HOA News, Advice, and Tips
Many board members and managers say that committees are the lifeblood of associations. More importantly, in a well organized association, committees are where it’s at. Community members often consider the board as the “best” place to be involved. However in a well-run community, important issues are first worked through and refined by committees and the […]
Continue ReadingThere are numerous challenges for managers in the world of Multi Family Housing. Likewise, there are also many challenges for the contractors who serve them. Uncertainty, bidding costs, and skyrocketing ancillary costs are many of these. There are also many ways to alleviate some of the challenges inherent with construction defects and repairs by enlisting […]
Continue ReadingHOA Reserve StudyReserve funds are a community association’s version of a “rainy day” fund. The financial health of an HOA can be determined by calculating the strength of that fund through a Reserve Study. If you’re considering moving into a new community governed by a HOA, one of the first things you’ll want to look […]
Continue ReadingIt doesn’t seem there is ever enough time to get all the things done that need to be done. This is especially true in an active community for a volunteer board of directors. The work of Boards is becoming increasingly challenging given the effects of the current economy, the complexity of the issues and the […]
Continue ReadingIn a word, “yes”. There is no minimum (or maximum) Useful Life stipulated in National Reserve Study Standards. Often a project like tree trimming is a candidate for inclusion in the Reserve Budget rather than the Operating Budget, even if it occurs every year. And here’s the reason why. Operating Budgets are typically handled on […]
Continue ReadingThe 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 ReadingIn order to operate a successful community association, there are many important facets of association governance that must be understood and implemented by its board of directors. One of the most important is the budgeting process. Most associations are “multi-million dollar non-profit corporations.” This means that the board of directors of an association is often […]
Continue ReadingAll your bags are packed, you’re ready to go. You’ve been waiting for months for this moment and now it’s here. Whether it’s a beach resort or a lake house, summer means vacation for many families across America. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your big trip, but don’t forget to […]
Continue ReadingRenters occupy approximately 4 in 10 homes in suburban America. If your unit is one of those homes—or about to become one—here are a few tips that will help you, your renters, and the association. Talk to the Manager The association manager can give you important information about what the association requires of owners and […]
Continue ReadingThere is an old adage that “all politics are local.” Basically this means that government works best when it works at the grassroots level, and community associations that foster positive relationships with these government officials will find that navigating through government bureaucracy will be a lot easier when you know someone on the inside. The […]
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