We have all seen the “trial by fire” training that many volunteer board members receive. They attend their first meeting, receive a large notebook or envelope containing the association’s contracts and documents, and begin to address the current events facing their association. In many of these instances, the amount of information provided is staggering and
Going green is not just one of those crazy California trends. Communities and households are rapidly seeing the health, environmental and cost benefits of adopting water reduction and native plant practices. Huntington Landmark, a condo community of 1,238 units that spreads across 160 acre in Huntington Beach, California, has undergone an extensive renovation project that
We all know that opening a pool for Memorial Day week-end can be one of the most challenging and frustrating tasks a community can go through. Pools can be one of the biggest liabilities an association has, and the selection of a pool management company is probably one of the most important contractors a board
To ensure the stability of every association, maintain property values and fulfill fiduciary obligations, it is important for the association’s board of directors to effectively pursue collection of assessments. Associations’ annual budgets are based on the assumption that all property owners promptly and consistently pay their assessments. Typically, delinquency rates for an association range
Winter is here and now is a good time to reflect on actions condominium and townhome associations should take to prevent extensive damage caused by frozen pipes in abandoned, vacant and inhabited units – when owners leave for a brief vacation or for other reasons. The current economy in most areas of the country
So, you’ve moved into a community association, began attending meetings, and somehow you have been elected to the board of directors… now what? Serving on the board of directors should be a valuable experience for anyone committed to helping the community. Being on the board is not about power and control, it is about
The value of a property can often be determined by its curb appeal, so it’s important to carefully evaluate potential landscape maintenance contractors for your community. Landscape and grounds maintenance contractors come in various categories. Some may simply mow lawns while others provide a wide range of related services. So where do you begin
The holiday season is the ideal time to bring a community together. From hayrides and holiday fairs to decorations and donations, a planned holiday activity can create a sense of community among homeowners. Photos with Santa One of our associations hosts a family event that includes holiday hayrides and photos with Santa. The
What exactly does “going green” mean? It can be as simple as considering a few paperless options in our day-to-day operations. The environment is a hot topic in community associations and their management companies. One of our biggest hurdles is the seemingly endless amount of paper that our industry produces. Managers and management companies
The Impact of Legislation
…on Community Association Assessment Collection Efforts The collection of assessments is central to the viability of any community association as assessment revenue is typically an association’s sole or primary source of income. The operating premise of most associations is that an annual budget is prepared based on the association’s projected expenses for the year,