HOA News, Advice, and Tips
It’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 […]
Continue ReadingSo your house is on the market and you’re ready to make a dynamic first impression on potential buyers. Besides ensuring that your house looks and feels inviting, making sure it smells pleasant can help generate interest during showings. While traditional wisdom suggests that freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies will add a homey and enticing scent […]
Continue ReadingA disturbing new trend is emerging in urban community associations across the nation. As municipal governments in many American cities are struggling with budget and personnel cuts, crime is on the rise. In cities such as Oakland, Detroit, and Atlanta, upper-class communities are turning to the private sector to provide their security and protect their most
Continue ReadingDenver Water has declared a Stage 2 drought, effective April 1, which means customers may water no more than two days a week, and must follow a set schedule. Despite recent snows in parts of Colorado, most of the state is in the second year of a severe drought that’s not getting better. The drought […]
Continue ReadingWe hear the term “Due Diligence” used in many different contexts, but what does it mean? According to Merriam Webster, it is the care that a reasonable person exercises to avoid harm to other persons or their property. A common transaction where this term is used is in the purchasing of a home. While many […]
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