The general rule in community association collections is that any payment on a delinquent account is a good thing, even if the payment is for less than the full amount owed. However, depositing a payment of less than the full amount owed can be dangerous if the owner includes language on the check or other […]
Top 10 Attributes of Successful Community Association Boards
In addition to working with many community association and HOA boards on tax and audit matters, I’m also the president of my neighborhood’s Homeowner Association. At our next board meeting, we will start discussing new board member candidates along with next year’s budget. We want to have candidates identified early, so we can publish their […]
A list of the Do’s and Don’ts in HOA Management:
Customer service. Answer your calls and emails within 24 hours of receipt. Even if you don’t have an answer, let your client/homeowner know that you are working on it. Read more……..
Simplifying the Accounting for Your Homeowners or Condo Association
It is the time for some condominiums and HOA’s to do many of their budgets. For many people, budgets look like a mess of meaningless numbers. But, like it or not, the Board is responsible for understanding what those numbers mean so you can guide the financial course of the HOA. Read more…….
HOA Boards Should Assess Itself Every Year
A nonprofit Board of Directors is responsible for many things in its organization. The Board oversees the operation, provides guidance, and develops policy. A good Board makes for a good organization. So who monitors the Board to make sure it’s as good as it can be? Read more……..
Polo Golf and Country Club Homeowners Association, Inc v. Rhymer et al (and Forsyth County, et al)
POLO GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. V. RHYMER ET AL. (S13A1635) POLO GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. V. FORSYTH COUNTY ET AL. In related appeals, the Supreme Court of Georgia has ruled against a homeowners association in one case and against Forsyth County in the other involving disputesover who is responsible for repairing […]
Is Your Senior Housing Community Legal?
The news is full of reports about the enormous rise in the senior population as baby boomers begin to reach retirement age. The population of seniors is projected to grow at a faster rate than the total population of the United States in the coming years. Therefore, it is not surprising that many developers are […]
Conflicts of Interest on Community Association Boards
The board of directors of an association must be aware of the potential for a conflict of interest at all times. This can be an especially difficult issue for directors to navigate, no matter whether the board members are appointed by the “Declarant” or elected by association members. Read more…….
From Good to Great: Principles for Community Association Success
Every community has its own history, personality, attributes and challenges, but all associations share common characteristics and core principles. Good associations preserve the character of their communities, protect property values and meet the established expectations of homeowners. Great associations also cultivate a true sense of community, promote active homeowner involvement and create a culture of […]
HOA Board Should Assess Itself Each Year
A nonprofit Board of Directors is responsible for many things in its organization. The Board oversees the operation, provides guidance, and develops policy. A good Board makes for a good organization. So who monitors the Board to make sure it’s as good as it can be? Read more……
A list of Do’s and Dont’s for HOA Management:
Customer service. Answer your calls and emails within 24 hours of receipt. Even if you don’t have an answer, let your client/homeowner know that you are working on it. Read more…..
Follow These Basic Steps When Writing a Strategic Plan for Their Community
Plan development is the first component of strategic planning. During this stage, the following steps should be completed. Read more…
Protect the HOA / Condominium Operating and Reserve Accounts
I know anyone that has any affiliation with an HOA or Homeowners Association has heard of someone stealing or trying to steal money from the Community. The scams are often as simple as writing a check to themselves, either as an administrator, treasurer or president. This is the one constant to which no one paid […]
How to Overcome a Stagnant Board of Directors in Your Homeowners Association
A stagnant board of directors slows down the business initiatives of an Association and may cause the Community to lag behind comparable neighborhoods. Overcoming stagnation at an HOA requires establishing more open lines of communication with board members and seeking to identify key problems. Solving those same problems may also require the removal of board […]
Neighborhood residents should be more vigilant
Laurie Vanover will have her day in court. Accused of looting nearly $192,000 from the Stratford Property Owners Association where she served as treasurer, Vanover is expected to be charged soon. Police, prosecutors and courts will take care of the rest. Read More……
Georgia Community Association “Priority Lien” Bill – A New Year, Another Chance
For years now, there has been an ongoing push to try to pass a bill in the Georgia legislature that would give community associations that are subject to the Georgia Property Owners Association Act (as opposed to “common law associations”) and condominium associations a special “Priority Lien.” In 2013, the push continues. Read More……
Budgeting and Reserves for Condominiums
Most covenants for condominiums require that the association include as part of the annual budget, an allocation for reserves. Reserves should be set aside for roof replacement, pavement resurfacing, building painting, and any other item of association responsibility with a replacement cost or deferred maintenance expense of $10,000.00 or more. Read More……
Recent HOA News
The Millshaven Property Owners Association is suing Becky Rogers-Peck over the pink playhouse in her yard built for her granddaughter. The Association says the color of the playhouse violates the covenant that Rogers-Peck signed. She has until October 5th to respond. Read More……
Get the Weeds out of the HOA Common Area
Some people call them weeds, other just say plants growing in the wrong place. They seem to sprout overnight and can grow flowers that emerge in a heartbeat. Recent rains have resulted in vigorous growth. If left unchecked can steal water and nutrients from neighboring plants. Where do they come? What can be done to […]
So Now You’re On the Board
The first steps to superior board performance are clarifying your board’s job and then following through with appropriate plans, actions and evaluation of results. The checklists presented here are intended to assist you in those tasks. They cover a significant number of your responsibilities. The checklists will apply to virtually any association. To use them, […]