The Business of an Association.
It's all in the details.
The Board of Directors and its committees take on significant responsibility when it comes to running an Association. Frankly, it is the equivalent of running a business that your family and all your neighbors also happen to live in. It can be quite time-consuming and often has many moving parts. Not to mention the sensitive nature of navigating through residents’ (your neighbors’) concerns while still enjoying where you live.
Some Board of Directors and Association responsibilities include:
-
Legal obligation to uphold the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions and Bylaws
-
Manage all aspects of the community’s common property amenities which could include entrance and common-area landscaping (like flowers and other plantings, mowing, irrigation and lighting), gates, a pool, tennis courts, pavilion, play area, etc.
-
Establish and uphold rules, proactive and reactive maintenance and repair work, utilities, reservations and scheduling, season start-up, card access, permit management, troubleshooting, vendor project management, etc.
-
-
Financial management like collecting assessment payments and fees, paying bills, regular financial reporting, annual reports, budgeting, reserve analysis, etc.
-
Risk management like reviewing insurance policies for proper coverage, dealing with insurance claims, assessing and addressing safety among its common properties (pool, gates, tennis courts, clubhouse, roads, etc.), reserve studies and planning.
-
Fairly and consistently overseeing covenant compliance (identifying and enforcing potential violations in covenants).
-
Fairly and consistently reviewing and approving architectural changes and maintenance requests.
-
Addressing questions and feedback from owners
-
Compiling paperwork for selling properties and onboarding new owners
-
Planning and running annual meetings and other events
-
Administrative work like record-keeping, mailings, communications, etc.
-
And, ensure everything above is consistent and sustainable year-over-year as board and committee members change.
The list goes on. It’s a lot to ask of a volunteer board of directors and committee members. And it is a lot to consider and plan for as a developer creating a new community.
Partnering with an Association Manager makes sense.
At GCM, we take all this responsibility … or as much as you want us to take … and, in partnership with your board of directors and/or developer, manage your community thoroughly, accurately and transparently. We specialize in the details, so you do not have to.
Our team is experienced, professional and proactive. Our Culture of Care guides every interaction with your neighbors and vendors. We are here to serve you and your community, to make life a little simpler and free up your time to focus on enjoying life in your community.
Want to learn more about Community Associations and the role a management company plays? Check out our FAQs.
Let's Start a Conversation
Click here or click in on the Community Portal login in the menu at the top any page on our site. If this is your first time signing in, you will need to create an account and, for security purposes, you will also need a security key (a series of numbers). This was included in your welcome packet from GCM or you can contact your community association manager or our service team.
To create your account, you will first need your unique “Security Key.” This was included in the Welcome Packet from GCM that was mailed to your home. If you need additional help obtaining a security key, contact your association manager or our service team.
Once you have your security key, click on login to community portal here, in the header of our website or found throughout the pages in our Convenience Links sections.
Click on “New User? Create Your Account” and then enter your information and Security Key. Your User Name will be your email address. Click on “Create My Account” and you should be all set to view your account ledger, pay your bill, view community documents and updates, etc.
If you belong to more than one Association or own multiple units, please create an initial account with one security key, then go "Manage Account" and add your other unit(s).
Click here or click in on the Community Portal login in the menu at the top any page on our site. If this is your first time signing in, you will need to create an account and, for security purposes, you will also need a security key (a series of numbers). This was included in your welcome packet from GCM or you can contact your community association manager or our service team.
Click here or click in on the Community Portal login in the menu at the top any page on our site. If this is your first time signing in, you will need to create an account and, for security purposes, you will also need a security key (a series of numbers). This was included in your welcome packet from GCM or you can contact your community association manager or our service team.
Click here or click in on the Community Portal login in the menu at the top any page on our site. If this is your first time signing in, you will need to create an account and, for security purposes, you will also need a security key (a series of numbers). This was included in your welcome packet from GCM or you can contact your community association manager or our service team.
Click on the Pay My Bill above or here.
Click on the Pay My Bill above or here.
Click here or click on the Community Portal login in the menu at the top any page on our site. If this is your first time signing in, you will need to create an account and, for security purposes, you will also need a security key (a series of numbers). This was included in your Welcome Packet from GCM or you can contact your community association manager or our service team.
Click on the Pay My Bill above or here.
Click on the Pay My Bill above or here.
.
You can pay your bill by mailing a check to GCM, paying with a credit card or e-check through your online community portal or setting up an online payment through your bank. We cannot accept payments over the phone or cash through the mail. Learn more.
