HOA News, Advice, and Tips
As part of a homeowner association, a property owner is entitled to rising property values, which rarely comes from home modifications. Consider that, in a homeowner association, a property owner is expected to contribute to the uniform look of the planned community. While some changes are permissible, there are other changes that may be responded […]
Continue ReadingEvery year the California Legislature seems to take steps to make the operation of homeowner’s associations more costly and less efficient. This year is no different. SB563, which has been signed into law, made significant changes that affect Board operations beginning January 1st, 2012. Baydaline & Jacobsen have provided an excellent summary of the new […]
Continue ReadingSome of the most frustrating experiences for members of community associations involve homeowners who feel that the rules enforced by their homeowners’ association are unfair or unreasonable. The emotions involved can range from quiet but constant annoyance to open challenge. Nothing across this spectrum of emotions is healthy, for either the individual or the community. […]
Continue ReadingDoes this sound like your association? The meeting starts. A “homeowner’s forum” begins. A homeowner is recognized. He starts with a complaint – something that has nothing to do with the function of the Board. The Board tries to answer. Answer isn’t accepted. Other owners start to join in the discussion. From time to time […]
Continue ReadingTo ensure the stability of every association, maintain property values and fulfill fiduciary obligations, it is important for the association’s board of directors to effectively pursue collection of assessments. Associations’ annual budgets are based on the assumption that all property owners promptly and consistently pay their assessments. Typically, delinquency rates for an association range between […]
Continue ReadingSet your goals, make your plans, and live your dreams! Community association board members are often faced with competing factions in the community who demand that the board fulfill their demands. Without a clear mission statement and goals, the board may have difficulty determining what course of action is best for the majority of members […]
Continue ReadingThe value of a property can often be determined by its curb appeal, so it’s important to carefully evaluate potential landscape maintenance contractors for your community. Landscape and grounds maintenance contractors come in various categories. Some may simply mow lawns while others provide a wide range of related services. So where do you begin to […]
Continue ReadingWinter is here and now is a good time to reflect on actions condominium and townhome associations should take to prevent extensive damage caused by frozen pipes in abandoned, vacant and inhabited units – when owners leave for a brief vacation or for other reasons. The current economy in most areas of the country has […]
Continue ReadingServing on the board of directors should be a valuable experience for anyone committed to helping the community. Being on the board is not about power and control, it is about community service, leadership and making business decisions in the best interest of the community and its members. If you maintain a level head and follow some best practices, your term of service on the board will be productive and fulfilling.
Continue ReadingEver attend a community association meeting where there was a vote on an emotional issue? As you watched the losing side, did you worry that deep divisions might sour neighborhood spirit? Ever watched a meeting where only a few people knew the rules of the process? Ever wondered if there was a better way? There […]
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