Make Sustainability A Priority in 2024

As resolution-making for 2024 ramps up, make it a goal to make sustainability a priority in 2024.  Making sustainable choices benefits you, your HOA and the environment, and it's easier than you think! See our tips below to help you and your HOA meet sustainability goals.

1.     Prepare your home for the changing seasons and temperatures

  • Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent drafts and save on heating costs.

  • Use natural swaps like a mosquito bucket of doom instead of standard pesticides to keep unwanted pests away and your yard safe.

  • When considering your landscaping for the upcoming year, replace your shrubs or trees with native options.

  • Leave the leaves in your yard and landscaping (as allowed in your community) as a free source of mulch and to provide food and shelter for birds and pollinators.   

2.     Save money with sustainable practices

  • Invest in a programmable thermostat: This lets you adjust the temperature automatically to save money on heating and cooling costs.

  • Choose LED lightbulbs: They use less energy and last longer than traditional lightbulbs.  Be sure to turn off lights in spaces or rooms you aren't in to conserve electricity.

  • Conserve water: Fix leaky faucets, take shorter showers and water your lawn less frequently.

3.     Plant native trees and shrubs

Including native trees and plants in your yard or homeowners association common areas provides essential food and shelter to birds and pollinators while saving money. Local organizations like Root Nashville and the Tennessee Environmental Council can help HOAs organize tree-planting days in their communities. In addition, some organizations host free tree giveaways throughout the year, providing easy access to native trees. Click here to learn more about the benefits of native trees.

4.     Visit Ghertner & Company's website for resources

Ghertner & Company's Sustainability Initiative, established in 2018, encourages homeowners associations to adopt sustainable practices through nurturing healthy yards and common areas. Visit our website at https://ghertner.com/sustainability/theinitiative for sustainability tips, a list of informative books, and examples of what other HOAs are doing to incorporate sustainability in their communities.

Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

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Ghertner Maintenance & Remodeling Committed to Ongoing Training

The Ghertner Maintenance and Remodeling (GMR) team serves Ghertner & Company-managed communities with various HOA maintenance needs. Each month, the team meets to discuss industry safety tips to ensure compliance and safety on the job. In December, GMR Director Kent Knapp shared the different dangers and solutions for working outside in windy conditions. The GMR team includes licensed and talented carpenters, plumbers, electricians and support staff.

For more information about the GMR services, contact your Community Association Manager or visit https://ghertner.com/ghertner-maintenance-and-remodeling.

 

Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

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Ghertner & Company Gives Back to Our Kids

Ghertner & Company presented local Middle Tennessee nonprofit Our Kids with a $600 donation as part of its annual holiday giving. For 35 years, Our Kids has provided medical evaluations and crisis counseling to child sexual abuse survivors.  Executive Director Sue Ford White and Development and Communications Coordinator Jill Martindale received the donation on behalf of Our Kids. To learn more and support Our Kids, visit www.ourkidscenter.com.

Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

Connect with Ghertner & Company on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Leading by Example for Sustainability

On Thursday, November 9, Ghertner & Company held a reception and workday in honor of its recent recognition as a Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) Level Two Arboretum at the corporate office in MetroCenter.  Representing the TUFC were Kevin Bolger, TUFC Council Operations and Program Coordinator, and Michael Davie, TUFC Secretary and Board Member, along with Ghertner & Company's arboretum champion, Patty Ghertner.

Associates celebrated the accomplishment with refreshments in the lobby. In addition, several new trees were planted and certain areas of the arboretum were mulched. The arboretum contains 67 tree species, displaying a wide variety that homeowners associations can consider in their sustainability programs.  For more information on Ghertner & Company's sustainability efforts, visit https://ghertner.com/sustainability/theinitiative.

Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

Connect with Ghertner & Company on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Village of Burkitt HOA Board President Selected as Men Wear Pink Ambassador

 

Ghertner & Company celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month and congratulates Village of Burkitt Board president Scott Levine on being selected as an Ambassador for American Cancer Society’s Men Wear Pink Campaign. Levine has taken up the cause of supporting breast cancer awareness after his wife, Sheila, was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago.  We want to celebrate that Sheila is now in her seventh year of being cancer-free.

