HOA News, Advice, and Tips
The first three months of 2012 were 6 degrees higher than average in the lower 48 states, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It’s great to be able to wear shorts in February but there are some potential negative effects. According to Science Daily global temperatures in May were the second warmest on […]
Continue ReadingWhat does 5 Star mean? You can ask 10 different people and receive 10 different answers. For the homeowner and association, it should mean expecting the absolutely highest level of service. And for the vendor and manager, it should mean delivering the finest, the best, the most impressive and unparalleled service. But what does customer service really […]
Continue ReadingGoing green is not just one of those crazy California trends. Communities and households are rapidly seeing the health, environmental and cost benefits of adopting water reduction and native plant practices. Huntington Landmark, a condo community of 1,238 units that spreads across 160 acre in Huntington Beach, California, has undergone an extensive renovation project that […]
Continue ReadingWe all know that opening a pool for Memorial Day week-end can be one of the most challenging and frustrating tasks a community can go through. Pools can be one of the biggest liabilities an association has, and the selection of a pool management company is probably one of the most important contractors a board […]
Continue ReadingWe have all seen the “trial by fire” training that many volunteer board members receive. They attend their first meeting, receive a large notebook or envelope containing the association’s contracts and documents, and begin to address the current events facing their association. In many of these instances, the amount of information provided is staggering and […]
Continue ReadingAs a community association board member, you’re taking on an active role in your community. This covers all the general upkeep issues with gardening, cleaning and laundry room service and any ongoing “handyman” type projects. A board is bound by many legal mandates set forth in many places (such as state and and your own […]
Continue ReadingBelieve it or not, the poor economy has presented management companies with growth opportunities. Builders have cut back and—in many cases—halted new community build-outs. And while just a few years ago homeowners were quickly selling and trading up to larger properties, today they are staying in their homes until the market gets stronger. While this […]
Continue ReadingHomeowners and homeowners’ associations often face expenses to maintain or repair their property. It makes sense to look for the most affordable contractor available to do the work. Many times, through friends or relatives, a homeowner will come across an unlicensed contractor during their search for a person to do the work. The unlicensed contractor will […]
Continue ReadingThere has always been a delicate balance between the level of service and the cost of the service. Usually, the more service desired, the higher the cost. This is especially true in the world of association management. Since the members of an association and its elected board of directors are all volunteers, having service providers as business partners is the best way to improve the service levels while maintaining a fair price.
Continue ReadingReserve studies are a critical tool for common interest communities. They play a central role in budgeting and planning for the future costs of capital components. They help the board set priorities for planning and management involvement. They affect potential liability of deferred maintenance and the useful life of the physical assets of the association. They can affect the marketability of homes in an association. Some state law requires them. So what are they?
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