Good News Houston

Yes, Virginia, There IS Help For Your Homeowners Association!

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:44:00 +0000

The Greater Houston Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) has launched the free HOA Hotline, which is a resource for homeowners owning homes/units in condominium, townhome and subdivision community associations and have questions about the operations of their association.

The Hotline is staffed with local non-attorney experts knowledgeable in community association best practices. Homeowners can contact the Hotline by calling 832/251-1874, or via email at hoahotline@caihouston.org

We urge homeowners to take advantage of this free resource. After all, isn’t it better to resolve issues quickly and reasonably now before they get out of hand later?

Look at the H.O.A. Rules Before You Buy

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:42:00 +0000

By Karen Bellas

Townhouse and condominium communities have Home Owners Associations (H.O.A.). These associations are responsible for the upkeep of the shared environments, pools and many times the external facade of the houses themselves. Fences are kept in repair, and hopefully free of graffiti, while parking lots are lighted and lawns mowed.

Condominiums have common rules for their owners. Family oriented complexes focus on the upkeep of shared recreation areas, prohibiting glass, alcohol and overly large and noisy groups. Those communities aimed for younger people look to keep noise under control, with recommended noise curfews.

Fees and Other Expectations of an H.O.A.

An HOA for a community does not operate for free. Fees are collected from the homeowners, usually by separate payment directly to the H.O.A.. The schedule of fees can be monthly when the fees are high, but more commonly when they are under $100 per month, they are paid every quarter or bi-annually in a similar time-line as taxes.

If you are living in a master-planned community, the value of the individual properties are closely tied to how well the townhouses are kept up and maintained. H.O.A.'s therefore have regulations on maintaining the homes in the community, as well as what colors or what types of ornaments are allowable.

When you choose to live in a townhouse community you really should be aware of what your rights are as provided by the H.O.A.. If the H.O.A. has assigned parking, there should be a company who is responsible for towing. What security does the H.O.A. provide? If you have a complaint about a neighbor (or they have one about you) how does the H.O.A. handle it?

When you look at the rules of an H.O.A., before buying make sure you can live with them. They may have rules for what kind of holiday decorations and how long they can be kept up. You may need to submit to the H.O.A. changes to your yard, landscaping and especially to your house.

Parking Rules in Your New H.O.A.

Does your H.O.A. allow an RV in your lot? Many communities restrict parking on the street, as well as how long a car or truck can be kept on blocks without moving it when it can be seen from the street. If you are moving into a newly built or unfinished community, does that boat you want conflict with rules from the H.O.A.? Many H.O.A.'s require you to lease a garage, or have a special driveway and gate.

If you drive a commercial vehicle (with a logo) make sure your H.O.A. doesn't have an issue with it. Many condos have rules against such trucks being parked in driveways and require special conditions to be met before they can be parked overnight.

Pool and general safety rules are always provided for in the rules of an H.O.A.. The Home Owners Association may also determine where one can park, skate or not skate, and when in public areas. Also what kind of pools and their size are regulated and to put a new one in almost always requires getting approval as does any change in the exterior of your property.

H.O.A.'s Collect Fees and Fines

Not only does the H.O.A. of your townhome collect fees for operating, the H.O.A. can also levy fines. Many use fines and other penalties for failure of a homeowner to live up the rules. These fines can be a lien on your house and prevent you from selling it until the fines are paid.

H.O.A.'s often have rules about pets. Many simply put limits on sizes (topping at 75 lbs) or breeds. Others put a limit on how many pets you may have, commonly this is three. H.O.A.'s also try to prohibit solicitation, newsletters, door to door sales people and missionaries. Some H.O.A.'s will even fine homeowners that put out neighborhood papers or go door to door.

One thing that people need to do is read the bylaws and rules of their H.O.A.. Simple things, like what plants are allowed, if they have contracts with anyone for extermination, landscaping, and more are all in the paperwork that the H.O.A. gives to each homeowner.