Mail checks to Your Association’s Name, C/O GCM Payment Processing Center, PO Box 1730, Commerce, GA 30529
To pay online, click on the Pay My Bill above or here to log into your community portal. Then, click “Make A Payment” located on the left-hand side of the page and follow the prompts.
Check out the section below on selling your home. For more information, please reach out to your community association manager or contact our service team.
Check out the section below on selling your home. For more information, please reach out to your community association manager or contact our service team.
Check out the section below on selling your home. For more information, please reach out to your community association manager or contact our service team.
Check out the section below on selling your home. For more information, please reach out to your community association manager or contact our service team.
Your closing attorney can order closing documents (like closing and estoppel letters) here or contact your association manager or our service team for assistance.
When listing or selling your home, realtors often ask for basic community information, assessment/dues amounts and due dates, transfer fees, initiation fees, etc. You can get most of this information by following the steps below:
Without using your password
Go to your Community’s page by Searching for your Community. You can access address information and your Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions on this page. OR
Using your password
You may log into your Community Portal. Click on “Association Information” in the left-hand side bar. You also may download your Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) under “Community Information” from the left-hand sidebar and then "Governing Documents.” If you or your realtor have additional questions, please contact your association manager or our service team for assistance.
Important! Also, at closing, please be sure to give the buyer of your home ALL amenity access cards, remotes, pool key fobs, keys, etc.
Most all community associations have some level of oversight when it comes to making changes to your property and home. Each community is different, but you may need to seek approval for something as small as a new planting or updating some paint to installing a pool or fence. Check your community’s Declaration (see link above or visit your community portal) for details.
Most all community associations have some level of oversight when it comes to making changes to your property and home. Each community is different, but you may need to seek approval for something as small as a new planting or updating some paint to installing a pool or fence. Check your community’s Declaration (see link above or visit your community portal) for details.
Most all community associations have some level of oversight when it comes to making changes to your property and home. Each community is different, but you may need to seek approval for something as small as a new planting or updating some paint to installing a pool or fence. Check your community’s Declaration (see link above or visit your community portal) for details.
Most all community associations have some level of oversight when it comes to making changes to your property and home. Each community is different, but you may need to seek approval for something as small as a new planting or updating some paint to installing a pool or fence. Check your community’s Declaration (see link above or visit your community portal) for details.
Yes. Association membership is not optional. In the 70s and 80s 'voluntary' memberships gained popularity, but that is rarely the case today. Currently all GCM-managed communities are mandatory membership associations.
Most of the time (and in many states), you become part of your community's association and subject to the requirements of its Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCRs) simply by accepting the deed to your home. The CCRs are publicly recorded in land records and tied to your home or lot. While in other states, when you purchased your property or unit, at closing you were required to sign a form that acknowledges your property is part of an Association. Either way, you if live in a community association, you are considered a member and bound to its Declaration of CC&Rs and Bylaws.
A community association is an organization that functions as homeowners/residents in a subdivision, condominium or other development working together to protect property values and share the benefits and costs of common properties and amenities. A community association (we will refer to it as an “Association”) is a more general term that encompasses homeowners associations within some subdivisions, townhouse developments, condominium complexes, cooperatives or other planned developments. An Association starts as a legal entity formed by a real estate developer for the purpose of developing, managing and selling a community of homes, condominiums or other developments. Many Associations are nonprofit corporations and therefore subject to state laws. Additionally, an Association is governed by set of legal documents that run with the land called the Declaration which includes Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Bylaws. These governing documents grants the Association the ability to enforce the CC&Rs, collect assessments and fees, as well as manage the common areas and amenities within the development as directed in these documents. It is the responsibility of a volunteer board of directors (who are elected by owners in the community) to make business and governance decisions on behalf of the community. Given the complexity and breadth of responsibility as well as the sheer number of tasks required to operate a successful association, many boards outsource its management to community association management companies, like GCM. Learn more about how GCM can help your community.
