Raised voices, reddened faces and angry gestures. You might think you are watching a Congressional hearing on C-SPAN, but you are at your community’s board meeting. The erosion of civility in our society has begun to manifest itself in private residential communities. This comes in many forms, from rudeness and disruptive behavior at meetings, to […]
Buckhorn Homeowners Association Awards College Scholarships (FL)
The Buckhorn Homeowners Association is dedicated to helping neighbors enjoy the community and to provide a safe environment for all to enjoy. Aside from that, it also provides scholarships for worthy students living in Buckhorn. This year, two seniors were awarded $500 college scholarships at the annual meeting held at Buckhorn Springs Country Club on […]
How to Reflect a Positive Community in an Association
In today’s modern, social media-centric world, reputations can be built up or destroyed in an instant. A video clip captured on cell phone of a good Samaritan pulling a trapped puppy to safety from an open drainpipe goes viral and instantly propels them to hero status (at least for their 15 minutes of fame); while […]
Rancho Bernardo to honor 63 volunteers on Saturday (CA)
All are welcome to join the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation in honoring 63 locals on Saturday morning during the 10th annual Hats Off to Volunteers. All are welcome to join the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation in honoring 63 locals on Saturday morning during the 10th annual Hats Off to Volunteers. Read the article…………………..
Playing Music or Movies at your Community Event or in Your Community Pool or Workout Room?
Peloton, the fitness company that makes the popular exercise bike, is being sued for using unlicensed songs in its workout videos. The National Music Publishers Association claims that Peloton failed to properly license the music they use for their streaming spinning classes. With the ease of accessibility of streaming music from Pandora or Spotify and […]
Living in Your Neighbor’s Backyard? Here’s How to Keep the Peace
If you’ve visited a newer neighborhood recently, you may have noticed that yards are getting smaller and houses are getting closer together. Whether it’s because homeowners don’t want to manage the maintenance and upkeep that comes with having a large yard, or developers are trying to make better use of their space, the small yard […]
HOA Welcoming Committee Ideas
Establishing a welcoming committee to contact new residents will enhance the board’s service to the HOA, as well as to the whole community! A welcome package (or packet, basket, etc.) is a good way to ensure that the first contact new residents have with the association is positive. Read the article…………………..
How to Get Homeowners Excited About Your Community
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, close-knit homeowners are integral to creating a true sense of community. […]
Improving Your HOA Experience with Renters: Welcome, Inform, and Include
Moving to a new home is often a stressful experience. Learning to meet new people, and in the case of an HOA, learning new rules can easily overwhelm anyone. When the new neighbor is renting, welcoming them is just as important as if they had purchased the home. Renters can become invested members of an […]
Sugar Land Seeks Applicants For New HOA Task Force (TX)
Sugar Land residents who are interested in making a significant impact in their city are encouraged to apply to serve on the newly created City/HOA Maintenance Responsibilities Citizen Task Force. The city is accepting applications through March 13 for this task force. In an effort to maintain the “Sugar Land Way,” the task force aims […]
Blount launches Stockbridge homeowner association alliance (GA)
In an effort to help residents stay engaged with city leadership, Stockbridge City Councilman John Blount has launched the Homeowner Associations and Residential Alliance. The group will be made up of area homeowner associations who seek to have an ongoing working relationship with the city. Read the article…………………
5 Ways Communities Can Work Together to Stop Non-Violent Crime
“A porch pirate stole my package!” We are seeing more and more posts like this come across our social media feeds. With over 7.6 million property crimes reported in 2017 and the use of eCommerce sites like Amazon on the rise, this story continues to repeat across the nation. Unfortunately, 87% of non-violent crimes like […]
A ‘kinder, gentler’ community starts with you
“Where is it written that we must act as if we do not care, as if we’re not moved? Well, I am moved. I want a kinder, gentler nation.” That was the late George H.W. Bush as he accepted the Republican nomination for president in 1988. Bush, of course, would go on to serve in […]
Lunada Bay homeowners look to finish second half of trail restoration project (CA)
Residents in a Palos Verdes Estates neighborhood decided to embrace the saying, “If you want to get something done, do it yourself.” Three years ago, Lunada Bay homeowners launched a plan to raise money to beautify a barren stretch of walking trail near the seaside bluff. Read the article…………………
Kindness of neighbors helps woman recover from condo fire (NC)
Something beautiful is starting to rise from the ashes of the terrible fire that destroyed eight condos in southeast Charlotte right before Christmas. One of the survivors, Dianne Esan, tells Channel 9 the kindness of neighbors is helping her family take their first steps forward. Read the article………………..