Make sure you find out what emergency numbers your H.O.A. provides besides the normal police, fire and emergency departments in your city. Does the H.O.A. provide other numbers for fumigating, or emergency pipe and plumbing repair? Also in their information packets are the contracts for exterior repair, emergency landscaping and sometimes appliance repair.

Is this the Right Community for You?

This sounds like a lot of things to look out for. Some people will find this too restrictive. Many others like the comfort of knowing that their concerns for the community are addressed by the H.O.A.. Which kind of person are you?

Real Estate in La Costa

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Bellas
http://EzineArticles.com/?Look-at-the-HOA-Rules-Before-You-Buy&id=1242302

Simple Facts About H O A's

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:37:00 +0000

By Anita Koppens

Many home buyers like to purchase in some kind of subdivision. This can include any kind of gated community, a golf property, or a lake subdivision. The good thing about a subdivision is that they very often have amenities that you simply could not get at another type of community. Some subdivisions have their own shopping areas, jobs, schools, or even recreational areas. There are even community pools and parks in many of these communities. Walking trails and picnic areas are another popular amenity. There are also subdivisions that have tried to put together a neighborhood that would be inviting to a certain group of buyers, like an equestrian community or a community for retired people.

The one aspect that you will likely have to accept along with these bonuses is that most subdivisions have a set of rules that come with owning a property. These rules will be enforced by the home owners' association, or H O A. The authority given to the H O A varies from one community to another. One H O A may have very few rules, while others will tell you what colors you can paint your home or how many cars you can have on the street. If you are considering purchasing a home that is in a community with an H O A, take the time to find out what the rules are, and how vigorously they are imposed.

H O A rules vary from one neighborhood to the next. A subdivision will have different needs and wants depending on the location and the overall objective of the neighborhood. Some typical types of rules, which are known as covenants, include limitations on livestock, not allowing unregistered cars or even restrictions on holiday decorations. These rules are meant to give the subdivision a uniform look. That is why many of the restrictions include limitations on the color of the exterior of the house, or the size of new homes. This cohesive look helps to keep the value of homes in the subdivision from going down, because buyers like a uniform look. It also gives you security in knowing that your neighborhood will stay looking great. H O A's are meant to help protect your home as an investment.

While homeowners' associations are great for keeping up appearances, they can surely hinder your personal lifestyle if choose one which may have many rules and regulations which you don't concur with. If you dislike lawn care, then choosing a subdivision that requires lawns to be trimmed to a specific length may not be fit for you. The same is true if you have always wanted to own a horse. Many subdivisions and neighborhoods do not allow livestock. Therefore, it is important to understand the rules and regulations of any subdivision you are thinking of purchasing a property in. If you wait until after you have signed on the dotted line, you may find yourself resenting all of the rules imposed upon you and your home.

Locate a great golf course home in Arizona:Golf Community Scottsdale or in Texas: Willow Bend Golf Real Estate

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Buying Real Estate - Choosing the Best Neighborhood Can Mean Greater Appreciation in the Future

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By Connie Ragen Green

Choosing a neighborhood to purchase a home is much like choosing a pair of shoes - it should be a good fit that will be comfortable for a long time - until you outgrow them or decide to have them resoled. This is an oversimplification, of course, but the idea is similar.

The neighborhood you decide on can make a huge difference in the experience you have with owning real estate. Choose wisely and can look forward to future appreciation in value. Choose poorly and you may be stuck with a home in an area where people are reluctant to purchase. Here are 5 questions to ask when choosing a neighborhood.

Is the neighborhood conforming? By this I mean are the home similar to each other in size, style, and age? Real estate property values tend to be more stable in areas where the homes have more similar than different amenities, rather than being a mixture of older and newer, one and two story, ranch style and colonial.
Is the neighborhood aesthetically pleasing? Are there tree-lined streets, underground utilities, and good setbacks (distance of the front of the houses from the street)? Is it enjoyable to look at when you are walking or driving down the streets?
Is the quality of construction above average or good? What types of roofs do the homes have? Is stucco or wood siding more common? Depending on the neighborhood, sometimes there are neighbors who know who the builder was if they are tract homes, or the architect if they are custom built homes. Try to find out if many of the residents in the neighborhood have an addition of any kind, like a sunroom or family room, or a pool.
What kinds of activities are there in the neighborhood? Is there a park or a school close by? Drive and walk around the neighborhood at various times and days. Are there people outside walking or playing with their children or dogs? What is the traffic like?
What types of facilities are close to the neighborhood? Is there any type of public transportation? Is it close to parks, shopping, employment centers, and other desirable venues? Is it close to the railroad tracks, an airport, or a factory?

