Over Your Head
When it’s time to maintain, repair or replace the roof on your home, it’s a good idea to get to know the wide variety of roofing materials that are available and what each has to offer. Asphalt shingles, wood shakes, clay and concrete tile, metal and slate are roofing materials that are best suited for […]
Mold Management
It’s a problem man has battled since the dawn of time—controlling mold. It lurks in the corners and can cause major damage and nasty health issues. As long as moisture and oxygen are present, mold can grow indoors or out on virtually any organic substance, including wood, paper, carpet, insulation and food. When excessive moisture […]
When Foreclosure is the Final Option
Countless Americans face foreclosure when their lending institutions are unable to collect mortgage payments. In an ideal world, no one would ever face foreclosure—for any reason. But that world does not exist. Banks and other lenders foreclose on homes when owners default on their loans. Although relatively rare, association-initiated foreclosures are occasionally required to recover […]
Saving Energy to Stay Cool
Energy bills—like the temperature—always rise in the spring and summer. But don’t fret: While there are big fixes* you can incorporate to make your home more energy-efficient, there are also many inexpensive energy solutions, as well as some simple and free steps that you can take to cut down on costs and save money. […]
Keeping Your Home Safe While on Vacation
As the winter season approaches, many of you will escape the daily grind and head out on a well-deserved vacation. But before you hit the road, take a few precautions so your home isn’t enticing to thieves or susceptible to fire and other disasters. Not only is having your home vandalized or burnt to the […]
Critical Component: Insurance – Ours and Yours
Of the many things your association assessment pays for, insurance is one of the most important. Association governing documents and state law require the association board to purchase adequate insurance as part of a comprehensive risk-management program. Our association has two types of commercial insurance coverage—property and liability. Property insurance covers loss of […]
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Posioning
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a poisonous gas that can be particularly dangerous because it is colorless and odorless. Headache, nausea, dizziness and even permanent brain damage or death can occur. Hundreds of people die each year from accidental CO poisoning, many of them while using portable generators during severe weather. A byproduct of […]
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 […]
Mortgage Relief for Distressed Homeowners
To help the millions of homeowners whose Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages are threatened by foreclosure, the FHA established the Home Affordable Modification Option, or FHA-HAMP. Homeowners approved for this program could have their monthly mortgage payments reduced significantly. Homeowners may only apply for FHA-HAMP once. And although they are not required to have equity […]
Promoting Your Cause in the Community Association
So you’ve found a great cause and are looking for a way to rally support for it—wonderful! Of course, as you’ve thought about the people who could help your charitable cause, your friends and neighbors in the community probably came to mind. The board encourages all residents in their altruistic endeavors and always welcomes any […]
