In an expression of tight-knit community spirit, a local Homeowners’ Association (HOA) brought residents together over the weekend at the Police Department to hash out plans and concerns for the future of their city. The meeting announced on the Ovilla Police Department’s Facebook page, encouraged discussions on urban development, communal issues, and strategies for enhancing […]
Navigating Election Year in Your Community
Maintaining harmony within your community can be difficult during the best of times. But when election season rolls around, things can get especially tricky. With emotions running high and a wide variety of opinions among homeowners in your neighborhood, keeping things peaceful can feel like a true challenge. During these times, clear community guidelines can […]
Upholding Decorum: Navigating Conduct at Association Board Meetings
Association board meetings are formal meetings where the board of directors conducts business. However, these gatherings can sometimes become arenas for discord, where conflicts escalate and civility wanes. Upholding decorum at association board meetings is paramount to fostering an environment of respect, collaboration, and effective decision-making. Read the article…………………………….
Dunwoody Lemonade Days celebrates 25 years of revitalization (GA)
Lemonade Days has been a Dunwoody tradition since 1999. The first event was held as a fundraiser for a campaign to replant trees following the devastating tornado that cut through Dunwoody on April 9, 1998. The Dunwoody Homeowner’s Association, Dunwoody Preservation Trust and Dunwoody Nature Center joined forces to replace trees with the “Replant the […]
Can’t We All Just Get Along? When to Consider Implementing a Code of Conduct for a Board of Directors
The reading of a community association’s election results can be filled with mixed emotions ranging from anticipation, to worry, to excitement, but those members elected to the board of directors generally are eager and optimistic to make positive changes within their community. Unfortunately, dealing with a multi-member board of directors can have significant challenges, and […]
Social Committee
Committees are a crucial part of any successful condominium corporation. Comprised of volunteers, condominium corporation committees help support the board of directors so they can focus their efforts on accomplishing operational duties and achieving goals. One important condominium corporation committee is the social committee. Tasked with coordinating social events, these committee members promote harmony and […]
Community rallies to help residents displaced by massive condo building fire in Lomita (CA)
Days after a massive fire ripped through a Lomita condominium building, dozens of displaced residents are looking for a new place to call home. Thankfully, their neighbors have quickly stepped in to help. Read the article…………………………….
Homeowner’s Association – St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway (OK)
St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway sponsors like Stone Canyon and FOX23’s radio partner K95.5 put their mark on the concrete before the builder, Shaw Homes, puts down the flooring. “It kind of makes you stop your daily life. We kind of grind through everyday, do the same things, then show up and see the enthusiasm […]
Median beautification: HOA project benefits community (AZ)
When we first purchased our home on West Esperanza Boulevard in November 2021, we noticed the median in front, like many in Pima County that year following the third wettest Monsoon on record, was overgrown with weeds. In January 2022, I brought the subject up at the annual HOA meeting for our small, 52-homeowner group […]
Fairfield condominium community is ‘going green’ (IA)
The Heartland Park Condominiums in Fairfield is a community undergoing innovative changes to improve both the environment and the lives of their residents. The community values the economic, spiritual, and physical well-being of its members and encourages members to help each other. The goal is to create a safe, healthy, and supportive community of all […]
HOA potlucks can be so complicated (NV)
Q: Are there any requirements for a potluck that would be held at the community clubhouse? I received three conflicting opinions. One individual stated that no homemade food is permitted in the clubhouse. Another individual said that a food handler’s license is required. A third indicated that a stove is required in the clubhouse. I’m […]
Creative Ways to Use HOA Amenities for Community Events
Your homeowners association (HOA) plays a vital role in cultivating a strong sense of community in your neighborhood. While their primary responsibility is overseeing and enforcing neighborhood regulations, association benefits typically include community amenities. Community amenities provide more than just recreational spaces – they offer a canvas for fostering connections among residents. Beyond the traditional […]
‘Heartbeat of this HOA:’ Ocoee woman helps make neighborhood a community (FL)
Here at News 6, we get a lot of emails about neighborhood homeowners associations. Most are complaints that go to our investigative or consumer units. But residents of one Ocoee neighborhood felt so strongly about someone on their board, they nominated her for the News 6 Getting Results award. Read the article…………………………….
How to Get Homeowners Excited About Your Community for the New Year!
Membership enthusiasm plays a key role in the success of every community. When homeowners are engaged and excited, the whole community can feel it. It makes the HOA a vibrant, bustling place to live. Not only does an engaged membership support high property values, but close-knit homeowners are integral to creating a true sense of […]
Civility in Community Associations: Does it Even Exist Anymore?
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…………………………….
‘Heartbeat of this HOA:’ Ocoee woman helps make neighborhood a community (FL)
Here at News 6, we get a lot of emails about neighborhood homeowners associations. Most are complaints that go to our investigative or consumer units. But residents of one Ocoee neighborhood felt so strongly about someone on their board, they nominated her for the News 6 Getting Results award. Read the article…………………………….
