HOA Center

Association finances are usually on the top of the list when homeowners are asked about what concerns them the most about their HOA. Since the only way that most association boards believe they can generate revenue is through assessments, annual increases in dues and the levying of special assessments have become the norm. However, there are some ways for an association to generate additional income that many may have not thought about.

There are many ways to operate and govern a homeowners association. Some boards prefer to use a community association manager as an agent to interact with the membership and deal with day-to-day operations. Other boards may choose to be more hands on and active with governance and communication with their membership. While both approaches hold value, regardless of management style, one thing should always be at the top of your mind - homeowners associations are communities and the people who live there are your neighbors.

One of the core requirements of living in an HOA is the sharing of expenses. It is quite literally at the heart of the definition of a common interest community. Therefore, it makes sense that members are given the opportunity to have some input on the budget for their association.

One of the most common questions the HOA Information Center is asked is “Doesn’t my association have to provide notice of that?” Well, that depends on what “that'' is. The majority of meetings that will take place in an HOA are Board meetings.

We’ve all been there. You’re outside, maybe in a park, and you get a whiff of someone’s cigarette. If you’re one of the more than 38 million Americans who smoke, you may not think twice about it. But if you’re one of the other 290 million Americans who don’t smoke, then it’s likely offensive to you. Smelling smoke in a park is one thing, but what if you’re in your townhome living room watching TV?

As we all know, living in a homeowners association has many benefits. Unfortunately, at times, it may also present some detriments. One of the most glaring is the possibility that a neighbor may do or not do something which ends up being a nuisance to others in the community. When this happens, it is only natural for those affected to feel frustrated and annoyed.

As we ring in the New Year, it is an ideal time to think about planning for the regular maintenance of your community. Besides providing a gameplan for your community’s leadership, a well made maintenance plan will be able to provide your association with many benefits

If you’ve never lived in a homeowners association before, you may be surprised to learn how much authority the association’s Executive Board has in making decisions for the community.

Have You Been to the Division's YouTube Channel? It's new, but growing fast! You'll find lots of HOA Forums to view as well as some educational and instructional videos.