HOA Homefront: ‘Twas the night before (the HOA’s) Christmas”
‘Twas the night before the HOA’s Christmas, and all through the community Read the article………………..Not a complaint was heard, there appeared just pure unity;The thank-you notes were placed by the bulletin board with care,In hopes the board and manager would soon see them there;
Theft of suburban family’s gay pride flag leads to heartening outcome — a neighborhood of rainbows (IL)
Casey Handal was hosting a gingerbread decorating party at her Barrington home earlier this month when she glanced out her window and noticed something unnerving: The rainbow pride flag she and her fiancee flew from their backyard flagpole was gone, replaced by the Stars and Stripes. Though Handal considers herself a proud American, she saw […]
4 Tips for Celebrating the Holidays in Your Homeowners Association (CA)
During the holiday season many homeowners association members plan festivities with friends and loved ones. With all of the merriment that’s sure to ensue, it’s important that the HOA board reminds residents who are hosting celebrations to not only be considerate of their neighbors, but also take note of the Association’s rules. Read the […]
Get on Board! How to Increase Member Participation at Community Meetings
One of the conundrums of co-op and condo life is how to keep members involved and interested in the governance of their building or association. Many residents are delighted to own, but less than excited to participate. That lack of engagement can ultimately cause problems–not just in the form of a limited pool of volunteers […]
4 Ways to Increase Community Engagement During the Holiday Season
Successful community associations all have one thing in common: their leaders are focused on building a strong sense of community. Engaged residents are happy residents, and the holiday season is the perfect time to bring your community together and show them you care. Here are four ways you can increase community engagement during the holiday […]
How to Offer a Positive Customer Service Experience in Your HOA
Community association board members and managers might not immediately think of customer service as one of their priorities, but they should. Customer Service is typically associated with the retail industry, but it’s an integral function of any organization. The need for excellent services is just as vital to an association’s success as it is to […]
Ask the HOA Expert: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Homeowner associations can be hotbeds of discontent, turmoil and conflict at times. Out in the big world, combatants can often successfully just avoid each other rather than deal with the problems. But within the HOA, avoidance is much more difficult and being in conflict with a neighbor can make living there very stressful. Unresolved conflicts […]
How HOA Members Can Be Good Neighbors
HOAs (Home Owners Associations) exist to promote cooperation, safe neighborhoods and a stable environment for those who live within their boundaries. Rules and regulations are often necessary to ensure that neighbors treat one another with respect – especially in denser neighborhoods where people are in close contact with one another. Read the article………………
Summer Fun Out of the Sun – HOA Ideas to Beat the Heat
The sunniest months are upon us, the kids are out of school, and summer fun is in full swing! This is the perfect opportunity for board members to build community relationships. While summer is a popular time for swimming and dive-in movies, not all homeowners take advantage of outdoor amenities, and not all associations have […]
A Fairy Tale About a Co-op Full of Happy People (NY)
It sounds like a fairy tale, except it didn’t happen once upon a time; it’s happening right now. And it’s not happening in a galaxy far, far away, but right here in New York City, in a Lenox Hill co-op at 401 East 65th Street. In this 137-unit, 16-story building, the shareholders routinely applaud the […]
Celebrate a Fun & Safe July 4th in Your Homeowners Association
How will you be celebrating the 4th of July? If you’re traveling to visit friends and family or taking a vacation, bon voyage! If you’re sticking close to home and celebrating with barbecues, bathing suits, and bright fireworks in your homeowners association, there are some important things to consider. If you’re an HOA board member, […]
Be a Neighbor
Fred Rogers had a unique ability to address difficult topics, such as disability, Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination, and racial integration, in a thoughtful and compassionate way that related to children and adults in his show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The iconic program, which ran from 1968 to 2001, emphasized uplifting philosophies, kindness, and courage. I wonder […]
Is Our Association a Community?
