Okay – so the nicest thing I can say about the snow we had on Mother’s Day is that it was really annoying. However, regardless of our quirky Colorado weather, spring really is here! That means HOA boards and residents need to anticipate and avoid common pitfalls and controversies that can arise as we spend […]
Spring and Summer Tips for HOA Living
Okay – so the nicest thing I can say about the snow we had on Mother’s Day is that it was really annoying. However, regardless of our quirky Colorado weather, spring really is here! That means HOA boards and residents need to anticipate and avoid common pitfalls and controversies that can arise as we spend […]
Paying a Fair Share in Your HOA
Every time a condo sells, an angel gets its wings (Oops! Wrong story.). Every time a condo sells, the new owner inherits obligations passed on by the former owner or required by the HOA. There are the obligations to obey the rules, pay the homeowner fees and to volunteer for HOA service. Read more……….
Board/Owner Do’s & Don’ts: What Makes a Board Successful
It only takes a few minutes of Googling to uncover the traits that make a successful person or business owner. For example, Entrepreneur magazine’s Steven Key wrote the article, “5 Qualities of Successful Persons,” which included such traits as open-mindedness, unwavering passion, and a forward-looking approach. Read more…….
Thomas the Tank Engine has a Useful Song for Homeowners
Most owners follow their association’s rules. A few “bend the rules a bit.” And although they know that they “should be doing as“ the rules require, they don’t. They seem to believe that doing things the “wrong way may seem easier,” “It doesn’t matter who you are, obey the rules and you’ll go far.” Read more……..
Knowing When to Call Your Manager
In another life, Olivia Pope would be a terrific property manager—the best property manager who ever existed. After all, if she can rig presidential elections, she can handle complaints about noise and leaky pipes. But Olivia Pope is fictional in more ways than one. No one answers the phone every time it rings. Read […]
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 […]
You vs. the HOA
Typical HOA disputes in the State of Florida fall into two categories: 1) Unpaid assessments, often with a lien and/or foreclosure by the HOA 2) Covenant violation disputes, with or without fines, which can be a lien and/or foreclosure ***** Yes, the HOA can take your home for covenant violations if the unpaid fines exceed […]
Can You Hear Me Now? Better Neighbors Through Soundproofing
When walls are the only separation between you and your neighbors, privacy sometimes goes out the window. People hear their next-door neighbors talking, footsteps from above or even music blaring through the walls. Sound transmission between units is one of the biggest complaints among condo dwellers. Noise can also come from ceilings, doors and windows, […]
Dealing with Unruly Homeowners at Board Meetings
What a touchy topic!! I have been on both sides of this issue — as the homeowner and as the attorney representing the association. Maybe I have too much leftover pixie dust, but I believe these situations can be resolved amicably. Read More……
Avoiding Trouble with Your Association
A big source of disputes between owners and their associations concerns claims by the association the owner made changes or improvements to their property or unit without permission of the association. The owners often claim they sent an application to the association and after not receiving a response for more than thirty (30) days, proceeded […]
Community Association Living [Part 4:Staying Out of Trouble]
My practice consists mostly of representing homeowners against their HOA (single-family homes) or COA (condos) and about half of my clients retain my services because they are being sued or about to be sued by their association. The problem is most homeowners do not understand their associations are in a superior position. Read More…
2013 New Year Resolutions for Directors and Residents of HOAs
For those of you who follow our blog, you know that every year I post New Year Resolutions for directors of HOAs. For 2011, the resolutions focused on addressing the fiscal health of associations and in 2012 they focused upon individual development of directors. Read More……
Knowledge, Participation and Solutions Empower Homeowners
Last Thursday, as Chair of CAI’s Colorado Legislative Action Committee, I served on a panel for a Town Hall Meeting hosted by State Representatives Angela Williams, Su Ryden, Rhonda Fields, Nancy Todd and State Senator Morgan Carroll. The topic of the evening revolved around HOAs, the problems folks living in them sometimes experience and whether […]
HOA’s: When you don’t like the rules
If you live in a newer suburban community or planned unit development, you are probably a member of a homeowners association (HOA). It’s also a good bet that you haven’t given your HOA much thought until you have a problem. Since HOAs make and enforce the community rules, it’s smart to understand what you can […]
Happy and Effective HOA Residents: Trait #2
Yesterday I began posting a series of blog entries outlining traits of happy and effective residents in HOAs. While members of the boards of directors of HOAs certainly have a significant role in creating vibrant, healthy and livable communities Read More……
Happy and Effective HOA Residents: Trait #1
For those of you who follow our blog, you know that last spring I posted a series of blog entries outlining the Traits of Highly Effective HOA Directors. This popular series focused on those traits of HOA directors that contribute to the successful governance and operations of the associations they serve. Read More……