HOA Management Blog
Tax season is here and we all want to deduct every last penny we can find. If you’re a member of a homeowners association, have you ever considered whether or not the HOA fees you pay are tax deductible? Every HOA is different, so you’ll want to find out what applies to your specific Association.
Since a new year is about to begin, this may be a good time for the HOA board to communicate with the Association members about several ways they can help make the community an even better place to live in the next year and beyond. See the list below for ideas to get you started.
Your homeowners association has a lot going on, and that includes a range of upcoming social events as well several important ongoing projects.
The HOA board may also find that the website needs updating, there’s always room for another article in the Association newsletter, and several committees—budget, landscaping, road maintenance and election oversight—are looking for volunteers…the list goes on and on!
There’s a lot of talk, along with articles and commentary these days about online bullying. This can take place on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. It can take the form of inappropriate pictures that someone secretly takes of others and then posts on the internet or just in the mean and inappropriate communications that seem to be an all too often occurrence. But this is not the only place that bullying is taking place. Bullying can and is happening in the realm of homeowner associations as well. In fact, it seems to have escalated greatly in recent years. In what forms can we see it manifested?
Fire can be a fear of residents within a homeowners association. They can break out in all sorts of situations, so it’s always good to remind owners in your community about fire safety.
Did you know that nearly two-thirds of all kitchen fires start on the range or cook top? To prevent fires in your kitchen, here are some helpful tips to pass along to members in your Association:
Believe it or not, the air inside the homes in your homeowners association may be less healthy than the air outdoors. Modern and well-insulated homes can actually trap pollutants, thus raising their potential for harm. Several common houseplants, however, can help your community breathe easier by increasing oxygen levels and removing toxins from the air -- who knew?!
It’s time for some seasonal cleaning in your homeowners association. Out with the old and in with the new – but what do you do with the “old” when it’s not quite ready for the landfill? Donating used items is a great option as long as you do a little homework to find out which local organizations and donation centers are most appropriate for the items you’d like to give away. Use the following tips as a guideline for determining what goes where and how to get it there.
Homeowners association residents want to take pride in their investments which can include keeping their home clean and tidy. Here are some tips for common household products that are natural and low in cost and can serve multiple uses for you.
Natural disasters affect thousands of people every year, and with the increased risk of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes these days, it’s a good idea to think about having an emergency plan in place. Consider preparing an emergency plan now before it’s needed.
Here are a few tips to help you work with your family, friends and homeowners association neighbors for the best options possible:
Buying a home is a big milestone in life. It’s probably one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. It can also be one of the most exciting and nerve-racking! You can avoid anxiety and buyer’s remorse by making sure you’re informed about certain factors that are part of home buying – whether you’re buying a home in a homeowners association or elsewhere. When you’re in the house hunting process, be sure to ask about the following to avoid any surprises to your budget.
There are many small changes you can make to your outdoor and indoor surroundings to adopt environmentally conscious habits that could reduce your carbon footprint. Luckily, making careful choices can be easy with the right tools and information. Check out the following advice for taking a few small steps to a more sustainable living space. Remember to check the homeowners association CC&Rs for guidelines and possible restrictions prior to beginning any projects.
Is your homeowners association located in an area that wildlife frequent? More specifically, is your Association located in such a location that deer regularly visit your community? While deer are beautiful creatures to admire, the HOA board may want to caution owners from interacting too closely with these animals.