Men Wear Pink ambassadors raise awareness and money to fight breast cancer. As an ambassador, leaders commit to:

- Wearing pink throughout October

- Raising awareness for the cause through their personal, professional and social media networks

- Raising a minimum of $2,500 to help the American Cancer Society fight breast cancer 

Levine was also featured on the local Nashville TV station WSMV4 for his fundraising efforts.

https://www.wsmv.com/2023/10/07/two-nashville-men-raising-breast-cancer-awareness-different-reasons/

To support Levine’s fundraising efforts through the end of October, please go to:

https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/RMWP/MWPCY23SER?px=58880516&pg=personal&fr_id=106194&utm_campaign=generic_2016&utm_source=mobile_app&utm_medium=sms&utm_content=unknown&s_src=mobile_app&s_subsrc=sms

 

Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

Connect with Ghertner & Company on Facebook and LinkedIn.

HOA 5K Builds Community Among Neighbors

Owners in Ghertner & Company managed HOA Nichols Vale in Mount Juliet, TN participate in a 5K

In September, Nichols Vale HOA in Mount Juliet hosted its first-ever HOA 5K Walkathon. Homeowners of all ages participated in this event, which brought them together to walk around the neighborhood. NutriShop of Mount Juliet sponsored the event and awarded prizes to the first three overall winners. 

Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

Connect with Ghertner & Company on Facebook and LinkedIn.

HOA Board Hosts Vendor Appreciation Lunch

HOA Board members serving HOA vendors. HOA managed by Ghertner & Company

The Board of Directors at the Cottages at Valleybrook HOA recently hosted their preferred vendors for an appreciation lunch. Board members and some committee members took part in the lunch, including cooking BBQ for the vendors to enjoy and talking with the vendors.

 In all, the HOA hosted 16 associates and family members.  All the vendors were very appreciative, stating they had never had a HOA reach out to them for such an event. The vendors in attendance included Evergreen Lawncare and Landscaping, Northwest Exterminating, HOA1Call, Greater Nashville Pool and Ghertner & Company.

 

Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

Connect with Ghertner & Company on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Ghertner & Company Sponsors HOA Swim Team

Ghertner & Company was a proud sponsor of the Traceside HOA Barracudas swim team during its 2023 swim season. The team included 75 kids ages five to 18, three coaches and a group of parent volunteers. In addition to winning its division this year, head coach Joe Helmer won Nashville Swim League’s Coach of the Year. Way to go, Barracudas!

 Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

Connect with Ghertner & Company on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Clearing Up Misconceptions: How Ghertner & Company and Your HOA Board Work Together

At Ghertner & Company, the success of your homeowners association is our top priority. We are ready to provide your HOA Board with the property management excellence and support it needs to see your community thrive. The role of a property management company in the daily operations of an HOA is crucial. Still, there are several misconceptions homeowners have about a property management company’s role and the role of the HOA Board.

Misconception #1: My property management company is my HOA.  

Many homeowners think that their HOA Board and the property management company, like Ghertner & Company, are one and the same. That’s not true—they are separate entities. Your homeowners association has contracted Ghertner & Company for support in the daily operations of the homeowners association. Ghertner & Company is a separate business that serves multiple homeowners associations throughout Middle Tennessee.

Misconception #2: The rules in my HOA prohibit my rights as a homeowner.

We know that HOA rules aren’t homeowners’ favorite things. Still, we encourage you to remember that they are in place for the upkeep, safety and enjoyment of your community and to protect the investment you made when you purchased your home.  When all homeowners follow the rules, everyone can feel at home in their neighborhood. To see your community rules, log in to your owner’s portal at www.ghertner.com/owner.

Misconception #3: My HOA’s property management company is the only vendor that serves my community.

It takes a village to run an HOA, and Ghertner & Company isn’t the only vendor making things run smoothly. Landscape companies, cleaning companies, pool companies (if applicable to your HOA), and trash pickup companies are just some of the vendors your HOA may use. If you ever have a question about these vendors’ work, please submit a General Question through your owner’s portal at www.ghertner.com/owner, and your Community Association Manager will respond.

Misconception #4: My HOA Board members are paid for their time and don’t live in my community.

