Simple Home Care: The Garbage Disposal

The powerful roar of your disposal’s motor may convince you it can take on any garbage you throw its way, but it’s important to remember that your disposal is not a trash can. Garbage disposals are designed to grind small bits of biodegradable food waste to help prevent clogged drains. Proper use and maintenance will not only extend the life of your appliance, but will also spare you unnecessary and costly service calls.

Do:

·         Small amounts of skinless, boneless, pit-less and non-fibrous foods are safe to grind.

Don’t:

·         Shells, skins, husks, rinds and other hard or fibrous materials should not be put in the disposal (e.g., clam shells, oyster shells, corn husks, fruit pits, banana peels, avocado skins and bones).

·         Large amounts of starchy foods (e.g., noodles and rice) should not be put in the disposal. Although they are easily ground, they expand in water and can clog drains.

Always:

·         Run cold water when operating the disposal. Keep the water running for at least 30 seconds after you turn off the unit.

Never:

·         Use hot water when operating the disposal.

·         Put non-food materials through the disposal. This includes all types of glass, plastic and metals (e.g., bottle caps, aluminum foil and plastic wrap).

·         Put harsh chemicals in the disposal or down the drain.

Sometimes:

·         Occasionally grinding bits of citrus peel helps clean and freshen the disposal.

·         Grinding a little ice once a month helps scrape away deposits and remove odors.

Running small amounts of egg shells or coffee grounds through the disposal is sometimes suggested to sharpen the blades; however some sources warn against the practice. Consult your user’s manual for recommendations specific to your model.

Important Information for Landlords

If you are an owner who leases your unit, we’d like to make the leasing experience successful and positive for everyone by informing you of your responsibilities. This will help preserve your property value specifically and maintain the association’s property value in general.

Your tenants may not be familiar with common-interest community living. Please take a few minutes to explain to them that living in a community association is very different from living in a rental apartment community. Specifically, your tenants, like all residents, are subject to the rules and regulations of the association, and it’s up to you to educate them and see that they comply. The association will assist you in this area, but the responsibility lies with you. We recommend you provide your tenants with written copies of all policies and rules and advise them on the proper use of the association’s facilities. You can obtain copies of these and other useful documents from the manager.

We strongly recommend that you have a written lease agreement with your tenant. As a lessor (landlord) of a home in a community association, the lease you use must require tenants to comply with the association’s governing documents. In the event your tenant fails to comply with these documents, including the bylaws, or its rules and regulations, a representative of the association will first contact your tenants in an attempt to remedy the problem. The association will send you a copy of any notice sent to your tenant.

If the tenant does not correct the violation, the association will contact you and expect you to remedy the violation using the recourse available to you through your lease agreement. If you are unable to correct the violation, the association may pursue appropriate legal action against the tenant, and possibly against you.

The association asks that you provide the manager with the names and contact information of your tenants. The association will add your tenants to its mailing list, and they will receive the newsletter, invitations to participate on committees, notices of social activities and general association-related information. This information will also be used in case of emergency.

Follow these simple steps and you, the tenants and the association will all have a positive community association living experience:

· Provide your tenants with copies of association rules.

· Educate tenants about the need to follow association rules, and see that they comply.

· Advise tenants on the proper use of association facilities.

· Use a written lease agreement.

· Make sure your lease requires tenants to comply with all association governing documents.

· Provide the association with contact information for your tenants.

Renters: If you don’t have a copy of the association rules or you’d like more information about the association, please contact a board member or manager.

Smooth Move: Tips for a Less Stressful Relocation

Whether your new home is just down the street, in a nearby town or across the country, moving can be stressful. There’s a lot of work to be done before that final box is unpacked—more than many expect—and it’s easy to overlook the details that pile up the closer you get to your departure date.

Before you head out, here are some important tips to help make your move smoother:

Shipping Notes: If you’re shipping items, keep the shipment registration number with you. You may need this number when calling your mover.

Bed Ready: Put your sheets and towels in a dresser drawer so you don’t have to go searching through all your boxes for them the first night in your new home.

Freshen the Fridge: If you’re bringing your refrigerator, thoroughly clean and dry the inside. Then, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock inside to keep it smelling fresh.

Pack Wisely: Heavy items go in small boxes; lighter items go in larger boxes.

Safe Memories: If some item is particularly significant to you, like a picture, take it with you in your car. If it’s irreplaceable, you don’t want regrets later. Place sheets or blankets between framed photos or art for protection.

Protect Plates: Plates should be packed on end vertically, rather than flat and stacked.

Bare Necessities: Cell phones and chargers, toilet paper, toiletries, snacks, drinks, soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, some pans, paper towels and cleaning supplies are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival. Pack a box with these items and load it last.

Bulb Basics: Remove light bulbs from your lamps.

