Top 8 Committees That Help Every Community Function Better

As devoted members of your community’s HOA board, you shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the smooth functioning of your neighborhood. Managing an association involves a multitude of tasks, from overseeing maintenance and financial matters to enforcing rules and fostering a sense of community spirit. However, you don’t have to bear this burden alone.   Read the […]

HOA Committee Spotlight: Social Committee

Committees are a crucial part of any successful homeowners’ association (HOA). Comprised of volunteers, HOA committees help support the board of directors so they can focus their efforts on accomplishing operational duties and achieving goals.   Read the article………………………….

Effective Committees: Maximizing Use of Community Volunteers

In a typical condo, co-op, or homeowners association, residents have a lot to say about how their building or community is or should be functioning … but few actually step up to run for and serve on the board that does the actual governing. One reason is that board service can be a heavy lift, […]

HOA Committee Spotlight: Budget Committee

Committees are essential to the success of a homeowners’ association (HOA). Well-established committees support the efforts of the board of directors, reducing individual workloads and helping the association stay on top of its goals.   Read the article………………………..

Real Estate Counselor: Condo owners concerned by rising association budgets make for ideal committee members | Opinion (FL)

Many condominium associations in South Florida and across the state have already begun planning and implementing changes for the new milestone inspections and reserves requirements that lie in store as a result of last year’s condo-safety reforms. Budgetary and assessments increases are becoming necessary for most communities, and naturally this is triggering questions from impacted […]

HOA Q&A: If a new board member resigns, how do we replace that person? (FL)

Q: We just had our condominium association elections. There were 3 open seats and 4 people ran. Three people were elected to the Board of Directors. But, one week later, one of the new Board members resigned from their seat on the Board. How does the Board replace the director who resigned?   Read the Q&A……………………………….

Be Wise When it Comes to Volunteers

It is common for associations to create community engagement events where they seek volunteers to participate in bettering the community – especially at this time of the year when associations have spring cleaning on their mind! Such “boots on the ground” projects in which associations may look for volunteers include painting curbs red, community clean-up, […]

Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help (FL)

There are strict legal requirements that a homeowners’ association’s (HOA) architectural review committee (ARC) must follow, most especially if the ARC intends to deny an owner’s request. As this author has witnessed countless times, it is likely that many ARCs do not conduct their activities in conformity with Florida law such that an ARC denial […]

Leverage The Power Of Committees In Homeowners Associations

When you’re shopping for a new place to live, you probably consider a lot of factors – location, schools, taxes, and the community itself. You’re essentially interviewing the neighborhood to see if it’s the right fit for you. But once you move in, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the association that helps run your […]

Formation and Use of Executive Committees

A committee is a group of persons appointed by an association’s board of directors to perform a specific task or tasks.  The scope of authority of a committee is largely dependent on its composition. A committee composed solely or partially of persons other than board members is generally tasked with advising the board on specific […]

The Power of Committees (TX)

The operations of property owners associations (POAs) can often be vast and complex. Asking the board of directors, who are volunteers, to be hands-on in every facet of operations is often difficult if not impracticable. To keep pace with the requests and needs of homeowners, Boards will often turn to other members of the POA […]

Building HOA Committees

HOA Committees can be a valuable resource to the Homeowners and Board members they serve. They help complete specific tasks that might otherwise be overwhelming for a typical Board to take on as an additional responsibility. This article will explore the roles and responsibilities of Committees, the types of Committees an HOA can benefit from, […]

Easy Ways to Create a Committee Report Board Members Will Read

Board members of a homeowners’ association (HOA) assume a position that can be fast-paced and demanding, juggling many responsibilities at once. That’s why many rely on the support of association committees. Tasked with important duties, like financial planning, managing maintenance projects, and enforcing violations, some committees are obligated to communicate to the board in the […]

Creating Committees (CA)

Does your board table decisions because you can’t get through all of the discussion? Is there a big project that your association needs to complete, but the minutia of it is overwhelming the board? Don’t let the added work hold you back. Recruit volunteers from the membership to assist the board through the creation of […]

Maintaining Confidentiality on your Board (or in your Committee) (NC/SC)

Individuals who agree to serve on boards for their community associations will inevitably find themselves receiving confidential information about their friends and neighbors. This may be information about an alleged architectural violation, or an unpaid balance due to the association. Sometimes the association will receive complaints about police called to a home, only to learn […]

