Stories, tips and insights into property management, accounting and community
For many associations, the Board of Directors' most significant issue is dealing with demanding homeowners. Even the most even-tempered folks have "hot buttons." Dealing with the emotions entwined in ownership of one's home can push those buttons and create problems in an association.
Read MoreDo you have your eyes on a particular home? The first thing you should do is ask your real estate agent if it's part of a community association.
Read MoreManaging the daily operations of a homeowners association can make it hard for Florida board members and community managers to carve out time to evaluate the health of their association. Though it may be one more thing to do, knowing your community’s financial standing, curb appeal, and relationship with residents is well worth the time and effort.
Read MoreGoverning homeowners associations include documents, among which are the bylaws and the CC&Rs. However, there will come a time when you will need to amend those documents. Continue reading to learn how to change HOA bylaws and CC&Rs.
Read MorePets come in all shapes and sizes. They also provide companionship to their respective families. Still, animals play an essential role in the lives of people with disabilities and mental health issues by assisting with day-to-day activities or giving emotional support.
Read MoreConducting effective board meetings plays an essential role in the Board of Directors' ability to govern their community successfully. However, it takes a great deal of time and effort for a board meeting to run in a timely and productive manner.
Read MoreHas your board of directors of your homeowners’ association recently consider a bulk contract for cable television and internet service for your community. While the association has not previously provided cable or internet service to the residents, the association signed the contract to force homeowners to pay for the service as part of their assessments.
Read MoreSummer is almost here. Many HOA board members will be out of town throughout the summer. Still, you must continue to hold board meetings as often as outlined in your association bylaws.
Read MoreMental health issues aren't new to community associations, but the pandemic has heightened these feelings and behaviors. It has become overwhelming for many managers and board members. I
Read MoreHomeowners often choose to live in a community association because of its affordable amenities, convenient services, preserved property values, and community sense. However, many new homeowners don't understand how the association functions, which can challenge expectations and cause misunderstandings.
Read MoreIn most associations, the assignment of one or more spaces is for each unit. Boards should use their rule-making authority to adopt parking policies that require owners to park in their assigned areas. That gives the association the power to enforce the rules if an owner violates this provision.
Read MoreAssociations that want to either limit or ban vaping in their community will need to take a careful look at their governing documents. Looking over these documents will determine whether they can do so through either rules and regulations or an amendment to their governing documents.
Read MoreHOA residents may be getting an early start on holiday décor this year. Lights are being strung on homes even earlier as they seek to find some extra joy during the COVID-19 pandemic. As is typical during the holiday season, homeowners should review any seasonal décor guidelines in their community and follow some simple steps to decorate safely.
Read MoreCivility, like chivalry, is becoming extremely rare. Differences of opinion are no longer allowed—either someone agrees with the other person, or both may reject any polite dialogue. Today's society needs healthy ways to manage disagreements and relationships, especially in your community HOAs. Here are some tips to consider regarding the dispute and what it means (or doesn't).
Read MoreResidents living in homeowners' associations tend to be more civic-minded and engaged with community governance. According to the Foundation's research, 2.4 million residents volunteer to serve on community association governing boards or committees. Read on to learn more.
Read MoreLike any relationship, one built on trust is an important one between an association's board members and its community association management company. It's the primary reason this relationship exists in the first place. A board of directors calls on a management company to help execute the responsibilities it has to its residents. Therefore the way a management company pays its bills can significantly impact the level of trust and overall quality of the relationship—for better or worse.
Read MoreAccording to the Census Bureau, roughly 64% of U.S. households have responded to the 2020 census as of August 14, 2020. As the agency follows up with nonrespondents until September 30, homeowners associations can play an important role by allowing access to census takers to count all residents.
Read MoreThe 2020 Hurricane Season is already proving to be disastrous. Therefore, equip your community to respond to anything effectively and efficiently. Condominium Associates is your property management provider here to help you and your HOA prepare for a disaster that is not easy to predict.
Read MoreIn the last 15 years, this is the eighth time Americans—living in homeowner associations, condominiums, and housing cooperatives—say they're overwhelmingly satisfied in their communities, according to the 2020 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey published by the Foundation for Community Association Research for Community Associations Institute.
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