Cheers to Collaboration: Introducing the Mortgage Mule and a fun collab with the Bier Bars!

This seminar, presented by Nicole from First Citizens Bank's community association banking division and hosted by KS Management, focused on the financial management, protection, and strategic lending options for community associations. Key Themes Fiduciary Responsibility and FDIC Protection Board members are tasked with protecting association funds while ensuring liquidity and competitive returns. The FDIC limit is $250,000 per tax ID per financial institution. When associations exceed this limit, strategies like using sweep accounts (Insured Cash Sweep) or Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (Cedars) help maintain full FDIC protection by distributing funds across multiple banks. Investment Best Practices The primary goal is the preservation of principal. A reserve study is essential for accurate, long-term financial planning. High-risk investments like stocks or Bitcoin are discouraged; safe, low-risk options such as money market accounts, CDs, and laddered CDs are preferred. Lending and Capital Improvements Loans are not inherently negative and can serve as vital safety nets or tools to complete necessary capital projects in a single phase, which is often more cost-effective than phasing. Loan collateral typically consists of the association's accounts receivable. Associations must meet specific criteria, such as low delinquency rates, to qualify for various loan products, including lines of credit, quick-term loans, and standard-term loans. Operational Support The bank and management company work together to provide education, financial analysis, and operational support to boards on a complimentary basis. Centralizing financial activity helps with fraud detection and transparency.

Serving on an HOA or condo association board comes with far more responsibility than most residents realize. From emergency situations and resident communication to budgeting, vendor coordination, maintenance oversight, and long-term planning, board members are often balancing the needs of an entire community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this interview, Keith Lehman, President of the Wood Creek Condo Association in Taylor, Michigan, joins KS CEO Jeremy Reyna for a real conversation about the challenges of serving on a condo board and the value of professional HOA and condo association management. Together, they discuss: • The realities of HOA and condo board leadership • Common challenges condo associations face • The importance of communication and responsiveness • How professional property management supports board members • Why education is an essential part of community association management • The role technology, online portals, and management systems play in modern HOA management • How strong association management helps communities operate more efficiently This conversation is valuable for HOA board members, condo board members, community leaders, homeowners, and anyone involved in community association living throughout Southeast Michigan. KS provides professional HOA management and condo association management services helping communities with financial management, administrative support, vendor coordination, maintenance oversight, landscaping coordination, online resident portals, and 24/7 emergency response services. If your association is looking for better communication, stronger leadership support, and a management company that truly understands community living, KS is here to help. 🌐 https://www.ksmanagementservices.com #HOAManagement #CondoAssociationManagement #HOABoard #CondoBoard #PropertyManagement #CommunityAssociationManagement #MichiganHOA #MichiganCondoAssociation #SoutheastMichigan #HOALiving #CondoLiving #AssociationManagementCompany #HOACommunity #CondoCommunity #PropertyManagementMichigan

Understand how to enforce association rules the right way—consistently, fairly, and within legal boundaries presented by the KS team and Makower Abbate Guerra Wegner Vollmer PLLC. Presented by association legal counsel, this session breaks down what associations can and cannot enforce, and how to apply rules with consistency and authority. Topics include fine structures, hearings, due process, and documentation. The seminar also highlights the importance of allowing management to administer violations to ensure fairness, reduce bias, and protect the board from unnecessary legal exposure. The session will also cover due process requirements, documentation standards, and the legal framework surrounding enforcement actions. Additional focus will be placed on the role of the management company in administering violations to ensure consistency, reduce potential bias, and minimize legal exposure for the board.

At KS Management, we don’t just manage associations—we elevate them. Through education, collaboration, and a commitment to raising the standard of leadership, we help build boards and managers that drive communities forward. This educational seminar trains board members on how a board should properly function. Topics include board member duties, officer roles and responsibilities, committee structure and use, and best practices for decision-making. The session will also clearly define when issues should be handled by the board, when to involve management, and when to engage professionals such as attorneys, CPAs, engineers, and vendors. The goal is to create clear lines of authority, accountability, and efficient governance. What You’ll Gain: Clear Role Understanding Define and strengthen the leadership roles of Presidents, Treasurers, Secretaries, Members-at-Large, and Managers. Know where you lead and how to deliver results. Proven Governance Strategies Master best practices for running efficient meetings, making ethical decisions, and collaborating as a unified board. Practical Solutions for Common Challenges Gain insight into conflict resolution, financial transparency, legal compliance, and other critical areas of board governance. Enhanced Community Engagement Discover ways to foster resident participation, build community pride, and create a connected neighborhood through leadership and communication. Why KS Management? KS Management is recognized as the leader in board education, supporting both our internal team and the greater association community with expert-led programs. We partner with industry leaders, including CAI, to bring education directly to the people who need it most—board members and managers working hard for their communities. We don’t just offer training. We offer leadership that assists and empowers boards to exceed expectations.