By asking these questions and taking the time to check out the neighborhood, you can make a more informed decision as to whether this would be a desirable neighborhood for you to consider when purchasing a home. Remember that a wise, educated choice today will mean greater profits tomorrow.

Connie Ragen Green is a Real Estate Broker and State Certified Residential Appraiser in California and has bought and sold over 100 properties since 1983. Visit her at http://www.buyrealestateforprofit.com/ for more information about buying and selling real estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Ragen_Green
http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Real-Estate---Choosing-the-Best-Neighborhood-Can-Mean-Greater-Appreciation-in-the-Future&id=487121

What is a Homeowner's Association?

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By Kenny M Doucette

If you are living in a subdivision, townhouse or condominium then more than likely you are familiar with the Homeowners Association. It is the association that will welcome you and inform you about the rules and regulations of your community.

To give you more information, Homeowner's Association is usually an Association including all the homeowners living in a particular subdivision built for the purpose of maintaining the quality of the area and maintaining peace and order in the community. A Homeowner's Association is the one responsible for making guidelines, rules and regulations as well as enforcing them for the benefit of the whole community.

The HOA (Homeowners Association) decides on many aspects in the community including neighborhood issues, complaints and projects of the community. In short it is the official community organization. It is important to know the responsibility and importance of the HOA because the value and condition of a certain community is in the hands of the association itself. Board members have a very important and sensitive task including the fact that they have to ensure that the operations, projects, budgets and expenses are properly updated on a day to day basis. HOA's should be reliable and properly manage the whole community.

It is important to be able to raise and maintain the value of a community and the relationship between residents. This is an important issue, since the HOA officers are usually community homeowners who have a personal stake in maintaining the quality of life and property in their neighborhood. To ensure that the association is functioning at its highest level, hiring a professional homeowner's association management company would be very prudent. A Professional HOA Management Company's expertise is in solving different issues and managing the daily tasks necessary to keep up with a bustling community.

If you want to know more about companies offering this kind of service, you can visit http://www.WMDouglas.com to get a better of idea of what you can expect when hiring a Professional HOA Management Company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_M_Doucette
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-a-Homeowners-Association?&id=1744323

Does Your Homeowners Association Pay Too Much in Property Tax?

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By James R Small

It's been said that there are two things we can't escape: death and taxes. While there may not be life-extending potions yet, there are laws that can help HOAs actually reduce or recapture their property taxes.

Homeowners' Associations that have common areas are eligible for a reduction of the assessed value of their property taxes in most states. Common areas may be entitled to a significant reduction in their property taxes. If properly petitioned, the assessed value should be no higher than $500. While this valuation is not new, some communities are not taking advantage of this benefit. As well, some new Associations don't appeal their taxes at the earliest possible time for maximum benefit to the HOA.

In most states, Homeowners Associations may combine their common area parcels to further benefit from these savings. If a Homeowners Association has or is currently overpaying for property taxes, they still may appeal for a reduction. In fact, even new developments created in phases are entitled to potential savings. The process itself requires specific documentation and can be time consuming.

Many Associations pay their taxes without review in order to meet the County's quickly approaching deadlines. Deadlines for most Counties are March and October. Taxes are considered delinquent by May and November. This information is pertinent to Associations because fees and liens can be levied against the land when taxes are unpaid. These liens can then be sold at auction, which gives the purchaser rights to foreclose on the property. Paying taxes on time is important. However, ensuring that they are the proper amount prevents undue costs to the Association.

