Urban Gardening Basics
As the bleak cold of winter finally breaks and signs of spring begin to pop up all around, thoughts of vibrant flowers and lush vegetables are on gardeners’ minds. For those green thumbs living in tiny quarters, an impressive garden may seem unattainable. However, many are turning toward urban gardening, bringing plant life into unique […]
Side Stepping Solicitors
Annoyed by the persistence of solicitors’ unwelcome knocks on the door? It seems like no matter what they do, they always manage to show up on your front porch. They come with fliers, door hangers, a rehearsed speech and the distinct ability to ignore the polite decline of the products they’re peddling—cleaning supplies, appliances, cosmetics, […]
Avoiding Conflict with the Neighbors
We all can just get along. The key? Communication. It’s often the best way to prevent and resolve conflict before it reaches the legal system. You don’t have to be friends or spend time together to achieve a peaceful coexistence, but you should try to be a good neighbor and follow these tips: Say hello. […]
Are HOA Residents Happy?
Do you know you are among the more than 60 million Americans who live in homeowners associations and condominium communities? We think most residents are happy living in our community—and we certainly hope you are among them—but how do these 60 million residents feel about their own associations? Are they happy with their elected boards? […]
No Secrets – Access to Documents
Association members are welcome to read official association documents. There’s nothing secret about the business of the association. In fact, you should already have copies of key documents like the bylaws or rules. Other common documents that are open for members to review include: Board meeting minutes Insurance policies Financial statements and annual audits Declaration […]
Why Communities Have an Architectural Review Process
Many community associations have a set of written design review standards and processes. Some homeowners mistakenly believe these standards restrict their freedom of individual expression; actually they provide a framework within which each homeowner can express individual tastes and preferences. The standards have been carefully developed to reflect a balance between individual rights and the […]
Heading Off Burnout
Burnout is more than just stress—it’s how your mind and your body tell you a change is needed. Do you find yourself withdrawing from work and caring less about results? Are you working harder, often mechanically or to the point of exhaustion? Just going through the motions? Try a few tips for keeping burnout at […]
Goodbye Clip, Hello Click
Before you head out to the grocery store or the mall, do a little web browsing for online coupons that can save you a bundle. According to the Promotion Marketing Association Coupon Council, the average savings per coupon is $1.15. Most online coupon sites are searchable by brand name or product category, which allows you […]
Sign Up For Free Online Newsletters
The National Gardening Association offers numerous free online newsletters to homeowners covering urban and small-space gardening, vegetable and fruit gardening, craft and cooking projects and specific gardening information by geographical region. Newsletters include feature articles, tips and resources. To sign up go to www.garden.org/subscriptions.
Association Documents Open to Owners
Have you lost your copy of the bylaws? Would you like to read minutes from past board meetings? Would you like to read a resolution for background information on an association policy? Some of these documents can be found on our association website. However, these and other association documents are available to all members for […]
