As a homeowner in a planned community, you might enjoy using the perks in your development, such as the common swimming pool, parks, fitness room, or clubhouse. You also know you must pay for those jointly owned benefits, in the form of periodic dues. As a responsible home owner, you probably always pay your dues […]
What an HOA Board Should Do About Bullying in a Homeowners Association
There’s a lot of talk, along with articles and commentary these days about online bullying. This can take place on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. It can take the form of inappropriate pictures that someone secretly takes of others and then posts on the internet or just in the mean and inappropriate communications […]
Handling Homeowner’s Associations: A Mini-Guide for Malcontented Members
If you’re in the neighborhood for purchasing an existing home or building a new one, you might have to deal with a Homeowners’ Association or (HOA). A (HOA) is an organization of property owners who upheld set rules and upholds them for a group in either a subdivision, development or condominium complex. It’s good to […]
Tips to Help Homeowners Association Residents Prevent Kitchen Fires
Fire can be a fear of residents within a homeowners association. They can break out in all sorts of situations, so it’s always good to remind owners in your community about fire safety. Did you know that nearly two-thirds of all kitchen fires start on the range or cook top? To prevent fires in your […]
The Truth about HOAs: Involved Homeowners are Happier Homeowners
Board members are community leaders. They volunteer their time to make decisions on the well-being and financial health of their association. Every homeowner has a right to know what’s going on in the community and the board should embrace that. However, it’s important for homeowners to understand the structure of board meetings and only participate […]
Tips from an HOA Board: Help Residents Breathe Easy in Their Homes
Believe it or not, the air inside the homes in your homeowners association may be less healthy than the air outdoors. Modern and well-insulated homes can actually trap pollutants, thus raising their potential for harm. Several common houseplants, however, can help your community breathe easier by increasing oxygen levels and removing toxins from the air […]
Tips to Prepare a Family Emergency Plan in Your Homeowners Association
Natural disasters affect thousands of people every year, and with the increased risk of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes these days, it’s a good idea to think about having an emergency plan in place. Consider preparing an emergency plan now before it’s needed. Read the article……………
Running for the Board of Directors in Your HOA
Question: I want to run for election to our Community’s Board of Directors. What exactly does the Board do? What can it not do? Please advise. Read the Q&A……………
What Exactly Are the Governing Documents in a Homeowners Association?
We’re always talking about the governing documents of a homeowners association, but what are they, why are they important, and what do they say? Read the article………….
3 Tips for Friendly Neighbor Relationships
One of the best ways to promote a happy, friendly community is to boost neighborhood relationships. In a community where neighbors know each other, you’ll see less problems because everyone is watching out for each other instead of just themselves. However, in this day and age, it can be difficult to create these friendly neighbor […]
Having HOA Neighbor Knowledge
One of any homeowner association’s challenges is helping neighbors “make nice”. The board is frequently called on to mediate disputes and fine neighbors for doing bad things. Actually, it’s not the board’s job and in most cases, except those that directly impact the common area, these “opportunities” should be bounced back to the complainer to […]
Home Security Tips for Condo Owners
It should go without saying but be mindful of others even when you’re inside your building. Pay attention when walking in stairwells, meet your neighbors and know the general layout of the building. Read the article………….
5 Ways You Can Help Your HOA
Your community’s HOA is not just tasked with enforcing parking notices and trashcan warnings. Your homeowners association provides a very serious function: to protect the multi-million-dollar asset that is your community. Your HOA board is comprised of volunteers who share the responsibility of ensuring that decisions and operations are in the best interest of your […]
You are all Neighbors!
The first thing to remember when living in an association is that you are a neighbor to someone. If nothing else, your neighbors all likely share at least one common desire: to live in your community. Owners may have bought in the community for its location to certain schools, the layout of the homes, its […]
6 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor This Winter
Winter weather got you down? Take these six steps to a happier, safer winter season. Read the article…………
How Defining Residents’ Rights and Responsibilities Creates Happy HOA Communities
“When a community’s residents and HOA leaders understand their roles and responsibilities, it creates a clarity that leads to cohesiveness,” says Lisa Leidy, a community association manager for FirstService Residential, a leading property management company in Maryland. “If you’re a resident, knowing your responsibilities, as well as what you can expect your community management team […]
How to Avoid a War with the Neighbors
A disagreement between neighbors can escalate quickly. One minute you’re mowing your lawn, the next you’re plotting revenge on the homeowner next to you for parking his car on your freshly cut grass. Read the article…………….
