- How to Oust Your Condo Board or HOA March 27, 2024
Close to 30% of Americans live in a property governed by a condo board, homeowners association (HOA), or other community association—more than 70 million people. These associations are generally responsible for property upkeep, enforcement of community rules, and acting as a go-between for residents when disputes arise. Most people have a good or at least neutral experience with their condo board or HOA, but not everyone does. Read the article…………………………….
- Understanding Your Condo Association’s Declaration: A Guide for Homeowners February 14, 2024
Living in a condominium community comes with numerous benefits, including shared amenities, maintenance services, and a sense of community. However, it also entails certain responsibilities and obligations outlined in the condo association’s declaration. This document serves as the foundation for governance within the community, establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines that all residents must adhere to. In this article, we’ll break down the key components of a condo association’s declaration to help homeowners better understand their rights and responsibilities. Read ...
- Civility in Community Associations: Does it Even Exist Anymore? February 8, 2024
It seems the growing trend is that tempers flare so much faster than in days gone by. One of the more difficult situations to deal with is when a cantankerous member of the association goes out of their way to make life miserable for their neighbors and/or their board. Read the article…………………………….
- What Is a Condo? Everything You Need to Know December 19, 2023
Tired of living in an apartment? Need to downsize? Then a condominium, or a condo, may be the home solution for you. But what is a condo? Read the article……………………………
- Condominium Owners Should Recognize Their Rights and Understand their Responsibilities (MA) December 18, 2023
“I know my rights!” This is a statement association boards hear frequently from owners, usually in response to a board decision, covenant or rule requiring something owners don’t like or prohibiting something they want to do. As it turns out, many owners don’t really know their rights. Read the article………………………………….
- What Is a Homeowners Association (HOA) and How Does It Work? December 17, 2023
A homeowner association (HOA) is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building that makes and enforces rules for the properties and residents. Those who purchase property within an HOA’s jurisdiction automatically become members and are required to pay dues, which are known as HOA fees. Read the article…………………………….
- Tips for Hosting New Resident Orientations July 11, 2023
Moving into a new community is exciting. But it can also be intimidating. Hosting a new resident orientation is a thoughtful gesture to make new neighbors feel welcome. It will also acclimate them to your association’s bylaws and prevent unintentional infractions. Here are 8 tips for hosting new resident orientations that guests enjoy and that serve your association’s purposes. Read the article………………………..
- First HOA Meeting? Here’s What to Expect April 20, 2023
A knowledgeable homeowner is a helpful homeowner. If you’re new to an HOA community, then you may not know what to expect when it comes to meetings held by the board. In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect when attending your first HOA meeting as a homeowner. Read the article………………………..
- Moving Into an HOA Neighborhood? Make Sure You Know These 20 Things April 13, 2023
Homeowners associations, or HOAs, have seen a huge surge in popularity over the past few decades. Over a quarter of the U.S. population today is part of an HOA, and 67% of newly completed homes in 2021 were part of HOAs, a massive increase over 2011, when only 18% of homes were part of them. Read the article………………………..
- Common HOA Rules: How to Find Them and What to Know March 22, 2023
If you are shopping for a home right now or are planning on doing so shortly, you are going to encounter homeowners associations (HOAs). In all homeowner’s associations that are rules that must be followed. Read the article………………………..
- Understanding the HOA Capital Contribution Fee January 11, 2023
Several closing costs come with the purchase of a new home. And if the house is part of a homeowners association, one of the costs is the HOA capital contribution. But what is this fee anyway? Read the article………………………..
- How to Get the Most out of Living in a Community Association December 20, 2022
Living in a community association can be a great experience. Still, it’s important to remember that there are rules and regulations to ensure everyone enjoys their time living there. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to get the most out of your community, get involved in community events, and get to know your neighbors. Read the article………………………..
- Florida tightens condo insurance claim deadlines to ease disputes May 4, 2024
New legislation signed into law this week sets clearer, stricter deadlines for filing loss assessment coverage claims by condominium owners, aimed at reducing legal disputes and streamlining the insurance claim process. Read the article…………………………….
- What you can expect to pay for NYC condo or co-op insurance May 3, 2024
New York City has never been particularly cheap, and annual insurance costs make living in the city even more expensive for condo and co-op owners. Condo and co-op insurance—which protects your individual apartment—normally runs several hundred dollars a year. But premiums have gotten more expensive since 2020 thanks to inflation, higher construction costs, and a slowdown in the supply chain, said Loretta Worters, vice president of media relations at the Insurance Information Institute. Read the article…………………………….
- What You Need To Know About HO6 Insurance May 1, 2024
Life in a townhome offers a vibrant blend of community and convenience but just like any home, unexpected events can disrupt your peace of mind. That’s where HO6 insurance steps in as your reliable ally! Think of it as a security blanket protecting your personal belongings from unexpected downpours, both literal and metaphorical. Many people wonder… what exactly is an HO6 policy, what it covers, and how it helps me navigate a storm that throws townhouse life into disarray. We’re ...
