HOA News, Advice, and Tips
The still struggling condominium market may get a boost due to actions taken by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA issued new mortgage guidance for FHA insured condominium loans that could significantly affect condo financing and boost the housing recovery. Since the housing crisis began, FHA’s share of condominium mortgages has expanded from less than […]
Continue ReadingIn many areas across the United States, community associations are prominent. However, they cannot be successful without the benefit of volunteers. The members of the board of directors are elected volunteers, committee members are appointed volunteers. It is the efforts of these upstanding citizens volunteering their time and talents that make a community the best […]
Continue ReadingTake your neighborhood back – join a Neighborhood Watch Program through your local Police Department or Crime Prevention Group. We imagine you are saying, “Oh another project to devote time to that I don’t have”….but it really doesn’t take much time. It does take getting to know your neighbors, being an extra set of ears […]
Continue ReadingThe leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler and the holidays are just around the corner. Here are some great fall maintenance tips for communities and homeowners in preparation for the winter months. Many of these items fall to the homeowner in single family home communities; however, the association is responsible for many of these fall and winter […]
Continue Readingfiduciary (n) – a person to whom power or property is entrusted for the benefit of another When you join the Board of Directors of your HOA, you’re doing more than just volunteering your time and talents, you’re making a legal agreement to act as a fiduciary on behalf of your fellow owners. This carries legal consequences […]
Continue ReadingSadly, the summer days are growing shorter and the autumn breeze has begun to set in. Fall will soon be upon us, and with the change of seasons comes an opportune moment to reorganize your life. Your bedroom closet can often be a source of stress and chaos, full of clothes that you’ve outgrown, either […]
Continue ReadingWhen a homeowner purchases a home that is a part of a COA, HOA or POA there are generally fees that must be paid out at the closing table that belong to the community. In order to find out what fees are due at closing, it is the responsibility of the closing attorney to request […]
Continue ReadingFall is that special time of year when the temperatures start to drop and the leaves turn different colors. This fall season is even more special because of the 2012 Presidential Election. All around the nation, citizens will be voting for our county’s next leader. Similarly, many HOA board members will be voting, too. That’s […]
Continue ReadingBeing a board member is not for the faint of heart, not these days. Virtually all volunteer boards have an increasing number of tough decisions. Should we pursue an owner for an assessment balance due even though his home is foreclosed? Do we push another owner to cut down the view obstructing tree, even though […]
Continue ReadingIn my 12-year career as a community manager, I couldn’t venture to guess how often I’ve heard a homeowner say, “But, we can’t afford an increase in maintenance fees.” Some board members do their best to not increase monthly assessments annually. Unfortunately, the end result is not always what they set out to achieve. ‘Tis […]
Continue Reading