Rate Your Board’s Strategic Leadership Skills
HOA Board members possess a wide variety of talents and skills. Each person brings a different perspective based on his/her experiences and knowledge. Although your Board members may be quite diverse, you can still have knowledge gaps. How does your Board rate in these four strategic leadership areas? Read the article…………
6 Ways To Keep Your Condo Safe and Sound While You Are Spreading Holiday Cheer
Peace on earth and peace of mind go hand in hand while you prepare for holiday cheer. As you get ready to visit family and friends this holiday season be sure to prepare your home even before you prepare your tree. Turning off the stove and drawing the curtains might seem like the way to […]
Rules and Expectations of Managers and HOA Boards of Directors
If you have never owned a home that has a governing homeowners association (HOA), it can be difficult to sort out who does what. This article will explain the rules and expectations for each group to give you a clearer understanding of the relationship between residents, HOAs and management companies. Read the article………….
I Really Don’t Like My Neighbor’s Tenants
It is an all too common situation, especially in coastal communities, mountain retreats, and college towns: You bought a home in a planned community that has a homeowners’ association with thoughts of being able to enjoy a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. Then you find that your community’s amenities are being overrun with transient tenants and their […]
It’s easy to understand your mortgage, your utility bills, and your taxes. But what are HOA dues going toward?
Life is good. You just bought a brand new condo, your career is taking off, and you have great neighbors and friends that you enjoy spending time with on the weekends. Then it comes. You’ve been expecting it, but somewhere in the back of your mind, you thought they might forget. Read the article………..
An Introvert’s Guide to Speaking Up at HOA Board Meetings from a Toastmasters Expert
Heights, spiders, snakes – these popular phobias are no match for glossophobia, better known as the fear of public speaking, which rank as the most popular phobia. Fear of public speaking can be characterized by profuse sweating, dry mouth, uncontrollable shaking and it can sometimes be debilitating. Read the article………..
Which HOA or Board Meetings Can Residents Attend?
HOA and board meetings aren’t the most exciting things in the world, and board members may assume residents want nothing to do with them. However, many residents are interested in understanding how the HOA runs. Unfortunately, however, allowing residents to attend may make it difficult to actually conduct the meeting, which is why many HOAs […]
Indoor Water Conservation Tips for Homeowners Association Residents
In the midst of the state-wide drought, residents of California have been mandated to follow water restrictions. Reducing water use means making significant changes in your everyday habits and routine, but it can also mean substantial savings on water, sewage and energy bills for homeowners association residents. Read the article………..
Chimney Upkeep in Your Homeowner Association
Chimneys are a common component of homeowner associations. The chimney vents hot exhaust gasses from fireplaces or from central heating. While most chimneys used to be made of brick, many are now made of metal. Both present problems if not properly maintained including fires, collapses and even carbon monoxide poisoning. Read the article……….
Swimming Pool Etiquette for Courteous Condo Tenants
Just like any community location, manners go a long way in helping everyone get along. Swimming pool etiquette is every bit as important as laundry room etiquette or keeping the noise down at night. And it goes far beyond not peeing in the pool. Read the article………
Leading Change in Your Community
We’ve all done it. We walk through our community and see something that we’d like to change: a rule regarding hours of trash collection or maintenance, or a change to the facilities in a common area like the addition of a playground or swimming pool. So, how do we make change happen? Read […]
Some Need to Knows about your Patios
Summer is an exciting time in any community with the weather getting hotter and outside activities beginning, such as sports, swimming, and cookout events. For a place that is in an attached community, often this includes major projects such as painting, grounds cleaning, and landscape improvements. Read the article……….
Resident Tips: Shedding Light on New Bulbs in a Homeowners Association
Standard incandescent light bulbs may soon become a thing of the past. We’re here to shed light on new bulbs being used. Under the Clean Energy Act, the sale of energy-inefficient incandescent bulbs were phased out over a two-year period and no longer sold by January 2014. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) have become the most […]
Chimney Safety Tips for Homeowners Association Residents
There is nothing as serene as a warm, crackling fire on a cold, winter night. There is also nothing more dangerous if your chimney is damaged. When is the last time that you have checked on your chimney safety in the homeowners association? Read the article………..
