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MERIT maintains a reputation of professionalism and credibility that has stood the test of time for nearly three decades with its customized programs suited to each association.
MERIT services include assisting associations with:
Successful operational practices for Managing and Governing the Community
Facilitating systems and procedures for Accounting and Finances
Legislative updates to educate board members on important state legislation
Supporting relationship-building through Communication and Education
MERIT supports and trains volunteer board members to successfully manage their communities with the following management and governance practices:
- Enforcement of CC&Rs, Bylaws, and ARC Guidelines
- Documentation of all association business
- Proper storage of all association records
- Coordination and implementation of legal activities through association attorneys
- Insurance selection and management of insurance issues
- Vendor selection and oversight
- Coordination of all board of director activities
- Annual delegate and board member elections
- Management of all association owned properties and easements
- 24-hour emergency service
- Common area maintenance and inspections
- Landscape common area turnover process
- Gate access control systems management
- Government agency relations
- Government agency permit and regulation coordination
MERIT Property Management, Inc., provides internal control procedures with maximum assurance that association financial matters are being handled with care, competency and professionalism.
- Internal controls to protect association funds
- An accounting division consisting of more than 50 individuals, including four Certified Public Accountants allowing for maximum segregation of duties to provide a high level of comfort.
- Proper and accurate billing recordation and tracking of assessments
- Handling accounts payable, receivables and association financial statement preparation
- Budget and reserves coordination
Unique Financial Services include:
- ACH (Automatic Clearing House)
- Assessment management services: intent to lien, lien and intent to foreclose
- Interface with collection agency
- Operating cash maintenance
- IVR (Integrated voice response) system
- Access for all staff to accounting information
- On-line homeowner account inquiry
- Delinquency aging and status report
MERIT’s industry success reflects its commitment to professionalism and customer service by providing:
- Communication with Connecting with the Customer programs
- Education for board members and staff
- Additional seminars through MERIT’s Preferred Management Services
Education
Orientations provide introductory education for new and returning board members on topics such as:
- Management best practices
- Board conduct/ attitude
- Boardsmanship
- Fiduciary duty and board responsibilities
Financial training is given to board member covering the key management practices:
- How to read a financial statement
- Checks and balances to ensure accuracy and minimize risk
- Disclosure requirements by management to the boards of directors
- Disclosure by the association to its members
Legislative updates provide annual reviews of California state legislation affecting community associations. Summaries regarding the language of the laws and court case decisions covering topics that include:
- Delinquency/foreclosures
- Records distribution
- Association elections
- Other state laws as they become effective
All MERIT community managers must have their Certified Community Association Manager (CACM) certification prior to being hired or achieve it within the first year of employment with the company. This process entails specific requirements and qualifications, including:
- A six-month minimum professional requirement and successful completion of more than 30 hours of core education and ethics courses.
- Re-certification every three years, with a repeat of the ethics course in order to maintain a professional standard of service to homeowners.
Connecting with the Customer
This unique program for board members and homeowners is a tool to educate and communicate about issues important to associations.
In a community environment, connection and communication are two of the most important components in facilitating successful relationships. MERIT provides materials to enhance understanding of living in a community association and facilitates education of the board members for the work done on behalf of homeowners.
Resources include:
Preferred Management Services
MERIT offers education and training to community association volunteer board members, committee members, delegates and neighborhood representatives. MERIT’s seminars are designed to support and train volunteer leaders with a set of skills to successfully mange their communities.
Learn more about MERIT’s Preferred Management Services.
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