|
8 Ways to Green Your HOA Home Owner Associations or HOAs are becoming more and more of a reality for
many Americans. In fact, in 2008 there was a reported 300,800
association-governed communities. With about 71 percent of people polled in 2007
rating their overall HOA experience as positive, these associations aren’t going
anywhere. With these governing organizations becoming a larger part of our
lives, making sure that is follows or adheres to our eco-concerns is just as
important as making sure our own homes are up to environmental code. If your HOA
were to be evaluated for its level of eco-consciousness, how would it score? If
you believe your community could be greener, take a look at our 8 Ways to get
your HOA on the same page as your lifestyle.
Read more
Surviving Each Other: the Art of Communication Communication is a lost art in some HOAs. The majority of people just are
lacking in people skills. They might be in a hurry, frustrated, impatient,
uneducated, or harried. Volunteer board members tend to get more criticism than
praise, and often find themselves spending much more time than anticipated on
association business. Then along comes a curious, tenacious and sometimes
downright abusive or offensive owner who makes what seem to be unreasonable
demands. Sometimes the shoe is on the other foot and an owner suffers at the
hands of an overly egotistical, power hungry, or just plain tired board member.
Read more
Cutting Costs Today: The Right — and Dangerously Wrong — Ways to Do
It Co-op and condo boards are being forced to tighten their belts. Yet in this,
as in most things, there are right and wrong ways to do it. You don't want to
cut off your circulation by cinching your belt too tightly, nor leave it so
loose that you get caught with your pants down. Before you economize, you must
prioritize and scrutinize. These tight times demand a soft heart and a hard
nose, long-term vision and microscopic scrutiny of expenses, and an ability to
be tough and flexible simultaneously. Here's how a handful of boards around the
city are striking this essential balance.
Read more
Protect Your Association's Assets Against Fraud
Arguably, the most important function of a community association
board of directors is to prudently administer the association’s finances. It is
quite common for a board of directors to rely on just one director or a property
manager to take charge of fi nancial operations. However, delegating the
financial administration function to an individual, without also engaging in an
appropriate level of oversight, can invite fraudulent conduct. Common fraud
schemes involve fraudulent disbursements, misuse of association credit cards and
business accounts, misappropriation of supplies, checks and petty cash, and even
lucrative kickback arrangements. Importantly, lack of oversight that enables
frauds to occur may constitute a breach of the directors’ statutory standard of
care.
Read more (PDF)
|