In summary, Associations should ensure that property taxes are minimized to avoid additional costs to Homeowners. In fact, many of our clients have saved and reclaimed thousands of dollars by having their taxes formally appealed.

As founder of Parker Finch Management, I have created an HOA management company that now operates in 4 states and successfully delivers on the company's mission to increase property values and to increase the sense of community in the neighbiorhoods that we manage.

HOA Board members really love the service they get from our highly trained professional staff. Board members can even get a free Board Evaluation by clicking on our link at http://www.parkerfinch.com/Our-Services~33146~10879.htm

This HOA management company is set up to help Board members
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_R_Small

Help Your Community - Throw a Party in Your Neighborhood!

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By Kirby Rooks

Help your community raise funds or in kind gifts throw a party!
In this article we will learn 5 great reasons to have a party anytime and help your community at the same time.

I like seeing friends I haven't seen in a while. Remember that last wedding reception you went to with all your old chums? Fun wasn't it? Well now you can have parties like that every month with a slant. The slant is helping your community at the same time. Very cool!

Here are 5 reasons to throw a party for your community:

Throw a party with a cover charge. A cover charge? Sure say $5 a head and donate the $5 to a local soup kitchen along with a homemade card that is signed by everyone at the party. This helps with their expenses as well as makes them feel wanted by the community. Running a soup kitchen can become an overwhelming task so why not deliver the card and the money with your buddies and serve a meal while your there?

Lets throw a party in the winter with everyone bringing either a blanket or a jacket that they are willing to donate as the price of admission. During this time of year there are literally thousands of homeless people. Women and children as well as men who could really use a good warm coat or blanket. Also place a box or barrel that can be placed at the front door for people to put their donation in as they arrive.

Bring a gift for a child party. There are a lot of us with children who have out grown perfectly good toys that can be passed on to another child who would be overjoyed to receive a gift other then at Christmas or Birthday's. Setup tables with gift wrap, ribbon, cards, scotch tape, scissors and pens. Then when they arrive tell them they must come to dinner with a wraped gift to be served. Everyone will love this and it will seem like Christmas in July. Matter of fact that could be the theme of the party.

Bring two canned or dried food items for a canned party. Then take the cans as people come to the party and load up grocery sacks for meals for 4 in each sack. These can then be delivered or have a local community food bank pick them up. This is great right now because the bad economy has shelves bare at the food banks across the country.

The last is the defeat hunger at all cost party. Put a box you have decorated like a grocery store in the center of a buffet for your guest so they can donate money to help defeat hunger across the world. This obviously can be delivered in the decorated box to a charity for world hunger.

How do you make the party well attended?

Take your email list of friends and send them an invitation in an email with all the details. Then ask if they each would send out 5-10 emails to their friends and before you know it you have a 100 friends strong to help with your cause. You might just want to make sure you and everyone sending emails list an RSVP so it doesn't get out of hand.

Well, what are you waiting on, go forth and party hearty!

Kirby Rooks is a grant writer and owner of Grant Funding Consultants, a consultant to nonprofit corporations that want to use grants to help fund their organization. For more information on grant writing, volunteering and nonprofit organizations visit Grant Funding Online Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirby_Rooks

I'm Sick Of My Homeowner's Association

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By Lawrence Angell

I have often heard that many homeowners are discontented with their homeowner’s association. I believe that people wanting to build homes should seriously consider the advantages and disadvantages of living in a homeowner’s association.

There are many benefits to living in a HOA though. The biggest advantage is constant rising property values. This isn’t always the case, but homes that reside within a HOA have a much better chance for property appreciation than do homes outside of the HOA.

The reason is because the president of the HOA is constantly trying to find a standard of home styles and construction that will improve the prices of the homes inside the association. There are many homebuyers that are completely willing to buy into the HOA just to have the confidence of knowing that the property values will continue to rise.

People that join the HOA are usually the type of people that keep the home and lawn well kept. They enjoy living in a beautiful community where they know the neighbors and they enjoy the feeling of living around people just like themselves.

