Be Prepared for Disasters
If you think hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and floods won’t happen to you or that you don’t need to insure against these disasters, you’re among the nearly half of U.S. homeowners and renters who lack the insurance coverage to deal with potential losses, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). In a recent NAIC […]
Surviving A Job Loss
It’s never a good time to lose your job. However, businesses can close at any time and downsizing and layoffs can happen when you least expect it. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers the following tips for surviving a layoff: Allow yourself to be upset or even afraid. These are natural reactions. […]
The HOA Secretary
Our community board has several officers including president, treasurer and secretary. The association secretary is responsible for preserving the association’s history, maintaining its records and protecting it from liability. In some instances, the secretary delegates some or all of the secretarial tasks to the manager. They include: Recording minutes for all association meetings—board meetings, special […]
Tips to Discourage Burglers
The association makes every effort to maintain a secure environment in our community, but there is only so much we’re authorized to do. Unfortunately, illegal entries into homes in our area—and others—happen from time to time. Residents can do more to protect themselves and their property than the association can do. Here are a few […]
Curb Appeal Counts
Cleaning out and sprucing up your yard are good low-cost alternatives to major home improvement. Whether you hire a professional or have the skills and tools to do it yourself, here are some tips to improve your lawn and landscape: Weeding, edging, planting beds and mulching go a long way toward improving a yard’s look. […]
Too Much Noise!
Noise is a concern for every resident and because you live in a 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 association asks that you […]
What is a Board Resolution?
A board resolution is a motion that follows a set format and is formally adopted by the board. Resolutions may enact rules and regulations or formalize other types of board decisions. There are four types of resolutions for a community association: 1. Policy Resolutions affect owners’ rights and obligations such as rules for the use […]
How the Budget is Prepared
Each year you receive a draft of the proposed budget for review and comment. A lot of work goes into preparing the budget. It’s a complex activity that has to start early so the budget can be finalized and approved prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. Here’s how we do it: The […]
Home Improvement Reminders
If you’re planning construction or home improvement projects on your property or in your unit, remember to follow a few simple steps to ensure you don’t run into problems with neighbors or the association down the road. Before construction begins, please obtain a certificate of liability and workers compensation insurance from your contractor that names […]
Beware of Foreclosure Scams
Rising foreclosure rates have led to an increase in scam artists offering to aid homeowners in financial straits. They typically promise to help save the homes of people facing foreclosure, but will strip away the value of the home with no benefit for the homeowner. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling advises homeowners to proceed […]