Top 8 Committees That Help Every Community Function Better

The HOA is charged with running, managing, and maintaining the community. But being an HOA director can be overwhelming due to the never-ending tasks and responsibilities that one has to handle with their family, work, hobbies, and other personal responsibilities or interests. That’s why it is crucial to have committees that make it possible to […]

How Committees can help your board (IL)

From time to time, your Association’s Board of Directors may choose to form committees to help gather information. Advantage Management would like to help address some common questions about forming committees and their role. Committees, when formed and run properly, are very helpful to the Board members by taking some of the workload away from […]

Top 7 Committees That Help Every Community Function Better

From scheduling homeowner events to managing the budget, there are many community items that board members must constantly juggle. Leading a condominium community is a lot of work and can quickly become an all-consuming job. That’s why establishing committees to help share and divide the workload is so important.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Task delegation: How committees benefit association operations

Committees are the backbone of many successful community associations. When managed correctly, they provide an important voice and opportunity to contribute to residents, create a conduit to leadership positions, and benefit association operations by tackling short- and long-term tasks.     Read the entire article……………………………….

Manager’s Wisdom: How to Make Committees Work for Your Association

We recently polled our property managers at Campbell about their experience with committees; what are the challenges and what tips make them successful.  Below is the feedback we received from our Campbell Property Managers, who average over 12 years’ experience in property management.   Read the entire article……………………………….

HOA Committees: What Are They? How To Set Them Up?

Homeowners associations, particularly larger ones, utilize all sorts of committees to help complete day-to-day tasks. Learn how you can set up your own HOA committees below.   Read the entire article……………………………….

HOA Architectural Review Committee: Who Are They?

Most homeowners associations have an architectural review committee. But, what exactly does this committee do? Do they hold absolute power over architectural changes in the community?      Read the entire article……………………………….

Open Meeting Requirements – do they apply to Committees? (MN)

Under the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (“MCIOA”), which governs essentially all associations formed on or after June 1, 1994[1], as well as older condominiums and any older townhome or cooperative associations that have amended their governing documents to “opt in” to MCIOA, meetings of the board of directors must be open to the members, […]

What is a “Fining Committee” and Who Can Be on It? (FL)

Of all enforcement options available to an association for violations of its governing documents, the imposition of fines is one that yields many questions due to the strict procedures required to impose a fine. If the process is not followed properly, it may result in invalidation of the fine, and can also result in potential […]

What is an ACC, and What Do They Do?

In any successful HOA, it’s important that architectural changes adhere to the standards and aesthetics of the community. In a smaller association, this responsibility is often fulfilled by board members. However, in larger associations with numerous properties and property owners, a special committee, referred to as the Architectural Control Committee (ACC), handles this task.   Read […]

Recruit and retain: 6 ways to create long-term volunteer partnerships

Community associations simply can’t function without volunteers. Board members and committee members play a critical role in making community associations vibrant and attractive places to live. Finding, motivating, directing, and creating long-term volunteer partnerships, however, can be challenging.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Benefits of Using Committees (OH)

Boards should encourage owners to be involved with association affairs, and committees are an excellent way for owners to participate. Ideally, involving more owners improves transparency, which in turn promotes community harmony. Having committees can benefit the community in many ways, such as improving board effectiveness and productivity, broadening board awareness of the community’s interests […]

Serving on Your Community Association’s ARC, ACC, or ARB? Take Note to Whom Your Fiduciary Duties Are Owed (NC)

Through their declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions – commonly referred to as the “declaration” for short – homeowners’ associations commonly specify an approval procedure for homeowners to follow and complete prior to making such modifications. This process is often described in declarations as “architectural review.” Examples of modifications often subject to architectural review include […]

Do You Really Need An HOA Finance Committee?

