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Owner Information

/ Owner - April 7, 2015

NOLO.com

NOLO.com has compiled an excellent list of articles from its web site.  “Living Under a Homeowners’ Association

General Information for Owners

  • Understanding Your Condo Association’s Declaration: A Guide for Homeowners February 14, 2024
    Living in a condominium community comes with numerous benefits, including shared amenities, maintenance services, and a sense of community. However, it also entails certain responsibilities and obligations outlined in the condo association’s declaration. This document serves as the foundation for governance within the community, establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines that all residents must adhere to. In this article, we’ll break down the key components of a condo association’s declaration to help homeowners better understand their rights and responsibilities.      Read ...
  • Civility in Community Associations: Does it Even Exist Anymore? February 8, 2024
    It seems the growing trend is that tempers flare so much faster than in days gone by. One of the more difficult situations to deal with is when a cantankerous member of the association goes out of their way to make life miserable for their neighbors and/or their board.  Read the article…………………………….
  • What Is a Condo? Everything You Need to Know December 19, 2023
    Tired of living in an apartment? Need to downsize? Then a condominium, or a condo, may be the home solution for you. But what is a condo?   Read the article……………………………
  • Condominium Owners Should Recognize Their Rights and Understand their Responsibilities (MA) December 18, 2023
    “I know my rights!” This is a statement association boards hear frequently from owners, usually in response to a board decision, covenant or rule requiring something owners don’t like or prohibiting something they want to do. As it turns out, many owners don’t really know their rights.    Read the article………………………………….
  • What Is a Homeowners Association (HOA) and How Does It Work? December 17, 2023
    A homeowner association (HOA) is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building that makes and enforces rules for the properties and residents. Those who purchase property within an HOA’s jurisdiction automatically become members and are required to pay dues, which are known as HOA fees.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Navigating HOA Rules: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners December 6, 2023
    Living in a community governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with a set of rules and regulations that homeowners must adhere to. Navigating these rules can sometimes be challenging, but understanding them is crucial for harmonious community living. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential aspects of HOA rules, providing homeowners with valuable insights and tips on how to navigate them effectively.   Read the article………………………………

Owners – General Information Archives

New Owners

  • Tips for Hosting New Resident Orientations July 11, 2023
    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 serve your association’s purposes.   Read the article………………………..
  • First HOA Meeting? Here’s What to Expect April 20, 2023
    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 April 13, 2023
    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.   Read the article………………………..
  • Common HOA Rules: How to Find Them and What to Know March 22, 2023
    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 January 11, 2023
    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 December 20, 2022
    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 the article………………………..

New Owners Article Archives



Insurance for Owners

  • Allstate’s Florida Company Defends 54% Condo Rate Hike. Blames Reinsurance, Hurricane, Rapid Growth March 18, 2024
    When Allstate’s Florida unit, Castle Key Indemnity Co., entered the surging condominium insurance market in 2020, it looked like it had made a smart bet: Within two years, the carrier had added no fewer than 123,000 policies.  Then came reinsurance price increases and $56 million in hurricane losses.    Read the article…………………………….
  • As Home Insurance Costs Soar, 6 Million Owners Decide to Skip Coverage Altogether March 14, 2024
    As costs rise nationally, more than six million homeowners are reportedly skipping home insurance, which adds up to a total of $1.6 trillion worth of unprotected houses.  A new study by the Consumer Federation of America, an association of nonprofit consumer organizations, finds that 7.4% of homeowners don’t have insurance, leaving them exposed to major risks if their homes become damaged. Uninsured rates are much higher for Black homeowners (11%) as well as Hispanic homeowners (14%).   Read the article…………………………….
  • After post-Ida lawsuit spike, lawmakers seek big changes for home insurance claims (LA) March 14, 2024
    After Hurricanes Laura and Ida, thousands of Louisiana homeowners filed lawsuits against their insurance companies, alleging the insurers were lowballing and delaying their claims as they struggled to rebuild.  The crop of lawsuits, many still winding through the state’s court system, has become central to the debate over how to stem Louisiana’s property insurance crisis. And as the legislative session begins, lawmakers are weighing bills that would limit how and when homeowners are allowed to sue their insurer.     Read ...
  • Thousands of California Homeowners to Lose Their Insurance March 1, 2024
    Thousands of California homeowners will be out of luck as American National Group stops offering the state coverage.  American National Group, which was purchased by Brookfield Asset Management Reinsurance Partners for $5.1 billion around two years ago, is yet another insurance agency to leave the state as home repair prices surge amid wildfires and heightened HOA costs.     Read the article…………………………….
  • New roof or roof coating? Insurance companies enact new restrictions on roof coverings (FL) February 28, 2024
    It’s an option many homeowners make, opting to make improvements to their roof without a full roof replacement. But one condo association said their route of getting a silicone coating instead of a new roof has them at risk of being dropped.  Barbara Schmal is the treasure of the Water’s Edge Condo Association in Largo. She emailed ABC Action News after she was notified Citizens Insurance no longer accepts silicone coating as a replacement for a roof, now putting all ...
  • Oregon homeowners face rising premiums or limited property insurance options due to wildfire risk February 27, 2024
    Nancy Matela co-owns a vacation home in a wildfire zone northwest of Bend that has a new, annual property insurance premium of $9,000. It’s more than nine times what the company Safeco charged her a year ago.   That policy remains her only option as well: Her broker couldn’t find her another one.    Read the article…………………………….

