When Misguided Attempts to Keep HOA Fees Low Affect the Reserve Fund
August 1, 2018 / by HOA Manager
The reserve fund of a homeowners association is often misunderstood by members and sometimes the HOA board as well. Some see it as a slush fund that is to be used on a "rainy day"' when the association gets low on cash in the operating account. Others, although they may understand the need to have some measure of reserve cash, do not make the connection that reserve funds are being reserved for the particular components within the community that the association is responsible for, such as roads, roofing, siding, fencing, painting, and equipment replacement.
What Happens When Members Don’t Follow the Architectural Guidelines?
July 11, 2018 / by HOA Manager
You’re a board member of a lovely homeowner’s association. On most days as you drive through your community you wave at fellow neighbors, share a friendly smile with passersby, and enjoy the neat landscapes and well-kempt houses. This particular day seems to be no different. The sun is shining. The birds are singing. You appreciate the peaceful feeling and aesthetically pleasing views you’re coming home to after a long day at work.
But then there’s a fluttering of feathers as you turn the corner onto your street. There, at the end of the street, staring back at you is a purple monster of a house. PURPLE. You’re pretty sure it was gray when you left…how did it get to be PURPLE?
Celebrate a Fun & Safe July 4th in Your Homeowners Association
June 27, 2018 / by HOA Manager
How will you be celebrating the 4th of July? If you’re traveling to visit friends and family or taking a vacation, bon voyage! If you’re sticking close to home and celebrating with barbecues, bathing suits, and bright fireworks in your homeowners association, there are some important things to consider. If you’re an HOA board member, remind residents of the following information.
Can a Homeowners Association Keep You From Flying the American Flag?
June 22, 2018 / by HOA Manager
On Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veteran's Day and other patriotic holidays, many Americans show respect for their country by raising the star spangled banner or displaying it in some way on their home or in their yard. But can your homeowners association keep you from showing your patriotism and restrict you from displaying the American Flag?
How to Minimize Maintenance Expenses and Keep HOA Fees From Increasing
June 13, 2018 / by HOA Manager
We all know how important it is to try and consider taking a green approach in our daily routines. What if you could go green while also helping the community in your homeowners association? Residents can help their homeowners association minimize its maintenance expenses, which can also avoid HOA fees from increasing, by observing a few simple green considerations.
What Are the Qualities of an Invested HOA Manager?
June 8, 2018 / by HOA Manager
You’re the President of the HOA board in your community and you’re wise enough to know that you’re in way over your head - but you like a challenge and you’re ready to meet it head on. You’ve read your governing documents and know how to keep a basic balance sheet, but that doesn’t mean you understand the CC&Rs or know the difference between the operating and reserve budgets.
Planned Unit Developments and Condominiums with attached walls tend to have more challenges around confining issues like infestation to just one unit. Bed bugs could have a devastating impact on these communities and it’s good to be aware of just how likely these critters could affect you.
Best Practices to Protect Your HOA Data
May 30, 2018 / by HOA Manager
Homeowner associations (HOAs), like most organizations, have adopted information technology for everything from accounting and bookkeeping to email and other forms of communication to preparation of documents and presentations, etc. However, HOA board members and their management staff must recognize and address the risks inherent in modern electronic technology, especially data breaches & server hacks that compromise information the HOA is responsible for keeping private.
Groups that are run by volunteers that handle money are particularly vulnerable to fraud, embezzlement, illegal activities, and scams. HOA boards are no exception. Access to funds is a temptation that some cannot resist.
Dishonest board members can exploit the fact that most volunteers don’t know the details on how to financially manage the HOA’s funds. They also know other board members are busy with family life, jobs and hobbies and may not have the time to scrutinize every transaction. Board members with a bit of financial savvy can “cook the books” to embezzle money or collude with outsiders to collect kickbacks.
HOA Board Voting 101: How to Start a Motion
May 25, 2018 / by HOA Manager
Sometimes what seems like a simple item on the agenda that will receive an overwhelming vote can end up taking the whole meeting because Board members and homeowners keep hashing out the same issue over and over again.