining your own
insurance coverage on your personal property and any improvements to your home
or lot. The Association insurance covers only the common areas of the community.
Your insurance needs should be closely examined by you because they are very
different from your needs when owning your own home in a traditional
single-family development. It is crucial that you contact your personal
insurance agent to review the coverage required for your particular
circumstances. Your Association is not responsible for obtaining or maintaining
your personal insurance.
You are responsible for abiding by the rules of your
Association. Each Association has rules that best meet the needs of the owners
of that particular community.
Why did I receive a violation letter? The Association is too strict.
In most cases, “violation” or inspection letters are simply to
bring an issue to the owner’s attention. JBC Property Management does drive
through inspections of the communities to ensure there are no issues with the
common property, any contractors that may be doing work in the common area, and
to check for violations of the Association Documents. When there is an issue,
you may get a notice. We understand that often, the grass is tall only because
you’ve been called out of town on an emergency, or that the broken mailbox has
already been ordered and will be delivered next week. Please feel free to
contact us and let us know. In the rare case where an owner routinely refuses to
adhere to the Association Documents, further action may be taken, but generally
the notices are just to ensure that you know about the issue.
Why do I see violations in my neighborhood? The Association is too lenient.
JBC Property Management completes random drive through
inspections. When there is a violation, a notice is sent and a reasonable amount
of time is given for the owner to bring the issue into compliance. If the issue
is not resolved in an appropriate number of days, subsequent letters are sent.
Failure to comply after receiving three fine letters may result in having the
matter referred to the Association’s attorney for enforcement of the violation
and collection of the fines and legal fees incurred.
How
do I file a complaint about my neighbor?
Please contact the police immediately if you are concerned
about your personal safety. If you wish to file a complaint with the
Association, please click here and submit your
complaint in writing. A notice will be sent to the alleged violator and you
will receive a Complaint Follow Up card to be used to monitor the status of the
alleged violation.
Aren't
the Association rules made to settle neighbor disputes?
No. The Association Documents exist to protect the appearance
and value of the neighborhood as a whole. The Board cannot get involved in
neighbor vs. neighbor disputes that do not deal with the Association Documents
or where it would not be possible for the Board to know the facts of the
situation with any certainty. We recommend that many of these types of issues
(pet complaints, noise, etc.) can be resolved by speaking amicably with your
neighbor. If that does not help, there may be more appropriate avenues than the
Board or the Association management company (i.e. animal control, police, etc.).
I am
selling my home. Do I need to notify the Association?
You or your closing attorney will need to contact the JBC
Property Management Accounting Department so you will no longer be billed for
assessments. You will also need to request a Paid Dues Letter and possibly a
Condo Questionnaire (if required by your title company). In order to
request a Paid Dues Letter and/or Condo Questionnaire,
click here. You may also wish to log into your account on the JBC
Property Management website and unsubscribe yourself from Association-related
e-mail notices.
Can I lease
my unit to someone else?
Yes. Please note that if you are planning to lease your unit,
your lease must state that the tenant agrees to comply with all of the
conditions of the Association documents and Rules and Regulations (if any).
Note further that the minimum lease term for your tenant shall be 12 months.
Upon having your tenant sign the lease, a copy must be sent to JBC Property
Management to keep with your permanent unit file. In addition, daytime, evening
and emergency contact information also needs to be sent to JBC Property
Management.
Do I need to
have my own insurance?
Yes. You cannot rely on the Association’s property casualty
and liability insurance policies to cover your personal property. You are urged
to consult with your insurance agent to determine the appropriate level of
coverage needed for your situation.
Can I
change the exterior of my home?
There are restrictions relative to making modifications to the
common elements - the exteriors of buildings, the common grounds and some
interior building components. Exterior changes or additions require owners to
submit a completed Modification Request Form prior to making any architectural
changes. It is helpful to be familiar with the Association Documents before
submitting your application.
Click here and
complete a Modification Request Form. Please note that the Board of Directors
must approve your request BEFORE you begin any modification.
Why do exterior changes require prior approval from the Board of Directors?
The Association Documents require that any modification be
approved by the Board of Directors. The idea behind the restriction is to ensure
that the appearance of homes remain in compliance with the Association Documents
of your association. The Association Documents are in place, in part, to
protect and enhance the overall property values of the Association.
About Association Board of
Directors
What does the Board of
Directors do?
The Board of Directors is the administering and governing body
of your Association. The method by which the Board is selected varies depending
upon the stage of development of your particular community. Typically,
communities in which fewer than 75 percent of the units are sold have their
Board of Directors appointed by the developer. Once more than 75 percent of the
units are sold, the Board of Directors transitions to one that is elected from
the owners of the Association. Members of the Board of Directors meet regularly
(usually monthly or quarterly) and serve on a voluntary basis without
compensation. Often, the Board appoints committees to assist in its duties. The
Board of Directors has three broad areas of responsibility and oversight:
financial management, day-to-day operation, and community rules and restrictions
administration.
