HOA Management Blog
The HOA board is thrilled to announce it is lowering assessments by implementing an exciting new program that will actually cut the association’s expenses in half! Here’s how it works.
Your association board is planning for the big project on the horizon, and is currently reviewing how to finance it. For several reasons, you don’t believe you’ll have enough funds in the association’s operating budget or reserves to cover the project’s entire bill. What should you do? Split the project up over several years, levy a special assessment, or maybe get a loan?
There is no way to sugar-coat a special assessment. Receiving a notice that you owe more money to your homeowners association can not only put a damper on your day but also a dent in your wallet, both of which the board is sympathetic to. In a perfect world, there would never be a need for special assessments—or any other type of assessments for that matter—but sadly; they are sometimes a necessary evil.
When living in a homeowners association residents are expected to pay assessments that are used to make the community a nice place to live. These fees contribute to utility and vendor bills, maintenance, short term and long term projects, and upkeep of amenities such as the pool.
Is your board constantly faced with residents who don’t pay their monthly assessments on time?
Keeping assessments from increasing in a homeowners association is one of the most important things an HOA board and its members can strive to do. The Association must balance keeping up with all its financial obligations and making sure fees stay as low as possible. Generally, these two feel like they work against each other.
As an HOA Board member you may be faced with the task of having to make the decision to foreclose on homes in your association. We’ve all been challenged by the financial climate these last few years and it is going to take some time to bounce back. Therefore, HOA foreclosures are inevitable.
Do the members of your homeowners association know their HOA fees are determined by the budget not HOA board members trying to be bullies? When budget season rolls around you might be sensing your homeowners in a small panic wondering if their HOA fees are going to be raised.
Pop quiz! Do you understand your HOA fees? If you’re an informed member of your homeowners association, you should pass with flying colors. If you fail, well then, you need to plan a study session to brush up on your HOA knowledge.
