Q. Our covenants committee wants to change our bylaws to allow non unit owners to serve on committees. But what are your thoughts about homeowners association employees serving on committees? Read the Q&A………………………………..
A Step-by-Step Guide On How To Set Up A HOA Committee
Despite wanting to, many board members don’t know the first thing about how to set up a HOA committee. While the exact process can vary from one association to another, there are some crucial items and elements that must not be overlooked. Understanding how committees work and what goes into forming them is essential to […]
What Does The HOA Architectural Review Committee Do?
The HOA Architectural Review Committee plays a critical role in preserving aesthetics and appeal within a planned community. This committee works hand-in-hand with the HOA board to review proposals, inspect for violations, and ensure visual harmony in the neighborhood. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with this committee’s role to better equip themselves for HOA living. […]
Understanding Community Association Committees
Condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations rely on a volunteer board of directors to oversee the governance and operations of the community. However, managing a community effectively often requires additional support, which is where committees come in. While the structure, authority, and requirements for committees can vary by state laws and individual association governing […]
The Value of HOA Committees
Managing a community can be a full-time job but using volunteer-based committees can help lighten the load for board members. Volunteers are motivated by the best interests of the neighborhood and bring valuable time, ideas, and dedication to the community. Read the article…………………………….
Do Committee Recommendations Require a Second?
Recently, I’ve been tackling some common procedural myths—those phrases and practices you often encounter in meetings but aren’t necessarily accurate. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Volunteers: Pick Me! Pick Me!
When it comes Board elections or need for a committee member, are volunteers scarcer than snowballs in hell? This is a common frustration in homeowner associations where the same few good women or men seem to shoulder the responsibility for life. So, how do you get others to raise their hand and step forward? Read […]
Pro-Active or Reactive Architectural Review
Question: I recently heard the terms “pro-active” and “reactive” as it applies to Architectural Review. Apparently, pro-active is when the community announces walk-throughs to look for problems, and reactive is when the community relies on reports by neighbors who see alleged violations. What are your views on “pro-active” enforcement? Read the Q&A………………………………..
HOA: Mother Lode Committees
Committees are an untapped gold mine available to a homeowner association board. Besides benefitting the board by spreading the work around, committees are an excellent training ground for future board members. Members that are reluctant to step up to a board position often feel right at home on a committee with limited or focused responsibilities. […]
What Is An Architectural Review Committee?
An Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is a group of community members who volunteer their time to help maintain the aesthetic appeal and property values of the community. The ARC reviews and approves or denies proposed exterior modifications to homes and properties within a homeowners’ association (HOA). Read the article…………………………….
Committee collaboration: How effective teamwork ensures community success
Committees play a crucial role in the success of community associations, offering valuable support to both board members and community managers, but effective committee collaboration requires good communication and a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. Without communication and clarity, it can be a constant tug of war between boards and committees for control and […]
Collaborative communities: How to maximize committee success
Committees are a vital part of community associations and can be of great value to board members and community managers. Many committee members have historical knowledge of the community and experience in areas that may be unfamiliar to new board members or management. Their shared knowledge can be a great asset in completing projects. Read […]
You Just Joined the ACC Committee, Now What?
You’ve lived in your community for a few years, and now you are determined to get more involved because you believe you can make a difference. Instead of jumping into the full commitment of serving as a Board member, you decide to ease into service for your POA and answer the call for volunteers to […]
Homeowners not allowed to attend committee meetings (NV)
Q: Our homeowners association board of directors has established five committees in our community. To date, the board has not permitted unit owners to attend committee meetings. The law seems to be vague regarding committee meetings. Our covenants, conditions and restrictions are as vague as the law. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Why Does an HOA Need an Architectural Control Committee?
When purchasing a home in an HOA, the buyer agrees to certain rules and regulations. They’re also agreeing to keep their home and yard up to certain standards and to adhere to the aesthetic of the overall community. This is where the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) comes in! Read the article…………………………….
HOA Maintenance Committee: 6 Key Responsibilities and Best Tips!
Maintaining an HOA is essential for a safe, clean and attractive community. An HOA maintenance committee oversees the upkeep of common areas and amenities to ensure everything stays in good shape. Read the article…………………………….
Forming Association Committees (CA)
Newsletter article (PDF) Read the article (PDF)…………………………….
Spring Is Here – Time To Get Your Architectural Review House In Order
Winter is over and spring has finally arrived! For many homeowners this means that the time has come to begin thinking about home improvement projects. Installing gardens, refreshing landscaping, expanding patios, constructing sheds, and house painting are common spring and summer projects. For associations, and their architectural review committees, this could mean an influx of […]
How to Form an Effective Utah HOA Social Committee
For many, homeowners association (HOA) living is nothing but strict rules and high fees. That’s a reality for some, sure, but many HOAs have far more to offer. HOAs should be dedicated to an equally important role: encouraging a sense of community and belonging among residents. Read the article…………………………….
Effective Committees – Maximizing Use of Community Volunteers
In a typical co-op, condo, 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, […]
Effective Committees: Maximizing Use of Community Volunteers (NJ)
In a typical co-op, condo, 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, […]
5 HOA Committees All Utah Communities Should Have
Living in a homeowners association can be complicated. Many homeowners are confused about the general operational setup of their neighborhood. Why do the assessments seem to keep going up? What does my money even pay for? Who actually calls the shots? Read the article…………………………….
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 […]
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………………………..
Australia: Thinking about joining your strata committee? Here’s why you should take the leap
With the increasing popularity of apartment living and the desire to be close to amenities, as many as 1 in 5 Australians now reside in properties under a strata title. Nationally, there are 340,601 strata schemes, with 2,869,845 lots, resulting in an average of 8.4 lots per strata scheme, according to data in the June […]
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. Read the article………………………..
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 […]
HOA Disaster Team: Does Your HOA Need One? How To Form It? (NC)
Having an HOA disaster team is always a good idea, especially if you have a larger community. But what does this team even do? And how can you form one for your association? Read the article………………………..
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 […]
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 […]
Condo questions: Who can serve on committees depends on the association’s bylaws (FL)
Q: My homeowner’s association allows for non-owner residents and tenants to serve on committees. I did not think this was possible. Is there a Florida Statute that prohibits them from serving on committees? Read the Q&A……………………………….
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 […]