As a homeowner in a community association, there is much that you can do to ensure everyone in your community enjoys a great neighborhood.
By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you will help maintain property values, preserve a sense of community, and bring top-quality leadership to your association. Let’s take a look at what you, the homeowner, need to know about your rights as well as your responsibilities. Read the article…………
Condo Owners Must Read Their Bylaws
Question: I am a senior citizen and live in a condominium. The Board of Directors recommended that the balconies be repaired and then passed a special assessment. As I read the Bylaws, there should have been a special meeting called, so that the owners could discuss the need for repairing balconies, and then vote. Our […]
HOA Board Checklist: Help Residents Stay Prepared in Cold Weather
Cold and wet conditions cannot only make an Association miserable, but they can also create damage to the homes and buildings within the community. Some winterizing can wait, but some cannot! An HOA board can help residents out by making a list of what needs to be done, and tackle the time-sensitive tasks first. Here […]
Owners should take active role in association
A common misconception about the community association lifestyle is you don’t have to do anything. Taking care of the property is someone else’s job, or so many buyers believe. It’s not true. Read more……….
Home Owners Associations – Friend or Foe?
If you have spent much time by now on Topretirements.com we would be surprised if you haven’t seen a lot of Member comments about Home Owners Associations (HOAs). To many, it would seem these mysterious entities are the devil incarnate. Usually without any actual experience with the demon, these folks want to avoid what they […]
Can Homeowners Association Fees Be Claimed on Your Taxes?
Tax season is here and we all want to deduct every last penny we can find. If you’re a member of a homeowners association, have you ever considered whether or not the HOA fees you pay are tax deductible? Every HOA is different, so you’ll want to find out what applies to your specific Association. […]
The Hidden Cost of Hardwood Floors for HOAs
Hardwood floors can increase property values in condo units by improving the aesthetic value and helping to alleviate dust allergies. This may seem like a no brainer but many homeowners are shocked to find (often after it’s too late) that this is a restricted and sometimes prohibited upgrade to their unit. Read the article………………………………..
The Social Compact and condominiums
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) and John Locke (1632-1704), two English philosophers of the 17th century, disagreed on many things, not the least of which was whether people were naturally good (Locke) or naturally bad (Hobbes). But they did agree on the concept upon which our founders based many of the principles of the Declaration of Independence […]
Refresh Your Memory of the Rules in Your Homeowners Association
Are you abiding by the rules in your homeowners association? When you move into a homeowners association you become part of a neighborhood that is governed by a board of directors who enforce the rules of the Association. When you sign the Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs) of the Association, you are entering into an […]
Do I owe HOA fees after being evicted from my condo?
I filed bankruptcy at the end of 2011 and it was finished in March 2012. I just got a letter from the homeowners association saying I owe them money, even though the association kicked me out with a sheriff back in 2011. What can I do? Read more……..
How to Avoid Maintenance Misunderstandings in Your Homeowners Association
A hot topic among homeowners association members is knowing who is responsible for certain maintenance items in the community, the homeowner or the Association? There are often assumptions on both sides, and when an issue arises and it’s not the outcome anticipated, disputes follow. Read more……..
Could Your HOA Wreck Your Credit?
If you live in a community within a homeowners’ association, you probably have to pay association dues. They can run anywhere from less than $100 a year to more than $1,000 a month, depending on the community. What happens if you don’t pay? Will it ruin your credit rating? Read more……..
Can the HOA foreclose on its lien if I have a first and second mortgage?
Q: Can the HOA foreclose on its lien if I have a first and second mortgage? Read more……..
Tips from an HOA Board: Reducing Noise Sounds Like a Good Idea
Noise is a concern for every resident and because you live in a homeowners association community, it’s important to understand that some degree of noise is to be expected. At the same time, residents need to consider the consequences of their noisy behavior. To keep everyone happy and maintain civility among neighbors, the HOA board […]
Homeowners Rights to Review Financial Records of the HOA
Simply put, homeowners should have access to appropriate association books and records, and association boards must allow homeowners access to appropriate community records, when requested. Read more………
Homeowner Legal Options Against HOA Abuse of Power
Homeowner Associations (“HOAs”) are intended to operate in the community’s best interest, making the community a more pleasant place to live while also maintaining property values. Unfortunately, HOAs sometimes become a source of disputes and disagreement that hinder rather than help to achieve these community goals. Disagreements are common between homeowners and HOAs regarding community […]