It’s very important to understand the local economy before buying into any HOA though. This is because home and property values depend on the local economy. Without a stable local economy, home values within any HOA will usually stagnate or decline. Nobody wants to go through the hassle of being at the beck-and-call of the HOA president if his or her home won’t appreciate in value.

Remember, no home will appreciate in value very long if there aren’t good jobs constantly available in the community. Usually, a HOA will exist where the local economy has promise. Still, I’ve seen many that exist in drying-up communities in terms of the job market. If you see a good deal on any home where the labor market is questionable, you need to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to buy that home.

Also, we need to remember one thing; just because we have a stable job doesn’t mean the local economy is thriving. Our hard-earned mortgage payments might have diminishing returns if our neighbors are struggling financially. The value of our homes could plummet without warning. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider living where the jobs are and the job future has promise.

Now let’s talk about the downside of living in a HOA. If we are the type of person that has trouble taking constructive criticism or we don’t like being ordered around, the HOA is definitely not for us. The experience will be one of fights and losses.

There might be times when you don’t have a dime to your name, but you’ll have to fix a part of your house or a fence or driveway. You will have to find the money from somewhere to do the repairs.

Also, your neighbors will most likely act like they did in 3rd grade when they notice that their neighbor isn’t complying. People in these homeowners associations feel empowered as long as they comply with the rules. They feel as if the actions of their neighbors directly affect the value of their homes. That is actually the truth though and some people get really childish as they run to tell on their neighbors.

People that have difficulty living within these conditions should probably choose to live on their own private property with all the rights that go with it.

I hope this sheds a little more light on a very popular means of homeownership.

Larry Angell is the author of Sweat Equity, building a house at half cost. He runs an instructional website about how to build homes that are strong financial tools, not financial burdens. He counsels low-income families how to obtain affordable housing and reach goals of home ownership.

http://www.make-my-own-house.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Angell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Im-Sick-Of-My-Homeowners-Association&id=466991

Benefits of Having Professional Homeowners Association Management

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By Jamess Small

Homeowners Associations are becoming more prevalent in communities and neighborhoods throughout the country. With that, more homeowners are finding themselves living in HOAs and serving on a homeowner's association board. However, many new board members don't realize what is involved with serving on the board of their HOA and what is expected of them.

Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to the homeowners association. The Board members are held responsible for ensuring the operations of the community association are properly managed, but few have time for the details involved with the day-to-day operations.

The best way for Board members to ensure the day-to-day operations are properly executed is to hire a professional HOA management company. A successful home owners management company will not only properly manage the community, but will help the community association raise its property value. Plus, there are countless benefits of having professional management, including prompt communication, timely reports, and an increased sense of community.

A homeowner's association board should expect an HOA management company to be a reliable partner who understands their needs, knows how to get things done, anticipates issues and concerns, and who has a track record of finding reliable solutions. When looking for a new management company, the Board members need to find out what services each company provides to their clients. The list below outlines just a few of the services that should be expected from all professional community association management firms.

1. Communicate openly and honestly with the homeowners association board
2. Respond to information and maintenance requests promptly
3. Be easily accessible by phone and email
4. Prepare for Board and homeowners meetings
5. Vigorously pursue delinquent homeowners fees
6. Produce complete, readable, and timely financial reports
7. Consistently act with the HOA's best interests in mind
8. Understand homeowners association rules and governing documents
9. Create an annual operating budget
10. Be an expert in homeowners association management

If you are a Board member and your management company does not provide these services to you, it's time to start looking at a new firm. In the end, it is the Board members' responsibility to find a good HOA management company and it is the Management Company's responsibility to ensure the community association runs smoothly and efficiently.