The Board members who lead your community are homeowners just like you! They volunteer their time and talents to support your HOA. The Board makes decisions on behalf of the community. Keep in mind, too, that Ghertner & Company works at the direction of the Board. We provide advice and support to your HOA Board. Ghertner & Company prides itself on our Community Association Managers' relationships with their Boards and the regular training and resources we provide to Board members.

Click here to access your homeowner portal to view community information and governing documents or to submit a request.

Connect with Ghertner & Company on Facebook and LinkedIn.



Gallatin Community Wins Best of Sumner County Award

The Fairway Farms Homeowners Association recently became the two-time consecutive winner of the Best Community in Sumner County as part of the annual Main Street Media Awards. The awards are organized by Gallatin, Hendersonville and Portland newspaper publishers and voted on by the public. Located in Gallatin, next to the Long Hollow Golf Course, Fairway Farms’ HOA Board and residents work together to provide a culture where individuals and families can get involved and enjoy living.  Congratulations to the Fairway Farms community!

Giving Back Donation Supports STRIVER Day 2023 Event

On Wednesday, July 26, Ghertner & Company presented local nonprofit organization STRIVE4You with a $500 donation as part of its Giving Back to the Community quarterly giving initiative.  STRIVE4You’s mission is to empower all individuals with low vision through physical recreation, as well as to educate professionals on how to best serve their clientele with low vision. They work each day to achieve a more inclusive and productive society by providing support services and peer-to-peer programs.The donation will be used to support the October 14 National STRIVER Day at the Tennessee School for the Blind.  This unique hands-on conference features interactive and informational breakout sessions designed to encourage attendees in fitness activities, nutrition classes and disability-related topics.

STRIVE4You Co-Executive Directors Ricky and Christy Ray-Jones are pictured with Ghertner & Company president Scott Ghertner and associates at the check presentation.  Learn more about this worthwhile organization at www.strive4you.org

What To Expect When Joining A HOA

You’ve bought the perfect house in the best neighborhood, and now it’s time to move in and enjoy your new community. Your community has a homeowners association, but you’re unsure what to expect as a new HOA member. Read below to learn more about homeowners associations and the things that come with being a part of one.

Property Management

A homeowners association is either self-managed, or the Board of Directors partners with a property management company for assistance with day-to-day operations, homeowner communications, and financial management. The important thing to remember is that the property management company doesn’t run or make decisions for the HOA; your volunteer homeowner Board does. A good property management company will advise the Boards it serves and provide high-quality customer service to the homeowners in the community.

HOA Fees

An important part of a homeowners association is the HOA dues (referred to as maintenance fees at Ghertner & Company) that each homeowner pays to the HOA. These dues help pay for things like the upkeep of common areas, insurance or community amenities. HOA dues are paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, depending on the community’s governing documents. If you live in a Ghertner & Company-managed community, you can pay your dues through our web portal at www.ghertner.com/owner.

Rules and Regulations

In an effort to maintain property values in the community and make HOAs a safe, enjoyable place for everyone to live, governing documents outline the rules all owners must follow. For owners who have moved into a Ghertner & Company-managed community, you can view your rules and regulations on the web portal at www.ghertner.com/owner. For potential buyers, please visit https://associationlinks.ghertner.com/ to learn more about your HOA.

Common Amenities

Some communities offer pools, gyms, or clubhouses for all owners to share. It is important for all owners to abide by the rules for these areas. If your Ghertner & Company-managed community has one of these amenities and you need an amenity key, please visit www.poolkey.ghertner.com.

Neighbors and Community

The fun part about living in an HOA community is the people! Some HOAs have welcome committees to help you acclimate to your HOA or social committees that plan events for neighbors to attend. Take the time to participate in these events to get to know your neighbors, or volunteer for one of these committees to get involved.

 

 

July Fourth Holiday Brings Summer Fun!

Ghertner & Company associates recently enjoyed a company cookout to celebrate the July Fourth holiday. Different activities to promote patriotic fun included cookie decorating, an American trivia contest, a patriotic dress contest, and a competitive cornhole contest. Team members also enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs and other summertime favorites including homemade ice cream at the cookout.

Ghertner & Company prioritizes employees’ personal and professional well-being and hosts team-building activities for its 150+ associates throughout the year. 

