HOA News, Advice, and Tips
The appropriate allocation of a homeowner association’s membership dues is the most important task undertaken by its Board of Directors and Property Manager. Realistic budgets can be created, using actual expenses and Reserve Study guidelines. The goal, of course, is to insure that the association is neither overextended nor unable to meet obligations to its members. By law, membership dues […]
Continue ReadingThe goal of hurricane preparedness is to minimize the impact on any association or property during the storm. It’s an ongoing, year-round process to mitigate the potential effects of dangerous debris, impassable roadways, loss of electricity or running water, and the inability to keep the association’s common elements up and running. Below is a list […]
Continue ReadingCommunity websites are an incredible tool for homeowners associations. Besides that, it’s now 2013 and your homeowners or condo association needs to be on the web. Why do community association websites have such value? Consider this: whenever a prospective home buyer searches the internet for your homeowners association, whatever they find is often their first […]
Continue ReadingAs a community matures, landscaping in older communities may show signs of aging. This is the time of year that many boards across the country are considering different ways to update and enhance their landscaping. It’s a good financial investment that can enhance the curb appeal, add direct value to individual residences, and increase the […]
Continue ReadingIt’s that time of year again… new members have just been elected to serve on their Board of Directors. With this comes the election of officers and thus a new tone is set for the Association. Each new Board member brings a dynamic to the meeting that sets the tone for the operation of the […]
Continue ReadingOverseeing the community’s finances and developing budgets that enable the community to maintain and preserve market values of both the residential and common area property are important responsibilities of the association’s board of directors. A funding plan for the future repairs or replacement of major common area components (e.g. swimming pools, asphalt surfaces, concrete areas, […]
Continue ReadingYour neighborhood association can help build a community that connects people. It helps provide safety and a sense of community. Great neighborhood associations also empower people and encourage participation in community activities. And, they provide a safe environment for children to socialize outside the family. A strong neighborhood provides the foundation for families and creates […]
Continue ReadingThe weather in northern Illinois has been crazy. The drought last year left many ponds very low or even dry. Then we had ice cover on the lakes later in the spring than I have ever witnessed in 18 years of performing lake management work. Then there was the recent flood. Like they say if […]
Continue ReadingEvery association has board meetings, and every resident of that association is allowed and welcome to attend these meetings, if there has been public notice (usually with a postcard or noted on the HOA’s website). All residents are not only encouraged to read the prior meeting’s approved minutes once available, they also should observe and […]
Continue ReadingAn HOA management company can provide real value to board members and the neighborhood at-large. But, the partnership needs to be managed properly to reap the best results. The following tips will help protect your HOA and build a positive relationship with your management company: If the board did the necessary due diligence during the […]
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