A community association is an organization that functions as homeowners/residents in a subdivision, condominium or other development working together to protect property values and share the benefits and costs of common properties and amenities. A community association (we will refer to it as an “Association”) is a more general term that encompasses homeowners associations within some subdivisions, townhouse developments, condominium complexes, cooperatives or other planned developments. An Association starts as a legal entity formed by a real estate developer for the purpose of developing, managing and selling a community of homes, condominiums or other developments. Many Associations are nonprofit corporations and therefore subject to state laws. Additionally, an Association is governed by set of legal documents that run with the land called the Declaration which includes Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Bylaws. These governing documents grants the Association the ability to enforce the CC&Rs, collect assessments and fees, as well as manage the common areas and amenities within the development as directed in these documents. It is the responsibility of a volunteer board of directors (who are elected by owners in the community) to make business and governance decisions on behalf of the community. Given the complexity and breadth of responsibility as well as the sheer number of tasks required to operate a successful association, many boards outsource its management to community association management companies, like GCM. Learn more about how GCM can help your community.
Running a successful community association involves a complex set of responsibilities which falls on the shoulders of unpaid volunteers, elected by the community. The significant time-commitment to execute these business and governance decisions and continuity required year-over-year are tremendous risks to community associations. Discontent in a community can quickly mount if owners identify concerns in its Association, which can lead to increased risk of lawsuits and claims and even poor management of finances. Not to mention, a bad reputation can affect the attractiveness of a subdivision to potential buyers.
A good management company has a professional and experienced team trained to oversee those tasks, which could include preparing and managing the budget, assisting the board in keeping owners within the community informed, addressing inquiries, collecting assessments/dues, coordinating with legal counsel and vendors, paying monthly bills, preparing closing letters for sellers and welcome packages for new owners, handling governmental requirements and other reporting, managing projects, helping the board govern the community, fair and consistent covenant compliance inspection, enforcement and architectural modification requests, vendor coordination, insurance review and claims, common area maintenance, reserve planning, etc. Can a community successfully self-manage? Yes, but in the end, it is likely less costly to hire a good management company to assist the board.
Running a successful community association involves a complex set of responsibilities which falls on the shoulders of unpaid volunteers, elected by the community. The significant time-commitment to execute these business and governance decisions and continuity required year-over-year are tremendous risks to community associations. Discontent in a community can quickly mount if owners identify concerns in its Association, which can lead to increased risk of lawsuits and claims and even poor management of finances. Not to mention, a bad reputation can affect the attractiveness of a subdivision to potential buyers.
A good management company has a professional and experienced team trained to oversee those tasks, which could include preparing and managing the budget, assisting the board in keeping owners within the community informed, addressing inquiries, collecting assessments/dues, coordinating with legal counsel and vendors, paying monthly bills, preparing closing letters for sellers and welcome packages for new owners, handling governmental requirements and other reporting, managing projects, helping the board govern the community, fair and consistent covenant compliance inspection, enforcement and architectural modification requests, vendor coordination, insurance review and claims, common area maintenance, reserve planning, etc. Can a community successfully self-manage? Yes, but in the end, it is likely less costly to hire a good management company to assist the board.
You may log into your online community portal to view your account ledger and balance at any time. Once you are logged in, click on “My Account” on the left-hand side of the page and then click on “Account Statement.” You can download a copy of it as a PDF or a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Please remember, failure to receive an assessment statement does not alleviate your responsibility to pay assessments on time or the fees, interest or other costs associated with collection. If you have problems logging in or questions, please contact your association manager or our service team.
There are two ways you can view your community’s CC&Rs and Bylaws.
Without using your password
You can find the document on Your Community’s page by Searching for your Community or contact your Association Manager. OR
Using your password
You may log into your Community Portal. Click on “Community Information” in the left-hand side bar and then “Governing Documents.”
No. This is a common misconception. The management company takes its direction from and answers to the community association’s board of directors. The board is legally bound to make business decisions and govern in accordance with the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Bylaws, a legal document that runs with the land. A management company helps the board of directors fairly and consistently deliver on the requirements in this document. Rules, requirements, dues and fines are all set by the Board as directed in the CC&Rs and Bylaws. To assist the board, a management company offers guidance on policy using its experience and legal knowledge as requested.
No. This is a common misconception. The management company takes its direction from and answers to the community association’s board of directors. The board is legally bound to make business decisions and govern in accordance with the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Bylaws, a legal document that runs with the land. A management company helps the board of directors fairly and consistently deliver on the requirements in this document. Rules, requirements, dues and fines are all set by the Board as directed in the CC&Rs and Bylaws. To assist the board, a management company offers guidance on policy using its experience and legal knowledge as requested.