- Some Hawaii residents pursue member-owned insurance cooperative April 29, 2024
After most of the recently proposed legislative solutions have failed, Puna residents are hoping they can solve their district’s impending housing insurance crisis. When the last major home insurer announced last year that it would be leaving the Hawaii market by August of this year, homeowners in Lava Zones 1 and 2 discovered that their only other option for coverage, through the state-operated Hawaii Property Insurance Association, would cost several times their current rates. Read the article…………………………….
- Florida’s Home Insurance Industry May Be Worse Than Anyone Realizes April 24, 2024
Seven property insurers in Florida went bankrupt in 2021 and 2022. The bankruptcies left thousands of homeowners scrambling to get new coverage, which often came with a big increase in cost. Worse, many had outstanding claims for hurricane damage that had not been addressed. Read the article…………………………….
- 2 Articles on Florida’s Insurance Problems April 23, 2024
Move, cut back or go bare: Florida seniors juggle skyrocketing costs, impossible choices Florida homeowners insurance is skyrocketing: Here’s what to know
- Florida real estate struggles as ‘motivated’ sellers flood market May 4, 2024
According to Redfin, the median time a Florida home spent on the market was 57 days in March. Two years earlier, that time span was just 24 days. “It’s also coming at a time when HOA (homeowner association) fees are going up and insurance costs are going up, and people don’t want to pay these higher property taxes,” Fairweather said. “More new listings are coming on the market right now, too.” Read the article…………………………….
- 4 things to look for in a Florida condo association April 19, 2024
When looking for a condominium, it’s not enough to scout the property. You should also look closely into the Condominium Owners Association (COA) because it’s in charge of security, trash pickup and other property matters. The COA would also require condo owners to become members of the association. Read the article…………………………….
- HOA Q&A: Is a ‘capital contribution’ of hundreds of dollars charged to new owners legal? (FL) April 13, 2024
Q: The board of my condo association, which has over 400 units, has been charging and collecting a fee of around $900 from all new owners when they buy a unit and the fee is categorized as a “capital contribution.” Is such a capital contribution allowed under the Florida Condominium Act? Read the Q&A………………………………..
- Estoppel Certificates’ and Other Disclosures Explained (FL) April 9, 2024
Q: I am in the process of selling my condominium unit and recently come across the term “estoppel certificate,” but I’m not quite sure what it means. Could you provide an explanation on exactly what kind of information is included on an estoppel certificate and just how much it typically costs to get one? I’d like to know whether it also covers any rule violations or possibly any other disclosures that I should be aware of before selling the unit. ...
- Construction concerns: 100+ lawsuits connected to company building homes in Tampa Bay area (FL) April 9, 2024
The demand for housing across Florida has never been higher, and developers are building new homes at rapid rates. But some homeowners are concerned the quick builds are compromising quality, forcing ongoing repairs upon move-in. Read the article…………………………….
- A showdown pits owners of second homes against full-time residents in the Poconos (PA) April 9, 2024
The Hideout, a gated community in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, had long operated under an unspoken covenant. Whether by choice or by circumstance, the second-home owners deferred to the needs of full-time residents, a core 900 or so households. Read the article…………………………….
- How to Oust Your Condo Board or HOA March 27, 2024
Close to 30% of Americans live in a property governed by a condo board, homeowners association (HOA), or other community association—more than 70 million people. These associations are generally responsible for property upkeep, enforcement of community rules, and acting as a go-between for residents when disputes arise. Most people have a good or at least neutral experience with their condo board or HOA, but not everyone does. Read the article…………………………….
- Elevate Your Co-op Board Game (NY) December 3, 2023
Ever found yourself navigating the tricky waters of a coop board with that one steadfast but hesitant volunteer? Picture this: a decision hangs in the balance, and despite the collective will of the board, this one individual assumes/ possesses the power to halt, delay, or even stop progress. Read the article…………………………….
- How To Effectively File A Complaint To Make Sure HOA, Co-Op Board, Or Landlord Listens October 30, 2023
Making a complaint to your HOA, co-op board, or landlord can be frustrating because you can’t ever be sure they will actually listen to you. Sometimes, the complaint process can be worse than the problem itself. We’ve all dealt with the nightmare of noisy neighbors, the random rent increases that mess with our budgets, or the deadly black mold hiding in the bathroom. Read the article………………………………
- The Age of the Homeowner October 15, 2023
In the community management industry, we’re entering an era where homeowners and board members, the core stakeholders of every community, are becoming the new focal point. While the industry has long prioritized back-office efficiency, a new emphasis on putting technology directly into the hands of homeowners and board members is emerging. Read the article………………………………
- ACC Request Denied? Here are the Steps to Making a Proper Appeal July 18, 2023
If you live in a community with an HOA, then you likely know that home improvement projects require approval from your association’s Architectural Control/Review Committee (ACC/ARC). While this extra step can feel tedious when you’re ready to break out the paint and tools, it is important as it helps your community maintain a cohesive look, which ultimately protects your home’s value. Read the article………………………..
- How to Create a Good Working Relationship with Board Members March 30, 2023
Fostering a good relationship with the board benefits everyone. To connect with board members and build a successful partnership, consider these recommendations: Read the article………………………..