KS HOA and Condo Association Board Expert Seminar - Annual Planning. Serving on an association board involves managing a complex environment with many moving parts, requiring attention and strategic planning. Without a clear plan, board members may end up reacting to issues rather than leading effectively. This workshop is designed to help.

When it comes to running a successful association, maintenance isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about preventing problems before they start. This seminar gives board members the tools to stay ahead of costly repairs, protect property values, and keep the community on solid financial ground. Board members play a critical role in protecting community assets and financial stability. One of the most effective ways to do this is through proactive maintenance planning. This seminar provides practical strategies for board leaders to spot issues early, manage vendors effectively, and align maintenance efforts with budgets and reserves. Recognize high-risk maintenance areas unique to associations Build a seasonal maintenance schedule for common property assets Review and evaluate vendor contracts for accountability and service quality Understand how preventative maintenance connects directly to budgeting and reserve planning Explore tools like Vantaca and other online systems for tracking maintenance requests and keeping projects on schedule This session equips board members with actionable steps to prevent costly surprises, keep property values strong, and ensure the community thrives long term.

Understanding your community’s reserve study is key to planning for long-term success. In this informative session board members will learn how reserve studies work, why they matter, and how to use them to protect property values and avoid financial surprises. A well-prepared reserve study is more than just a financial document—it’s a roadmap for protecting your community’s future. This essential session, led by Kevin Bobb, CEO of Building Reserves, is designed to equip board members with the knowledge and tools to confidently manage long-term capital projects and maintain financial health. This seminar will break down the reserve study process into clear, manageable steps and explain how to integrate its findings into your day-to-day operations and budget planning. What You’ll Learn: The Why Behind Reserve Studies: Understand their role in preserving property values, safety, and community infrastructure. Key Components & Funding Models: Learn what goes into a comprehensive reserve study and how various funding strategies impact your association. How to Get Started: Step-by-step guidance on initiating a reserve study that reflects your community’s unique needs. Turning Data into Decisions: Best practices for applying your reserve study results to your annual budget and capital planning. Building Homeowner Buy-In: Tips for effectively communicating reserve needs and gaining resident support. Live Q&A with Kevin Bobb: Get real-time answers to your community’s most pressing reserve planning questions. Whether you're a seasoned board member or newly elected, this masterclass will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and financial foresight.

Join us for an exclusive event where Chris Hancock, CMCA, AMS, PCAM and ATS Advisors, a leading CPA firm, will guide you through the intricacies of your financial statements. Gain valuable insights on financial reports, crafting accurate budgets, and funding your community wisely. Are you looking to demystify the complexities of your community's financial statements? KS Management and ATS Advisors have you covered! We invite you to an insightful event tailored to community leaders like you who are eager to strengthen their financial acumen and make well-informed decisions. 📊 Accessing reports and financials on the portal: Discover the power of financial data at your fingertips! Learn how to efficiently access essential reports and financial information on our user-friendly portal. ATS Advisors will walk you through the navigation process, ensuring you have the necessary tools to monitor your community's financial health effortlessly. 📊 Reading and understanding financial reports: Numbers can tell powerful stories. ATS Advisors will break down the jargon and show you how to interpret financial reports with confidence. Unravel the mystery behind balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports, gaining valuable insights into your community's financial performance. 📊 Creating an accurate budget: Budgeting is the cornerstone of financial planning. ATS Advisors will guide you through the process of crafting an accurate and realistic budget, aligning it with your community's goals and needs. Stay in control of your finances and make strategic decisions with a solid financial roadmap. 📊 Funding your community appropriately: Finding the right financial balance is crucial for community success. ATS Advisors will share best practices on funding strategies, ensuring your community has the resources it needs while maintaining financial stability. From reserves to funding reserves, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of financial sustainability. 📊 Proactively planning for the financial future of your community: Secure your community's financial future by proactively planning ahead. ATS Advisors will equip you with effective financial planning techniques, enabling you to anticipate and overcome potential challenges. Be prepared for what lies ahead and make informed decisions to drive lasting success. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to empower your community's financial health! Reserve your spot now and dive deep into your financial statements with KS Management and ATS Advisors' expert guidance. We look forward to seeing you there! 💼🏢📈

Ready to move past the basics? This advanced training session is designed for HOA and Condo board members looking to be taught every day instructions on how to lead with confidence and clarity. Led by KS experts, Lee Powers and Kathleen Sarullo, this 200-level course dives into the real-life logistics of association leadership—no fluff, just the tools and know-how to make your board more effective. You’ll learn: How to run focused, productive meetings that stay on track The right way to write and structure agendas How to take and approve accurate minutes How to read and interpret budget reports and management updates Core responsibilities every board member should master Whether you're a returning board member or simply ready to elevate your impact, this hands-on session is for you.