In an ideal community, homeowners associations charge less in dues but maintain the same high standard of facilities and common areas. However, that is not how it always works. Although it’s understandable for an association to want to maintain low HOA fees, it’s simply not an option in the long run. Some may be skeptical,…
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HOA terms — there’s a lot to learn, especially when you have to explain things to residents and vendors who may not have the background to be familiar with them. Whether you are new to the HOA board or are a long time veteran, it is good to stay updated on the basic terminology that…
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Whether homeowners want to renovate their homes to sell the property or to improve the home for their own use, renovations can be a source of conflict within the community. Noise, dust, and the unsightliness of construction can irk other homeowners and cause tensions to rise. The best way to prevent unnecessary conflicts is to…
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Crime prevention in an HOA community is the same as everywhere else – we all want our homes and neighborhoods to be safe. HOA crime prevention is as high priority as it gets, and a lot of responsibility is placed upon the shoulders of the HOA board to promote the security and safety of the…
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As a member of the HOA board, it is your duty to run and maintain the association with the community’s best interests in mind. While errors are human nature, not all of them are reversible. Some errors can be detrimental to your association. Therefore, you must be aware of your actions and make a conscious…
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With most elections occurring between the beginning of January and the end of March, election season for HOAs is now upon us. Even the word “elections” can bring a feeling of dread upon board members, but the process does not have to be a painful one. In fact, there are several tips you can follow…
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Good HOA managers make a huge difference in how an association functions. They are the face that homeowners see, and the person with whom most will communicate. It is important, therefore, that they exhibit many of the qualities that are necessary for a leadership position. Aside from strong interpersonal skills, a good HOA manager should…
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The terminology surrounding the HOA governing documents can be confusing at times. If you have been a part of an HOA or even on the board, you may have heard the terms “governing documents”, “CC&Rs”, “articles of incorporation”, “bylaws”, and “rules and regulations” without really understanding the difference between them or what each individually means.…
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Poor communication in HOA communities is already a serious issue in its own regard. That same lack of communication in HOA neighborhoods can lead to bigger HOA issues down the road. From minor HOA management issues to open conflict between the board and homeowners, HOA communication issues have a systemic impact on the whole community.…
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One of the greatest challenges for HOA boards is a lack of participation in annual meetings. This is detrimental for the residents, who will miss key information, and for the board, who will have a harder time communicating important information to a community who neglects to come to the meetings. Luckily, there are some surefire…
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