A good management company has a professional and experienced team trained to partner with the board of directors to oversee the successful operation of the association. In the case of GCM, we partner with the board to assess the association’s needs and then deliver a comprehensive service package customized for that specific association. Responsibilities could include preparing and managing the budget, assisting the board in keeping owners within the community informed and addressing inquiries, collecting assessments/dues, coordinating with legal counsel and vendors, paying monthly bills, preparing closing letters for sellers and welcome packages for new owners, handling governmental requirements (like permits) and other reporting, managing projects, helping the board govern the community through fair and consistent covenant compliance inspection, enforcement and architectural modification requests, vendor coordination, insurance, common area maintenance, reserve planning, etc.
Most all community associations have some level of oversight when it comes to making changes to your property and home. Each community is different, but you may need to seek approval for something as small as a new planting or updating some paint to installing a play equipment, pool or fence prior to start of work or installation. You can check your community’s Declaration, located on your community's page or visit your community portal) for details.
Ready to get started on an Architectural Request application? You will need to complete an “Architectural Change Form” (also referred to as an ACC/ARC form or an Architectural Design and Review Modification/Improvement Application). Most of our communities use our online ACC submission form. However, some communities have specific application requirements. You are best served by Searching for your Community, then clicking on the Architectural Request button or logging into your community’s online portal to see which form you need to submit. Click on the Architectural Request button located on your community's page, contact your association manager or contact our service team to access your community's ARC/ACC application.
A good management company has a professional and experienced team trained to partner with the board of directors to oversee the successful operation of the association. In the case of GCM, we partner with the board to assess the association’s needs and then deliver a comprehensive service package customized for that specific association. Responsibilities could include preparing and managing the budget, assisting the board in keeping owners within the community informed and addressing inquiries, collecting assessments/dues, coordinating with legal counsel and vendors, paying monthly bills, preparing closing letters for sellers and welcome packages for new owners, handling governmental requirements (like permits) and other reporting, managing projects, helping the board govern the community through fair and consistent covenant compliance inspection, enforcement and architectural modification requests, vendor coordination, insurance, common area maintenance, reserve planning, etc.
Collaboration, open communication, experience, accuracy and transparency are key indicators of a good management company. Also look for a management company who embraces technology, making finding information and doing tasks much simpler, consistent and self-serving for not only the board but also the entire community.
Collaboration, open communication, experience, accuracy and transparency are key indicators of a good management company. Also look for a management company who embraces technology, making finding information and doing tasks much simpler, consistent and self-serving for not only the board but also the entire community.
Log into your Community Portal. Click on “Community Information” in the left-hand side bar and then “Governing Documents.” You may also contact your Association Manager or our service team.
You will need to complete an “Architectural Change Form” (also referred to as an ACC/ARC form or an Architectural Design and Review Modification/Improvement Application).
Most of our communities use our online ACC submission form. However, some communities have specific application requirements. You are best served by Searching for your Community or logging into your community’s online portal to see which form you need to submit.
Please contact your association manager or our service team. So that we can best serve you, please be sure to include your name, address, the name of your community and what the violation is in regards to.
Many disputes between neighbors do not involve the Association and must be resolved neighbor to neighbor.
However, if the complaint involves Covenant Compliance, please contact your association manager or our service team. Please include your name, the address of the property in alleged violation, a photo or video of the alleged violation and reference to which CC&R is potentially being violated.
Some animal nuisances are covered under a community's Declaration and can be addressed by the Association. However, we need evidence of the concern to support any action by the Association; so we ask that you send us photographic or video evidence of the offense. Animal Control is the next step if the letters or violations from the Association do not fix the problem.
Log in to your online community portal. Then, click “Maintenance” on the left-hand sidebar and “Create a New Request.”
Details of your community’s amenities can be found in your community portal. Log into your Community Portal. Click on “Association Information” in the left-hand sidebar and then “Common Areas and Recreational Amenities.”
Please be advised, you must be a member in “good standing” in order to access amenities, which means your account ledger must be paid per your community’s requirements.
If you need additional support with your amenity access or questions, please contact your association manager or our service team.
If you live on public streets, take note of the pole number and contact your electric provider or visit their website to report the light not working.
If you live on private streets or live in a gated community, please contact your association manager or our service team for assistance.
There are two ways you can view your assessment dues and due dates.
Without using your password
Go to your Community’s page by Searching for your Community. OR
Using your password
You may log into your Community Portal. Click on “Association Information” in the left-hand side bar and then “Fees and Assessment Information.”
You can update your mailing address here.
First, thank you for volunteering to serve your community! Contact your association manager or our service team for assistance. Please include your name, address, phone number, community name and what role you wish to volunteer. Either your association manager or one of your community’s board members will follow up with you with more information.