Five Reasons to Serve on Your HOA Board

Homeowners associations (HOAs) manage and maintain common areas, amenities and finances in a neighborhood or community. The Board of Directors is a group of homeowner volunteers who oversee these tasks and make important decisions on behalf of the community. Ghertner & Company partners with Boards in the communities we manage to advise on HOA issues, give day-to-day support, and provide training for Board members to learn more about the best ways to help their communities.

If you are a homeowner, joining the HOA Board can be a great way to get involved in your community. Some reasons to serve on your HOA’s Board include the following:

  1. Have a say in decision-making: As a member of the Board, you will have a voice in important decisions that affect your community. You can help prioritize projects, allocate funds, and ensure that the community is being run in a way that benefits all residents.

  2. Build relationships: Joining the Board is a great way to meet your neighbors and build relationships within your community. You can work closely with other Board members and residents who attend HOA meetings and events.

  3. Gain valuable experience: Serving on the Board can provide valuable experience in leadership, decision-making, and communication. These skills can be useful in other areas of your personal and professional life.

  4. Improve your community: By joining the Board, you can help improve your community in tangible ways. You can work to ensure that common areas are well-maintained, amenities are updated, and rules are enforced fairly.

  5. Protect your investment: By participating in the Board, you can help protect your investment in your home. A well-managed HOA can help maintain (or increase) property values, attract new residents, and create a desirable living environment.

Joining your HOA Board is a rewarding experience that allows you to positively impact your community. If you are interested in getting involved, consider attending HOA meetings and speaking with current Board members to learn more about the responsibilities and opportunities for serving on the Board. You can also contact your Ghertner & Company Community Association Manager to learn more.

Better Health Promoted Among Associates

Over 40 associates took part in the 4th Annual Spring Fling 5k Walk/Run event held last month on the Cumberland River Greenway. This company-supported event is part of Ghertner & Company's wellness emphasis. The 5K promoted a healthier lifestyle by encouraging physical activity in the upcoming warmer months. Each participant was given a half-day of PTO, and the onsite raffle included other giveaways as an incentive.

Giving Back to Those Who Served

For their second quarter “Giving Back to the Community” charity, Ghertner & Company selected local non-profit, Matthew 25. Matthew 25 exists to provide housing, hope and healing to homeless veterans in Middle Tennessee. Their service-intensive transitional housing program offers a safe, sober and supportive living environment for men in need by providing beds, meals, counseling and job placement services.  Learn more at Matthew25Nashville.org.

Pictured at the $500 check presentation are Jim Ward, Matthew 25 Executive Director; Jaye Kloss, Ghertner & Company CAM Lead/Marketing; Patrick Landrum, Community Association Manager; and Matthew Miller, Matthew 25 Director of Development.

One way to get involved is through the organization’s Walk Through the Woods event on May 6. Find out more at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/walkinthewoods2023/.

Lenox Village HOA Meet and Greet

In January 2023, Ghertner & Company hosted a meet and greet with the Lenox Village HOA members at the Citipointe Church Nashville. Homeowners had the opportunity to learn more about HOA management services, including using the online owner portal and meeting the leadership team.  Insurance professionals were also in attendance. Representatives from Ghertner Maintenance and Remodeling shared how they could be resources for homeowners and the HOA.  Tiffany Putman is the community manager.

Lenox Village, located in South Nashville, is comprised of 1,089 single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments and includes several commercial enterprises to serve the community.   Recognized with the Smart Growth award from the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee, its 208-acre tract is Nashville’s first full-scale traditional neighborhood development.

Panel Featuring Attorneys Proves Helpful

Three attorneys specializing in homeowners association governing documents and common association issues were panel guests for a special Education and Development training for associates.  Representing three law firms used by Ghertner & Company, Garrett Asher, Alvin Harris, and Gerald Wigger discussed a wide variety of planned topics and fielded questions that resulted in a practical and lively workshop.

Murfreesboro Workshop: Code of Conduct

Over forty Board members and Ghertner & Company team members attended the February Leadership Training Workshop in Murfreesboro.  Participants were treated to a complimentary lunch at the Hampton Inn, while learning more about developing a code of conduct for Board members.  The presentation and ensuing discussion focused on the basic factors of an official Code of Conduct and how it will benefit the Board and Homeowners. 

Ghertner & Company Director of Development and Training, Kathleen Sutherland, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, presented the workshop and led the Q&A session.