Parker Finch Management, with several offices around the country, is a leader in the community association management industry. The company provides a comprehensive suite of services to homeowners associations and developers, including the services listed above. The firm's expertise, professionalism, and commitment to quality service are second to none which allows associations that partner with Parker Finch Management to experience a better community.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamess_Small
http://EzineArticles.com/?Benefits-of-Having-Professional-Homeowners-Association-Management&id=1354109

Living With Homeowners Associations

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By Nancy Niblett

For years people have struggled with whether it is a positive thing or a negative thing to own a home within a homeowners association and the so the controversy begins. The HOA is formed to maintain the common areas of a subdivision. They also have authority to enforce deed restrictions and monitor the neighborhood to ensure that the homeowners are maintaining their properties.

So the questions of whether or not this is a good thing or a bad thing depends on the person and what is important to them and the area around their home. The positive reasons to live within a subdivision that has an HOA established can be some of the same reasons the city has forced homebuilders to form the HOA's in the first place. They are meant to maintain the property values of the homes and the quality of these homes.

You have to ask yourself if you want the neighborhood you live within to be able to do whatever they want with their home. You may keep your yard well maintained and looking nice and keep your home in good repair. Does it bother you if the across the street or next to you has weeds that are a foot tall or a car up on blocks for weeks on end? Do you mind that your neighbor painted his home a bright orange or purple color? If you believe that live and let live is how you feel and support your neighbor's decisions to let their property become a little unruly or colorful then maybe you want to find your home in a neighborhood without an HOA.

Finding these properties will be a different story. In the Phoenix metro area the homes that were built from about 1995 and newer and are part of an actual subdivision will likely have an HOA. If you want a newer home without an HOA then you will have to find that home on a county island.

If you care more about the value of your home and want certain restrictions made to ensure that your neighbors homes and property is maintained then an HOA is perfect for these reasons. You will have to follow the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R's) as well as all the homeowners within your subdivision. Read these CC&R's prior to buying or during your inspection period so that you understand and agree with the restrictions within the CC&R's.

Can you get a variance or special permission to do something that is not allowed in the written CC&R's. That answer can sometimes be Yes! You are usually just asked to send in a request to do something outside the realm of the CC&R's. After the request the board will take your request into review and sometimes grant your request. I have personally requested a permanent basketball hoop and they allowed it erected in the front yard. Years later a new board had tried to ask that the basketball pole and hoop to be removed as it was against the HOA. Luckily, we had kept track of the request being accepted and were able to keep the board.

In a more updated request in a new neighborhood we have requested a "tuff shed" to be put up in our rear yard that was also against regulation. Our request was again granted. Dealing with you HOA should be done in a professional manner and you may be amazed at the results.

There are tons of horror stories about HOA's inflicting costly items to be done by a homeowner or to be removed by a homeowner. Clearly, people do not like to be told when to paint their home or what to put in their front yard but these things are all things that need to be consider prior to purchasing the home. The Homeowners Association is not trying to inflict costly things or sending you notice about weeds etc. They are doing their jobs and keeping the neighborhood that they were hired to maintain in good condition. Work with them on these issues and understand that they are simply doing their jobs.

Your HOA if the subdivision is completed or 85% completed has elected their own board which are the homeowners that live within your very same neighborhood. They do not get paid to be on the board and you are welcome to go to all meetings and share your opinion and concerns.

Choosing whether or not o live in a neighborhood is a personal choice so choose carefully and know what you are getting into prior to buying.

Nancy Niblett is a highly successful Real Estate Agent specializing in the Chandler area. She credits her success to hard work, integrity and honesty. Clients continue to refer her over and over again. Nancy is one of the most successful award-winning agents with Keller Williams Realty, East Valley.

Take a look at Ocotillo gated real estate in Chandler, AZ. You may also want to consider The Islands cheap real estate in Gilbert, Arizona.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Niblett
http://EzineArticles.com/?Living-With-Homeowners-Associations&id=1828571

Law & Logic of Homeowner Association Capital Reserves

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By Neda Dabestani-Ryba

In October 1999, Oregon was one of the first states that enacted a significant improvement to its Condominium and Planned Community regarding capital reserve planning, a process by which homeowner associations plan and fund future repairs and replacements. For many associations, the process became mandatory although there was an "escape clause" for pre-October 99 Oregon communities.