Involve the Kids: Ask your children to write their names and new address on the boxes for their rooms. It’ll help them remember the address.

Pet Care: Ask a friend to watch your pet at his or her house on moving day. It’ll keep your pet calm, safe and out of the way.

Plant Care: Try not to let foliage rest against car windows; the leaves could burn due to glass intensifying sunrays.

Take the time to implement these tips to properly prepare for the move—it may seem like more work upfront, but ultimately it can save you lots of hassle in the long run. Good luck, and don’t forget to drop off your entrance gate transponder and clubhouse pass before you go!

The Sweet Smells of Selling Your Home

So your house is on the market and you’re ready to make a dynamic first impression on potential buyers. Besides ensuring that your house looks and feels inviting, making sure it smells pleasant can help generate interest during showings. While traditional wisdom suggests that freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies will add a homey and enticing scent to your abode, new research indicates that the smell of these baked goods may be overwhelming to purchasers.

According to The Wall Street Journal (“Using Smell to Make a Sale,” February 15, 2013), complex scents—like cookies and potpourri—can accidently distract potential buyers from focusing on your home because they could be subconsciously trying to decipher the aroma. Researchers tested this theory by adding various scents to a home décor store in Switzerland: Of the 402 people observed, consumers on average purchased 31.8 percent more when the store was scented with a simple scent—such as orange or vanilla—than when it was scented with a complex scent; consumers on average purchased 23.6 percent more when the store was scented with a simple scent than when it wasn’t scented at all.

Eric Spangenberg, dean of the college of business at Washington State University and a member of the research team, says people selling their homes can apply the same principles as well. He recommends using simple scents such as lemon, pine or basil to scent your home for showings because it’s easy for people to process these aromas. Without having their focus pulled away by complex smells, potential buyers can give more focus to the house and in turn be more open to spending. To ensure you’re home smells great, try using cleaning products that have a citrus smell, or use vanilla-scented candles or sprays in your home. Better yet, use the real thing to freshen up your house by bringing a basil plant into the kitchen during showings. Try to stick to one simple scent that unobtrusively permeates the house, and make sure your scent matches the atmosphere of your home, such as adding a pine or cedar scent to a log cabin.

Are you cut out for living in a Homeowners Association?

As you can see in this infographic from HOATown, the prevalence of community associations has been on the rise for the last few decades. Living in an association has definite benefits, but there are also some drawbacks.

Benefits

1. Sense of Community - The feeling of "belonging" is strong in a community association. According to property manager Jessica Ogle, one great benefit is "the friendships... and bonds that could last a lifetime, not only for the owner, but for the children in the community."
2. Rules and Structure - For people who prefer to have a strong set of guidelines to go by, the structure of a community association can be very attractive.
3. Uniformity in the Community - Living in an association, you can be relatively certain you won't have to deal with your neighbors painting their house magenta or deciding to build a moat in the front yard.
4. Amenities - Homeowners associations charge an assessment to their residents that makes it possible for them to maintain the shared areas and responsibilities of the association (perhaps a swimming pool, or the landscaping in a common area). This allows residents to enjoy benefits and amenities they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Drawbacks

1. Too Much Closeness - Because a formal community is more "connected" by nature, some people might find that there's a little too much "togetherness." Sometimes the lines between Association business and personal business can be blurred and that may not be ideal for all residents.
2. Rules, Structure, and Uniformity - As much as this is a benefit, it can be a drawback for those who prefer to have full autonomy when making decisions about their properties.
3. Cost - The cost of the association assessment may be too much of a financial burden for some.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to buy a home in an association will depend largely on your own disposition and personal preference. When you're looking at association homes, be sure to ask about the association's rules and policies to help gauge whether or not the community is a good fit for you.

Rent vs. Buy: Which should you choose?

Should you rent a home or buy one?

Many people struggle with this decision. To be sure, both options have advantages and disadvantages. For example, renting is more flexible and comes with fewer maintenance worries, but paying rent doesn’t build equity or amount to a long-term investment the way paying a mortgage does. Homeownership, a critical component of “the American dream,” provides a sense of permanence and security, but can be expensive if the home requires more maintenance or repairs than expected.

The decision is can have a big impact on your future, and it often comes down to personal preference and financial considerations. Luckily, there are resources available to help you weigh your options and come to the best choice based on your individual needs.

• This New York Times interactive calculator takes customized inputs and produces an easy-to-understand graph illustrating when it’s best to rent or buy: Is It Better to Buy or Rent?
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Policy Development and Research provides current and historical information on housing market conditions: U.S. Housing Market Conditions
• The Khan Academy features an extensive selection of information on housing, including a discussion on renting vs. buying: Housing
• These three resources all provide a nice breakdown of the issue:
• The Chicago Tribune: Renting vs. owning: Which path is right for you?
• Zillow.com: Owning vs. Renting a Home
• Catherine Hawley (from SaveUp, writing for the Huffington Post): When to Rent vs. Buy a Home

Of course, before making any life-changing decisions, it’s always best to consult a financial advisor who can assess your individual situation and help you determine the best course of action based on that assessment.