In a homeowners association, what is the role of the finance committee? For some, an HOA financial committee is a prerequisite to success while others do not seem to be convinced of its importance. When it comes to your HOA, do you really need a finance committee? Here’s what you need to know to answer […]

HOA committee charters

HOA committees can be incredibly helpful to boards, and the HOA as a whole. A well-organized committee can shorten the long-to-do list for busy board members, and build a more productive and cohesive community. However, it’s important for HOAs to only create committees that are needed. Each committee must have a clear and defined purpose, […]

Is the Architectural Control Committee a Government of Laws or of Men? (VA)

Founding father John Adams observed that a republic is, “a government of laws, and not of men.” Adams contrasted a republic with an empire, where, “what pleases the prince has the force of law.” In Adams view, a government of laws surpasses one where a single individual (or a small group) holds unlimited power. If […]

Everything You Should Know About HOA Committees (NC)

Every homeowners association can benefit from the creation of HOA committees, but the process of assembling one requires much more than sheer willpower. Before you can form a committee, you must first understand the types as well as their individual roles.   Read the article…………………………

Built for Success: 10 Steps to a Well-Established Committee

From identifying budgets and managing finances to welcoming new homeowners and organizing social activities, committees are essential to a well-functioning homeowners’ association (HOA). Committees consist of homeowners who volunteer their time and efforts to consider, investigate, and take action on HOA-related tasks that require group oversight.   Read the article……………………………..

What is an ARC or ACC in HOA?

Most basically an ACC (Architectural Control Committee) | ARC (Architectural Review Committee) is An Architectural Control Committee (ACC) is a standing committee within the HOA, of people appointed by the HOA Board, who sit in judgment of modifications that owners want to make to their homes. The ACC serves at the pleasure of the HOA […]

The Ultimate HOA Architectural Review Guide

One very important aspect of maintaining the home values in the community is to have an established HOA architectural review board in place. Even though many HOAs have a system in place to review and approve any architectural requests from association members, few are fulfilling their obligations in a way that is simple for their […]

The Value of Committees in Condominiums

Amongst the common issues and themes raised at annual general meetings are (1) owners feeling they are not sufficiently engaged and informed about various issues in the building and (2) owners getting frustrated with the lack of progress on issues raised at prior meetings. Board members and management have been finding that with all the […]

Committee Charters: Are You Using Them? (CO)

Creation of committees is one of the tools boards can use to help manage their duties and involve the community members in the management of the association. Committees, if properly created and managed, can be extremely valuable to boards and the overall wellbeing of an association.  Committees allow boards to delegate authority and obtain assistance […]

What are the Responsibilities of the ACC Committee?

An association’s CC&Rs typically require association approval before a person makes any physical changes to the outside of his or her property or the common area. The committee responsible for overseeing modifications, additions, or alterations to lots is most commonly referred to as the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) or Architectural Review Committee (ARC), though there […]

No one wants to be on the HOA Architectural Review Committee (NV)

Q: I enjoy reading your informative weekly column and have three questions regarding architectural review committees.  Our community’s covenants, conditions and restrictions require that any external modifications to an owner’s property be approved “by the board, or by an Architectural Committee composed of three members appointed by the board.”   Read the Q&A…………………………………

Committed Teams: The Best Way to Be a Successful HOA

So, how do you create a team of people committed to solving problems quickly and producing quality work?  The team you already have is likely to be the perfect one. All you have to do is bring out their best qualities. Members of the highest performing teams say the following:   Read the article……………………….

Is a Crime Watch Committee A Good Idea for Your HOA?

Imagine a way in which to reduce crime in your neighborhood while simultaneously sparking fellowship and engagement among homeowners and local law enforcement. Considering these possible benefits, a crime watch committee may appear to be an opportunity for homeowners to serve as a vital utility in securing the entire community’s safety and camaraderie. However, the […]

Committees Can Lighten a Board’s Work Load – if They’re Run Right

I first became a member of my condominium’s board of managers three years ago, when the seat held by the sponsor representative became available after the sale of its last unit. As a new unit-owner, I was eager to make a difference and have input on matters that affect my biggest investment. What I didn’t […]

Relieving Board Members’ Burdens through Committees (UT)

One of the most powerful but overlooked tools at the disposal of an association board is that of committees.  HOA boards can face a number of issues and be pulled in many directions that would tax any full time, paid board. But HOA boards are volunteer and are not full time. To deal with this […]

How to Build a Social Committee for Social Events and Social Clubs in Your HOA

Building a social committee for your HOA is a great way to increase interaction among members. From garage sales to book clubs, such a committee can plan and promote a variety of social events. Establishing the committee is serious work, however, and before the fun comes committee structure and assignments. If you’re planning a social […]