But there's more to reserve planning than The Law. Where statute stops, the Board's "fiduciary" duty kicks in. A "fiduciary" is one who is given the trust or confidence of another. The Board is entrusted with care of the biggest single asset that most people own, their homes. These people have the right to expect the homeowner association to be run like the business that it is...a corporation often responsible for millions of dollars in assets.

The reserve study concept was developed during the 1980s as a result of the many aging homeowner associations that found themselves in dire straits due to failure to plan for reserve expenses. The homeowners expected the Board to plan for such events and all too many had no plan other than "dealing with it" when the time came. Well, those "times" came all too soon and inevitability lived up to its reputation. Thus, the obvious need for long range planning came about.

Reserve studies analyze and predict the cost and timing of future repairs of association maintained components like roofing, pools, paving, landscaping, painting, fences, decks and other items that have a useful life of between 3 and 30 years.

The typical condominium association has between 15 and 30 items that fall under the "reserve" definition. When the repair costs of these 15-30 items are added up, it usually amounts to hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars. This is not chump change. It takes careful planning to accumulate the funds plus know how and when to spend it. That's what reserve planning is all about.

Reserve plans require all owners to pay a monthly share of future repairs and replacements. These payments pay for assets that are being used up. If an owner sells, the next owner picks up the monthly share. All owners pay a fair share and no more special assessments! This is as it should be. If you've been thinking there's a better way to manage association assets, there is: It's called a Reserve Study. Whether by law or logic, it's time your homeowner association started doing business like a business.

Neda Dabestani-Ryba is a licensed Realtor in Maryland. She is a member of the President's Circle of Top Real Estate Professionals. She can be reached at (800) 536-3806 or visit her website for more information: http://neda.dabestani.pcragent.com/

Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Condominium Owner Upset Over Legal Fees

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:37:00 +0000

By Kay Senay

"One of the prior board members sued the five people he blames for starting the recall against him. If that attorney asks the board who will pay for his or her legal fees, can the board meet and decide without notifying the owners? Is it legal to use condominium funds to pay these legal fees?"

Legal counsel to the condominium association is provided by the condominium attorney. That legal counsel does not represent the board or a single member of the board, nor any particular officer. Although the attorney usually communicates with one member of the board, the board president or other officer of the board, that person is not the client of the attorney. The condominium management company also is not the client of the attorney.

The condominium association as a whole is the client. The attorney does not represent the interest of one or more owners or any particular group of owners. The attorney must represent only the association. Owners frequently challenge this concept by suggesting that since the attorney advises the board, he or she represents the board.

Another misconception is that condominium owners think that legal counsel is available to answer their questions as well as the questions the board may have. Owners sometimes need to be reminded that the board and the attorney are on the same team and that the attorney provides advice to only those who govern the condominium association.

Check the Declaration and Bylaws for what they say about when the board is permitted to call a meeting without the owners present. If those two documents do not speak to this issue, then you can assume the board is permitted to do so at any time that is convenient for them. That being the case, a board may call an emergency, closed meeting at their discretion without notifying the owners for matters such as delinquencies, employee problems, and some legal issues.

The legal counsel is a contractor to the association the same as the landscaper, accountant, insurance agent, management company, etc. Therefore, he or she must be paid from the funds of the association just as all the other contractors. As described above, you must remember who the client of the attorney is. Association funds may not be used to pay the attorney for anything other than his or her representation of the condominium.

It is the board who determines which contractors are hired to provide services to the association. That decision also includes consideration of the costs. Owners are not involved in the matter of either selecting the contractors or how much they are paid. According to the condominium governing documents, there are usually only two powers the owners have, electing and recalling board members and voting on the addition and removal of capital assets of the association.

Kay Senay

http://condo-condominium.com

Kay is the author of CONDO BUYING & OWNERSHIP MADE SIMPLE: TIPS TO SAVE TIME & MONEY. This book is full of Kay's secrets for solving difficult condominium issues. She is available to speak at conferences and to advise condominium and homeowner associations' boards of directors. Visit her website at the link above for FREE TIP SHEETS, books, and more valuable articles.