Governors community makes gift to Children’s Beach House (DE)
Governors Condominium Association social committee representatives recently presented a check to Children’s Beach House to support its work with children who have speech and language delays. Read the article……………………..
HOA Homefront: Could holiday charity include your HOA? (CA)
Regardless of one’s religious leanings, most agree that the holiday season is a time of generosity. Here are several ways those involved with the HOA can through generosity promote community, peace, and harmony throughout the year. Read the article………………………….
Celebrating Kwanzaa in Your Community: Embracing Unity and Tradition
In the tapestry of cultural celebrations, Kwanzaa stands as a vibrant and meaningful observance that honors African heritage and unity. As residents of a community association, there’s a unique opportunity to come together and celebrate this rich tradition. Read the article……………………………….
Seven Strategies for Building a Stronger Sense of Community in Your HOA
The desire for a sense of belonging and connection with neighbors is universal. Homeowners Association (HOA) living provides a perfect ecosystem for creating an environment that can generate a sense of community, enhance the quality of life, and, by extension, improve property values within the association by making it a sought-after place to call home. […]
Let it snow: Texas community creates winter wonderland
While nestled in the heart of Spring, Texas, where snowfall is a rare sight, the Windrose Community Association has found a creative way to bring the joy of winter to its residents. For years now, this close-knit community has been making cherished memories by building an annual winter wonderland and snow hill for the children. […]
Creating a Safe and Festive Holiday Season in Your Community
Homeowner’s associations (HOAs) are crucial in fostering a sense of community and maintaining property values. As the holiday season approaches, board members must strike a balance between promoting festive cheer and upholding the guidelines in the governing documents. This article will go over tips to make your community’s holiday season a great one. Read the […]
Sherman Woods Neighborhood Gears Up For Eighth Annual Red Kettle Campaign To Spread Christmas Cheer (MI)
Port Huron’s Sherman Woods neighborhood is set to dazzle once again with its vibrant Christmas spirit as residents and volunteers prepare to man the Red Kettle for the eighth consecutive year. Read the article…………………………
Understanding the Uniqueness of HOAs: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All (CA)
A common misconception in community management is the belief that one-size-fits-all HOAs. When HOA boards attempt to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, they risk overlooking critical aspects of their community’s management. For instance, implementing a strict set of rules without considering the cultural and social dynamics of the community can lead to unrest and dissatisfaction among […]
Tidewater Landing Veterans Club installs flagpole at clubhouse (DE)
A welcome home can mean a lot of different things to different people, but comfort is one feeling most people seek from their home. Several veterans are residing in Tidewater Landing, a development that recently upgraded the cosmetics and durability of its sign, and felt something else was missing at the entrance to the development: […]
Hot Springs Village MOAA honors veterans with memorial bricks (AR)
New bricks were recently installed at the Hot Springs Village Veterans Memorial, located at the Ponce de Leon Center, 1101 DeSoto Blvd., which is the focal point for Veterans Day celebrations in Hot Springs Village along with military reunions and remembrance ceremonies. Read the article…………………………………….
Giving Thanks to the Unsung Heroes of Your HOA
When you stroll the perfectly groomed grounds of your neighborhood or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your community’s pool, it’s easy to overlook the amount of attention and maintenance required to keep your community looking spectacular. Read the article…………………………
Is It Okay for Our Association to Have a Social Budget?
For many community associations, it is either the middle of budgeting season, or they have just completed this financial review period for the coming year. Budgets include many categories, including maintenance, landscaping, legal, accounting, and management expenses. But what about a line item for social? Is a social budget appropriate or even allowed under the […]
5 Tips for Planning a Successful Community Event
The heart of any thriving homeowners association is its sense of community. One fantastic way to foster this sense of togetherness is by organizing community events. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday celebration, or a neighborhood cleanup, these events bring neighbors closer and strengthen the bonds that make your HOA feel like home. To […]
From Tragedy Comes Opportunities to Give Back
Sometimes, a small gesture of kindness and community can mean a lot to those affected by natural disasters. Following the deadly wildfires that tore through the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii, in early August, many in the community association industry wanted to show their support to Maui homeowners displaced by the fires. The wildfires are […]
Debunking Common Misconceptions About Living in a Community Association
Community associations are often the subject of various misconceptions. Some may perceive them as bureaucratic and overbearing. However, these perceptions disregard the underlying reasons for associations and overlook living in a community association’s many benefits and positive aspects. This article will debunk some common misconceptions about community associations and highlight their advantages for a harmonious, […]
Making the Holidays Better for All: A Community Effort
The holiday season is a time when communities come alive with lights, decorations, and a spirit of celebration. Or, at least, it’s meant to be. Unfortunately, holidays can sometimes lead to conflicts and misunderstandings that can create tensions throughout the year. Read the article…………………………….
Five Things an Association Should Consider to Enhance Halloween
Over the past decade, Halloween has become an increasingly popular holiday. Costumes have become more elaborate, communities are hosting more events centered around the holiday, and more people are decorating their homes with creative decorations. While all of this is in good fun and spirit, the occasion can be stressful for an association. Read the […]
Unlocking the Vibrancy of Your Community with Lifestyle Programming
In the realm of community association living, a growing trend is transforming residential landscapes, making neighborhoods more vibrant and connected than ever before. It’s called lifestyle programming and is not exclusively for 55+ communities anymore. Read the article…………………………….