Insurance for Owners Article Archives

Buying/Selling Your Unit/Home in an Association

  • Real estate lawsuit settlement upends decadeslong policies that helped set agent commissions March 16, 2024
    A powerful real estate trade group has agreed to do away with policies that for decades helped set agent commissions, moving to resolve lawsuits that claim the rules have forced people to pay artificially inflated costs to sell their homes.  Under the terms of the agreement announced Friday, the National Association of Realtors also agreed to pay $418 million to help compensate home sellers across the U.S.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Realtors’ Settlement Will Lower the Cost of Selling a Co-op or Condo (NY) March 15, 2024
    The National Association of Realtors (NAR), a powerful organization that has set the guidelines for home sales for decades, has agreed to settle a series of lawsuits by paying $418 million in damages and by eliminating a bedrock of the industry: the 6% sales commission.   Read the article…………………………….
  • ‘It’s paradise lost’: Florida’s condo market is floundering March 9, 2024
    Karen Shipman and her husband bought a second-story condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Venice, Florida when they retired in 2021, with the hopes it would be their last home.  Now, they’re no longer sure if they can afford to keep it.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Your Guide to HOAs February 29, 2024
    When searching for your next home, the neighborhood or community you choose matters when it comes to things like affordability, proximity to work and the right schools for your kids.  If the neighborhood you like best is governed by a homeowners association, you’ll have a few more factors to consider, from the additional monthly cost involved to whether you’ll be willing to abide by certain rules. First, it’s important to understand exactly what a homeowners association does.      Read the ...
  • Lenders Identify Risks and Opportunities for Condo Lending (FannieMae) February 22, 2024
    With the U.S. housing market continuing to confront the significant supply shortage of homes for sale, condos may play an important role in narrowing the supply gap of affordable housing options1. While condos represent nearly 10 percent of the mortgage market, they often play a larger role in many metropolitan areas2. Condos also present unique risks, as condo owners share financial responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the common areas and shared amenities. The complexities of underwriting condo project ...
  • Insurance Changes Could Lead to Association Members’ Inability to Sell Their Units January 30, 2024
    Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are large, government-backed companies that play a crucial role in the mortgage market. In late 2008, following the global financial crisis, the federal government took over operations at both companies, and these government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) now guarantee most of the mortgages in the United States.Read the article…………………………….

Buying/Selling Article Archives

Working With Boards

  • Elevate Your Co-op Board Game (NY) December 3, 2023
    Ever found yourself navigating the tricky waters of a coop board with that one steadfast but hesitant volunteer? Picture this: a decision hangs in the balance, and despite the collective will of the board, this one individual assumes/ possesses the power to halt, delay, or even stop progress.   Read the article…………………………….
  • How To Effectively File A Complaint To Make Sure HOA, Co-Op Board, Or Landlord Listens October 30, 2023
    Making a complaint to your HOA, co-op board, or landlord can be frustrating because you can’t ever be sure they will actually listen to you. Sometimes, the complaint process can be worse than the problem itself. We’ve all dealt with the nightmare of noisy neighbors, the random rent increases that mess with our budgets, or the deadly black mold hiding in the bathroom.     Read the article………………………………
  • The Age of the Homeowner October 15, 2023
    In the community management industry, we’re entering an era where homeowners and board members, the core stakeholders of every community, are becoming the new focal point. While the industry has long prioritized back-office efficiency, a new emphasis on putting technology directly into the hands of homeowners and board members is emerging.   Read the article………………………………
  • ACC Request Denied? Here are the Steps to Making a Proper Appeal July 18, 2023
    If you live in a community with an HOA, then you likely know that home improvement projects require approval from your association’s Architectural Control/Review Committee (ACC/ARC). While this extra step can feel tedious when you’re ready to break out the paint and tools, it is important as it helps your community maintain a cohesive look, which ultimately protects your home’s value.   Read the article………………………..
  • How to Create a Good Working Relationship with Board Members March 30, 2023
    Fostering a good relationship with the board benefits everyone. To connect with board members and build a successful partnership, consider these recommendations:  Read the article………………………..
  • Condo Column: A board appreciation March 24, 2023
    Many of these columns have given boards of directors (and owners) advice on how to operate their condominium association a little bit better. But I have too often overlooked thanking board members for the work they do. So, I started out writing a thank you, but thought it might be a bit better if it came from a hypothetical fellow owner, perhaps you.   Read the article………………………..

Working With Boards Article Archives

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