How do I
contact the Board of Directors?
Simply click here to contact the
Board. Your concerns, comments or compliments will be given to your
Association’s Board of Directors.
Some Boards give out their own contact information and that is
their choice. However, Board members are unpaid volunteers who often give a lot
of time to the association. JBC Property Management is hired as an agent of the
association and is therefore the correct contact point for the Board of
Directors.
What are the Board's responsibilities for the financial management of my
Association?
The Board's financial management responsibilities include:
·
Preparing and approving the Association annual
budget.
·
Setting the Association assessment rate.
·
Collecting the Association assessments.
·
Maintaining records of receipts and expenses.
·
Reconciling the Association's accounts.
What are the Board's responsibilities for the day-to-day operation of my
Association?
The Board's day-to-day operation responsibilities include:
·
Arranging for operation of common facilities and
services.
·
Maintaining and repairing all common property.
·
Employing personnel as needed.
·
Providing for the insurance needs of the common
areas of the community.
·
Establishing an effective communication system
among community members.
·
Receiving and handling complaints.
What are the Board's responsibilities for administering Association rules and
restrictions?
The Board's community rules and restrictions administration
responsibilities include:
·
Establishing rules and restrictions for the common
good of the community
·
Enforcing the rules and restrictions uniformly.
About Financial Information
What
type of payment options do you offer?
For your convenience, there are four payment options that are available: Deduction from your bank account one-time, automatic deduction from your bank account on a recurring basis, credit card or payment with a check.
1. ACH ONE TIME PAYMENT
·
This online service allows for you to pay your account balance via a one-time e-Check payment.
2. ACH RECURRING DEBIT (Automatic Monthly Payment)
·
Regular dues/assessment payments can be automatically deducted from your checking or savings account on a monthly basis.
3. CREDIT CARD PAYMENT (One Time Payment)
·
You may pay your account balance
conveniently and securely with a credit card.
To process any of the above electronic payments, please
click here, log into your account and select E-Pay.
4. PAYMENT BY CHECK
·
Your payment coupon must accompany all checks. (IMPORTANT: If you have misplaced your coupon, please write your account number on the memo line of your check)
·
Mail check AND payment coupon to:
(Association Name)
P.O. Box
87873
Carol Steam, IL
60188-7873
·
This post office box is maintained
by the Association’s financial institution. Payments are not processed by the
management company.
·
All checks are processed
electronically and may appear as an ACH item, direct debit or automated check on
your bank statement.
·
Paid checks will not be returned in
your bank statement.
· Note that you are sending your payment out of state. Please plan accordingly for the United States Postal Service to deliver your payment by the designated due date to avoid any late fees.
When
will I receive a new payment book?
Payment books are mailed in early-December to those owners who
are not using the automatic payment service. If you have recently purchased your
home, please click here to request a new coupon book.
How are my
Association Dues or Assessments being spent?
Each year, the annual budget is mailed to each owner. If you
are new to the Association, the budget is contained within your welcome package.
If you have lost your copy of the Budget and would like another, please
click
here. If you have specific questions about a line
item on the budget, please click here to submit your
inquiry.
Who decides how my Association Dues or
Assessments are being spent?
The Board of Directors, under
the authorization of the Association documents.
Do
I have to pay assessments?
If you live in an Association, then you have purchased into a
community where membership is mandatory. In addition, the Association Documents
specify that you must pay assessments to maintain the Association.
About Administrative Information
How can I obtain the Association Documents (Master Deed, Bylaws, Articles of
Incorporation and Covenants Conditions and Restrictions)?
Click here to purchase
these documents. Note that you will be requested to set up an account with
CondoCerts and you will have the opportunity to purchase this information
online. (These documents should have been given to you at your mortgage
closing. You may wish to review your closing documents before purchasing these
documents.)
How can I obtain a Status/Paid Dues Letter?
Click here and follow the instructions noted. You
will be required to set up an account with CondoCerts to purchase this
information online. You will be able to pay for your
request online via credit card and the Status/Paid Dues Letter will be available
via an online link shortly after your request. Rush delivery is possible
however, there is an additional charge as noted.
How can I obtain a Condominium Questionnaire?
Click here and follow the instructions
noted. You will be required to set up an
account with CondoCerts to purchase this information online.
You will be able to pay for your request online via credit card
and the Condominium Questionnaire will be available via an online link
immediately following your payment.
How can I change our Designated Voting Representative for our unit?
Click here to print off a Designated Voting
Representative Form. Please complete, sign and mail the Designated Voting
Representative form to JBC Property Management at any time. Please note that
all owners receive this form each year in the notice for the Association’s
Annual Meeting.
How can I
change my emergency contact information on file?
Click here
to submit any
changes to your emergency contact information.
How can I
obtain proof of the Association’s insurance?
You can obtain a copy of the Association’s insurance by
clicking here. Note that you will be
requested to set up an account with CondoCerts and you will have the opportunity
to purchase this information online.
|
