In his book, "How to be a Smart First-Time Home Buyer," Realtor Fred George strongly advises that prospective condominium buyers investigate community associations before they sign on the dotted line. He gives particular emphasis to contingency accounts, which at some condominium complexes are vastly underfunded. What that could mean for the condo owner is a bill of several thousand dollars -- with little if any warning and during any given month -- for costly repairs that contingency accounts theoretically should cover. Condo buyers, George says, should have their attorneys insert a clause their purchase and sales agreement that the condo buyer has the right to review all condo association documents and by-laws.

A report by the Community Associations Institute (CAI), a nationwide organization of condominium, cooperative, and homeowners' associations, indicates that savvy buyers are a growing breed. According to CAI, community associations have not only become more numerous; they've become more sophisticated as well. Since CAI was established in 1973, the number of community associations in the United States has grown from 10,000 to 150,000 today, representing more than 32 million residents. That phenomenal growth, CAI says, has spurred demand for accredited management services as well as education and training for professionals and homeowners who serve on community association boards.

With more than 50 percent of new development in large metropolitan areas in planned community settings, CAI forecasts continued growth of 10,000 additional community associations each year. Consumers are attracted to community associations because covenants and deed restrictions help protect home values, and because many community associations provide pools, exercise facilities, tennis courts, golf courses, and other amenities to which homeowners otherwise might not have access.

Among current trends, CAI sees increasing sophistication among homeowners who serve on community association boards. Heightened awareness of the benefits of board member education through such programs as CAI's "ABCs: A Basic Course for Community Associations," fosters training in finances, reasonable rule enactment and enforcement, and community-building leadership tactics. "ABCs," a one-day class, is offered through CAI chapters around the country, in addition to books, guides and periodicals; conferences and workshops; and 12 specialized professional development courses.

Savvy homeowners are demanding trained and certified community association managers, as well. The National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers has launched the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA(R)) program to establish a national standard of fundamental knowledge that managers need to help boards manage effectively. CMCAs must complete 20 hours of required coursework, pass a national exam, adhere to strict standards of professional conduct and secure 16 hours of continuing education credits every two years. CAI also offers two designation programs for seasoned professional managers, Association Management Specialist and Professional Community Association Manager.

Whether you're currently an owner of a residence -- in a condominium, cooperative, townhome, or single-family home in a community association -- or you're a prospective buyer, you can find out if the community association manager in question is certified. Finding a manager who is certified is your best insurance policy for the effective management of your property.

A community association manager's duties include:

• providing administrative, operational and managerial counsel to association boards and residents;
• developing association budgets and financial reports;
• performing site inspections;
• directing the enforcement of community association covenants and restrictions;
• assisting board member in the selection of contractors and insurance providers,
• overseeing and authorizing payment for community association services; and
• directing association personnel.

There are nearly 3,000 Certified Managers of Community Associations in the United States. Consumers may obtain detailed information from the a href="http://www.nbccam.org">National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers . To locate a Certified Manager of Community Associations in your area, call NBC-CAM at (703) 836-6902.