Tips for Hosting New Resident Orientations

Moving into a new community is exciting. But it can also be intimidating. Hosting a new resident orientation is a thoughtful gesture to make new neighbors feel welcome. It will also acclimate them to your association’s bylaws and prevent unintentional infractions. Here are 8 tips for hosting new resident orientations that guests enjoy and that […]

First HOA Meeting? Here’s What to Expect

A knowledgeable homeowner is a helpful homeowner. If you’re new to an HOA community, then you may not know what to expect when it comes to meetings held by the board. In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect when attending your first HOA meeting as a homeowner.   Read the article………………………..

Moving Into an HOA Neighborhood? Make Sure You Know These 20 Things

Homeowners associations, or HOAs, have seen a huge surge in popularity over the past few decades. Over a quarter of the U.S. population today is part of an HOA, and 67% of newly completed homes in 2021 were part of HOAs, a massive increase over 2011, when only 18% of homes were part of them.  […]

Common HOA Rules: How to Find Them and What to Know

If you are shopping for a home right now or are planning on doing so shortly, you are going to encounter homeowners associations (HOAs).  In all homeowner’s associations that are rules that must be followed.    Read the article………………………..

Understanding the HOA Capital Contribution Fee

Several closing costs come with the purchase of a new home. And if the house is part of a homeowners association, one of the costs is the HOA capital contribution. But what is this fee anyway?   Read the article………………………..

How to Get the Most out of Living in a Community Association

Living in a community association can be a great experience. Still, it’s important to remember that there are rules and regulations to ensure everyone enjoys their time living there. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to get the most out of your community, get involved in community events, and get to know your neighbors.   Read […]

Tips for Being a Good Neighbor in a Community Association

As a neighbor, it’s important to consider how you want others to treat you and how you can respect them in return, especially when living in a neighborhood governed by a community association, as there may be additional expectations placed on all residents.    Read the article………………………..

Tips for Writing a Welcome Letter Your New Residents Will Love

Creating the perfect new homeowner welcome packet is a challenge that every board should strive to achieve year on year.  The needs, interests, and trendy small gifts may change from year to year, but the one thing that should be done personally, every time, is writing the welcome letter.   Read the article………………………..

What Is Condo Insurance And Do You Need It?

As a condo owner, you don’t own the land or building your home sits on, but you still need good insurance for your unit and personal belongings. And you can’t rely on the homeowners association (HOA) master policy.   Read the article………………………..

Fun Ways To Welcome New Residents To Your Community

When new residents move into a neighborhood, the association’s efforts to welcome them goes a long way in making them feel at home and part of the community.  Read the entire article……………………………….

Having HOA Neighbor Knowledge

One of any homeowner association’s challenges is helping neighbors “make nice”. The board is frequently called on to mediate disputes and fine neighbors for doing bad things. Actually, it’s not the board’s job and in most cases, except those that directly impact the common area, these “opportunities” should be bounced back to the complainer to […]

HOA welcome letters and packets

HOA welcome packets can help new owners feel more at home, but there’s much more to a good packet than a nice letter and list of rules.  Welcome packets allow associations to showcase the best of the development, including amenities and perks of living in the community, while creating a positive experience and making expectations […]

HOA 101: Basic Terms & Definitions

Like any organization, HOAs, or homeowners’ associations, use a language of their own. This can make living in an HOA community or attending an HOA meeting a frustrating or confusing experience. But, it doesn’t have to be! Once you learn the basics, you will have a better understanding of what an HOA is and how […]

New to the Community? Take These Steps to Get Acclimated

You’ve finally made the jump and moved into an HOA. From increased home values to a general sense of community, living in an HOA has proven to be a very positive experience for many homeowners. The adjustment can be intimidating, but being the new kid on the block doesn’t have to be so bad. If […]

New Resident Screening and Avoiding Disparate Impact Claims

Most well-run community associations incorporate a new tenant application and approval process, and some even utilize such a program for new owners. A typical new resident screening program includes criminal background checks, credit checks, employment verification, and prior rental history. A community association is likely to deny any prospective new resident whose background check produces […]

6 Must-Haves in a Condominium Welcome Package

It’s the condo board’s job to ensure that newcomers to the building feel welcome. For the sake of both the newcomer and the community-based atmosphere of a condo building, condo boards are responsible for ensuring that new residents are well-settled and aware of the buildings rules and regulations. A great way to receive new residents […]

Why It’s Important to Read the CC&Rs in Your Homeowners Association

Do you remember receiving the covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) when you moved into the Association? Do you know that they are very important to you as the homeowner? Have you taken a look at these documents lately? If not, now is a great time to brush up on the do’s and don’ts of your […]

Introduction to Community Association Living

Community Volunteer Leadership Development Program Community volunteer leaders and members can maximize the benefits of community association living by better understanding the history, purpose, and function of community associations. One way to do so is by participating in the Center for Community Association Volunteers’ (CCAV) Community Volunteer Leadership Development Program – offered online or by […]