Halloween Celebration and Safety Tips for Your Community
Halloween, with its spooky decorations, creative costumes, and a dash of frightful fun, is a much-anticipated holiday in many communities. It’s a time when residents come together to celebrate, decorate their homes, and create lasting memories. However, as board members, it’s crucial to balance the excitement of the holiday with the safety and well-being of […]
Local lakes association donates to first responders (IN)
Lake Gage and Lime Lake Association made their annual donations to a few local entities and organizations, including Orland Fire and Rescue and Police departments; Steuben County Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team; Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and Lakes Council, said President of Lake Gage and Lime Lake Association Paul Longville. Read the article…………………………………
Resolving Conflict – How One HOA Board Changed the Direction of a Building
Built as one of the tallest and most luxurious residential high-rise buildings in the country, Millennium Tower in San Francisco has gained fame for something far less flattering. The 58-story building is the site of one of the most expensive construction retrofits in history. Read the article………………………..
Homeowners say HOA is doing things right (NV)
Q: We read your column regularly on Sundays. Nearly all of your responses seem to be to complaints about real or perceived homeowners association board member abuses, unfair charges or fees, covenants, conditions and restrictions questions or infractions, legality of board decisions and the like. Some seem to be very valid concerns, others not so […]
A week after fatal house explosion, Plum community seeks the will to push forward (PA)
The idyllic innocence of Rustic Ridge shattered a week ago. Tragedy struck this close-knit community in Plum, a neighborhood of more than 200 homes, about 10:23 a.m. last Saturday. An explosion leveled a home on Rustic Ridge Drive and resulted in an inferno that destroyed two neighboring homes. The shock wave of the blast damaged […]
Neighborhood bands together to revamp greenspace, honor veterans (IN)
To those living in the Ashwood neighborhood, the dot of land is known simply as “Gilligan’s Island.” And it had been in rough shape. A patch of grass, shrubs and half-dead trees, most considered it to be an eyesore. The more residents started talking, the more a plan to transform the space took shape. Read […]
Living in Harmony: The Art of Being a Good Neighbor
While a house can help homeowners create a certain lifestyle, the people you live near can also have an impact on your quality of life. Many say that their neighbors have become a major part of their lives. Read the article………………………..
TradeMark Condominium: Cohesion and community at Charlotte high-rise (NC)
Nestled among the tall, brilliant, and imposing skyscrapers of Charlotte, N.C., sits the TradeMark Condominium. Built in 2006, this 28-story, high-rise community evokes a warm, inviting, and family-like atmosphere in this major financial center in the Southeastern U.S. Read the article………………………..
How an HOA Can Promote Community Engagement and a Better Quality of Life (TX)
Residing in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA) presents a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond mere property value maintenance. Notably, the prospect of enriched community engagement and an elevated quality of life for all residents stands as a paramount advantage. Read the article………………………..
How Your Board Can Foster a Sense of Community Among Residents
Building a community where everyone feels welcome is not always easy, but there are several steps your association can take to create a community that goes beyond the appearance of homes and further enhances the lives of your members. Read the article………………………..
Where I Live: Harbour View Estates neighbors ‘take care of our own’ (TX)
My home is located in Harbour View Estates, just north of Lake Worth and west of Saginaw. Our “Best of the Best ‘hood’” as we call it, is 152 homesites on a minimum of an acre, some more and some less but none more than two. Read the article………………………..
Marshall Fire: Louisville residents break ground on rebuilding of Wildflower Condominiums complex (CO)
Almost 1 1/2 years after the Marshall Fire burned down a third of homes in the Wildflower Condominiums complex, residents and Louisville community members gathered Saturday morning to celebrate the beginning of reconstruction. Read the article………………………..
Why Your Board Should Consider Inviting Elected Officials to Community Activities
Community associations are a marvel in democracy exercised on a small scale. They are a reflection of our greater democratic system and often deal with many of the same issues that our elected government officials deal with on the larger map. Read the article………………………..
9 Ways To Honor Fallen Veterans In The Community This Memorial Day
It is important to honor fallen veterans in the community this Memorial Day. By celebrating the contributions of veterans, you can help instill a feeling of patriotism and gratitude in your HOA. Not many communities, though, know where to begin. If you’re looking for ways to honor fallen veterans this holiday, you’ve come to the […]
Palm Springs neighborhood associations ‘share the wealth’ from Modernism Week tours. (CA)
Neighborhoods and homeowner associations are of course free to do what they will with the monies raised from tours and many of them apply the funds to necessary maintenance of, and improvements to, these historically significant neighborhoods. Read the article………………………..
Community Memorial Day Events to Honor and Celebrate Freedom
During May, many communities across the country are preparing to honor and celebrate Memorial Day. This special day serves as a time to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country and to reflect on the freedoms that we enjoy as a result of […]