What does this mean? How would I know? Is it Important? Who cares? All valid questions and certainly varies from association to association. What follows is an attempt to shed some light on this often-forgotten issue in today’s busy world of business and staggering list of priorities placed on each of us. Let’s begin by […]
County Recognizes 15 Neighborhoods For Building Community (FL)
Fifteen groups and individuals across Hillsborough County have taken top honors in Hillsborough County’s annual Neighborhood Recognition Awards program, recognizing those whose efforts go above and beyond to make a difference. The 2018 countywide awards program highlighted individuals, groups and organizations that have enriched the quality of life in neighborhoods through outreach, improvement projects, volunteer […]
Memorial Day Ideas for Your HOA
With beautiful spring weather in full force and Memorial Day fast approaching, folks are eager to get outside and spend time with neighbors and friends. Throwing a party to celebrate Memorial Day is a great way to bring your residents together and create a greater sense of community with minimal effort. Read the article………………
Spring Events to Bring Your HOA Community Together
Warmer weather means it’s almost time for outdoor activities to begin! With only a few weeks left until Spring finally arrives, here are five ideas for an outdoor community event you can organize: Read the article……………….
HOA Event Ideas for Spring and Summer
Community is the most important aspect of your homeowners association. Part of the responsibility of the HOA board is to make sure there are plenty of activities year round that bring the community together, build strong bonds of friendship, and make homeowners feel valued. Read the article……………..
It’s Time to Change the Message (Part 1)
……I’ve seen this reality play out big time in community associations. In the early years of the Community Associations Institute, the emphasis seemed to be on covenants compliance. Boards and managers alike fell into the trap of proficiency and efficiency in enforcing covenants and rules without going deeper. They acted more like technocrats following procedures […]
Philippines: Building goodwill among homeowners and their communities
For real estate developers, management of subdivision development projects starts upon the turnover of the project to the homeowners. The homeowners then organize themselves to form the homeowners association, the governing body that will manage the affairs of the subdivision and its members. If you are an elected member of the homeowners association or a […]
A collaboration for community improvement (CA)
Lakeshore Park is most pleased to report all our Cal Fire and PG&E grant activities and goals were recently met. Like many communities in Eastern Madera County, the residents in Lakeshore Park on the north shore of Bass Lake faced it’s greatest challenge in a 60 year history. Bark beetles swept the area and left […]
How to Put the “Community” in Community Association
Being a board member is a multifaceted responsibility that involves planning, organizing, leading, and monitoring the affairs of your association. Not only does the board run a business by selecting contractors and deciding when to perform what work, they also must administer and enforce the association’s governing documents, all while being a volunteer! With all […]
Family-friendly Condo Communities
Condo communities should be catering to all ages and life-stages in their community. It is increasing important for condo communities to be inclusive. Singles age, have families and enter middle-age before becoming seniors. Retaining residents through life-stages can be a challenge. If your condo community does not currently have a growing population of young children, […]
How to Host the Perfect Event for Your Community
Between all the budgeting, planning and maintenance tasks, you and your fellow board members probably tried to squeeze a few events into your community’s annual strategic plan. The options for giving your community a chance to come together are limitless, which is exciting. But, too many choices can make the planning process for your board […]
Diversifying Your Board: Practicing and Prioritizing Inclusivity
A democracy fares best when it is proportionally representative of its constituents. For all intents and purposes, the board of a condominium, cooperative, or homeowners’ association is a democratically-elected entity, and as such, one could argue that it should strive for proportional representation of the residents it seeks to govern. Read the article………………
Biscotti Diplomacy: Never underestimate the value of a face-to-face apology. Baked goods help, too
When I bought my first home in 2016, the townhouse complex I moved into seemed like a paradise on earth. The neighbors were friendly, the homeowners association was efficient but not overbearing, and the wooded setting at the base of a mountain seemed made for brisk walks and amateur observations of the native flora and […]
Should your Community Association have a Holiday Party?
