The attorneys at Orten & Hindman recently gathered to discuss their predictions for 2005.  Below are the top ten:

1. Collections and PT foreclosures will continue to worsen before they improve with a higher percentage of delinquencies becoming uncollectible.

2. Disputes between owners and associations will continue to increase as evidenced by the filing of suits in small claims courts by owners.

3. Associations will continue to receive increasingly negative publicity in the media, on talk shows and on websites set up by owners opposed to associations.

4. In response to perceived abuses of power by association boards, several bills will be introduced in the legislature.  These bills will seek to limit the power and authority of associations and require greater disclosure of information by associations.

5. Management of associations will continue to become more professional with management companies competing more on quality and quantity of services and good business practices than price alone.

6. A national management company will purchase a local management company.

7. Special districts will become a prevalent means to provide services to associations.

8. Technology will begin to significantly impact how associations are governed and managed.  Examples include allowing owners to vote electronically, allowing boards to meet electronically, as well as granting owners online access to review their accounts, to pay assessments, to make repair requests and to access additional services.

9. Ordinances will be passed by a growing number of municipalities that allow more non-traditional landscaping and irrigation options while restricting an association’s rights to enforce landscaping and irrigating covenant restrictions.

10. The growing number of baby boomers reaching retirement age and experiencing health issues will begin to impact associations with respect to such issues as accessibility, amenities, services offered, and home occupations.