Tidewater Property is Built to Last

Strong Foundations and Customer Service

Founded in 1989, Tidewater Property Management began as a company solely focused on association management for condominiums and homeowners associations (HOAs). In our early days, we were a small mom-and-pop shop with one product to offer and one way to provide it. Regardless, we put our heart and soul into what we did - we didn’t have all of the technology and resources available at that time, but we certainly provided what we could: personal customer service.

We have since grown and expanded, now offering different association management packages tailored to each community's needs. We provide today's most advanced technological innovations and feature a stable of the most well-trained and experienced management professionals in our specific industry. Our Corporate Headquarters thrives in Owings Mills, Maryland, servicing over 250 clients with over 18,000 individual units throughout the Baltimore Metro area. Last year, we opened our second office located in Calverton, Maryland, primed to serve the DC Metro region. Tidewater Property Management is now also part of The Tidewater Companies, providing property management for community associations and rentals; property repairs and maintenance; and real estate brokerage services.

Now more than ever, we maintain the same level of attentiveness and care with which we began. The highest of professional standards and our dedication to personal customer service have remained at the core of our corporate culture – it is why we manage communities today that have been with us since we opened our doors a quarter of a century ago. It is why we are an Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC®), why we are A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau, and why Tidewater is built to last.

We still may not be as old as most of our competitors; after all, the community association management industry boomed in the late 70s/early 80s, and Tidewater came almost a decade later. That hasn't stopped us from catching up to and, in many cases, surpassing the competition. Our footprint reaches all the way from southern Prince George's County through Maryland and even includes some parts of Pennsylvania. 

Leadership

The backbone of a company is its leadership. Tidewater would not exist or be the company it is without Stanley Greenberg. With degrees in both Accounting and Engineering, Stanley brings the best of both worlds to the property management industry. More importantly, he has created a company with a quality environment for employees, which helps us to attract the best talent for the job. The importance of this can’t be underestimated; a company is nothing without its employees. Stanley recognizes this, and Tidewater is renowned in the industry for its team of dedicated professionals that sought employment with this family-oriented corporation. The property management industry in general has a disappointingly high turnover rate; it can be a tough business, and not everyone is cut out to be a career community manager.

Stanley’s and Tidewater’s approach helps to weed out the weak and retain the strong.  While each and every employee is held to the highest standards and expectations, employees want to take care of Tidewater’s clients because they are happy, and happy employees want to give back to Stanley and the company. Employee benefits include competitive salaries, generous company matches on retirement contributions, company-paid premiums and deductibles for individual and family medical insurance, voluntary short and long-term disability, life insurance, and ample paid-time-off, not to mention a fully-stocked kitchen, monthly barbeques, year-round holiday celebrations, and much, much more. Who wouldn’t want to work for Tidewater and do their best to stay? The client notices and benefits from this the most.

Because of his business acumen, his ability to assemble the right team for a client, and his passion for the industry, Stanley’s leadership is another reason Tidewater is built to last.

Why Choose Tidewater?

We are often asked “Why choose Tidewater?” After all, we have a lot of great, respectable competition in the industry. But when talking to people who are looking to switch property management companies, they usually say that they are looking for more. They may be happy with some things about their current management company, but want more or better service in other areas. Tidewater not only fills in the gaps in the areas that were lacking, we enhance the services they were already receiving.

Our updated logo speaks to this juxtaposition of the new and the tried-and-true – Tidewater’s unique combination of innovation and tradition. The new logo still resembles the old one to represent the customer service that we have always provided and that got us to where we are now. However, its clean, modern appearance represents that we continue to progress, modernize, grow and improve. The circle of our logo, both past and present, signifies that we are a full-spectrum company in terms of the work we do, our high standards and values, and the emphasis we place on customer service and satisfaction. Clients benefit from all of the resources and technology of a big company and still enjoy the personal service of a small company.

Our slogan and mantra, Progress in Motion, means that we constantly push ourselves to innovate, which keeps us at the top of our game. It’s impossible to become complacent when you are always striving to achieve new heights, and it says to the client that we will find the most effective solution for them, even if it means changing things up and thinking outside of the box. But it’s just as important to keep, refine, and perfect practices that are proven to work. Whether trying something new or refining a current practice, our main focus is on proactive solutions, and most importantly, results. Our clients can see and feel that, as much as they want more, we want it more for them.

In many ways, we’re not just here to stay and we’re not just here to last. We are here to prosper, advance and progress the community association management industry as a whole into a brighter, more secure future.