With Christmas just around the corner, many community associations are currently planning parties to celebrate the holiday season. Holiday parties are a great way to bring the community together and converse with your neighbors. These parties frequently involve the catering of food and alcohol as well as live entertainment which helps foster community participation. Read […]
3 Ways to Strengthen Community Relations this Thanksgiving!
Holiday seasons are always a great occasion for bringing your community together and strengthening relationships. Keeping in touch with residents and bringing them together for festivities are some things you can do to cultivate a happier, more connected community. As we approach Thanksgiving, we share some tips you can implement. These tips are straight from […]
Tips from an HOA Board for a Safe Halloween in Your Association
Halloween is a kid’s delight. It’s a blast to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties and most of all, eat a lot of candy. At the same time, Halloween can be scary for parents. Costumes can be dangerous, too much candy can be sickening and walking around at night can be risky, even […]
Halloween is upon us
It is officially fall and that means Halloween is right around the corner. Doorsteps will soon be adorned with pumpkins, autumn wreaths, and spooky figures, but what does your HOA actually allow? Since some people get really excited for the holidays, it’s important to establish rules around Halloween decorations and communicate them with plenty of […]
In Heavily Flooded West Houston, a Neighborhood Comes Together to Save Itself (TX)
One of the first rescues was 120 pounds of wet, terrified Rhodesian ridgeback, wide-eyed and shaking on top of a kitchen counter. It was Sunday, August 27. A neighbor kid had been pet-sitting for the dog’s out-of-town owners, when he realized Buffalo Bayou was coming out of its banks so rapidly he could no longer […]
7 Keys to Success for Social Events in your Community
Communities often have difficulty attracting residents to their social events, which can make it difficult to justify the effort and cost. Imagine a family-oriented HOA with 500 homes – with a healthy social budget of $50,000 per year. A community can do a LOT with this amount of money, but it is still only $100 […]
Millennials and New HOA Demographics
As millennials begin families and start to settle down, they are becoming one of the largest groups of home-buyers. From 2010-2015 the percentage of millennials moving into San Antonio homes went up 14.4%. That makes San Antonio the second most popular metro area for millennial home-buyers! While some HOAs are already making the move toward […]
Rehabilitating the HOA Image One Person, One Deed, and One Community at a Time
So last month I was at the doctor’s office, and as I was making small talk with the nurse she asked “So what do you do?” I responded “I’m an HOA attorney.” She actually grimaced. It was a clear knee-jerk reaction. And then she laughed, said sorry, and made some comment about her friend’s trash […]
The Resurrection of Civility – Take Back Your Community Association Board
In June, I addressed the Death of Civility – Why Community Association Board Members Serve – in part one of this series. I left you with a dysfunctional collection of community association board members, and the promise of a next installment. Well, here you are – specific, time-tested suggestions for bringing all the directors back […]
A Quick Guide to Encouraging HOA Volunteerism
Sometimes people who buy a home in an HOA neighborhood may not be used to the core concepts of an HOA. In most places, you take care of your property and keep to yourself. Maybe you get to know one or two neighbors and share cookouts, but if not, that’s okay too. The idea of […]