Condominium, Cooperative and Homeowner Association Glossary

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:54:00 +0000

By Mark Nash

Every business has it's jargon and residential real estate is no exception. Mark Nash author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home shares commonly used condominium, cooperative and homeowner association terms with home buyers and sellers.

-Common area/grounds: The elements of building and grounds that all unit owners own jointly.

-Condominium: A dwelling of two or more property units where the owner owns the interior space and, in common with other owners, owns a square foot ratio of the common areas, such as the grounds, hallways, stairways, lobby, mechanical systems of common areas, and parking and recreational areas.

-Cooperative (Co-op): A corporation in which the tenants purchase shares that give them the right to occupy a unit in the building.

-Courtyard: An outdoor space faced by a building.

-Duplex: Two properties joined by one common wall.

-Elevator building: One that has one or more elevators to reach the units.

-Flat: Another name for an apartment.

-Full-amenity building: One that offers a variety of services to occupants: doorman, delivery/shipping room, dry cleaner, pool, tennis court, store, exercise facilities, and so on.

-Garden apartment: A dwelling unit partially below grade.

-High-rise: A multiple-floor building of ten or more floors.

-Management company: A professional real estate management company that manages the physical operation of a building.

-On-site management: The management of a building who works from an office within the building.

Parking:

-Deeded: A parking space that is owned as a piece of real estate.

Leased: A parking space that is leased by the building occupant.

-Underground: A parking space located beneath grade of the building.

-Assigned: A parking space appointed by the association or management company.

-Valet: The car is parked and returned by a parking attendant for the occupant of the space.

-Self-managed: Buildings and dwelling units overseen by unit owners or unit shareholders.

-Site engineer: The mechanical or operations professional for a building who is on-site at his or her place of employment. Some engineers live on the premises and are referred to as the super, short for superintendent.

-Walk-up: A building with no elevator.

Mark Nash's fourth real estate book, "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home" (2005), and working as a real estate broker in Chicago are the foundation for his consumer-centric real estate perspective which has been featured on ABC-TV, CBS The Early Show, Bloomberg TV, CNN-TV, Chicago Sun Times & Tribune, Fidelity Investor’s Weekly, Dow Jones Market Watch, HGTVpro.com, MSNBC.com, The New York Times, Realty Times, Universal Press Syndicate and USA Today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Nash
http://EzineArticles.com/?Condominium,-Cooperative-and-Homeowner-Association-Glossary&id=176914

Upcoming Community Spotlight Radio Shows

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:26:00 +0000

Tune in to CAI's Community Spotlight Fridays from 2-3 PM.

February 1, 2008

Producer Wendy Reece, Host Dwayne Lowry
Our guests will be Mayor David Wallace of Sugarland, Texas, and Mayor Allen Owen from Missouri City, Texas. What are they doing RIGHT with regard to the economic growth in Fort Bend County? What is expected for Fort Bend County in the future?

February 8, 2008

Producer Bill Gammon, Host Roy Hailey
Have you ever wished you had a crystal ball and could look into the future
regarding the economy? Our guest will be Edward Thomas, an expert
and visionary in the community association industry. What does the
future in real estate hold for Houston, Texas? What changes can we
expect in the next 12 years?

Find out answers to these and much MORE Fridays from 2-3 on Community Spotlight, on CNN 650 Radio News.

CAI's Community Spotlight Radio Show - Now Online

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:49:00 +0000

CAI's Community Spotlight radio show is now streaming. You can listen to the program from your computer by going to CNN650.com, then click on the "listen live" icon to the right of your screen.

Last week the folks from stopashbyhighrise.org were on the show, this week the Ashby developers will be on so it should be interesting.

The show is on every Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. so be sure to tune in.

CAI C.A.R.E.S. NOVEMBER AWARDS

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:57:00 +0000

Community Service/Helping Hands:
Submittals: Olde Oaks HOA, Inc.
Pam Bailey of Chaparral Management Company
Cinco Residential Association, Inc.
Tammy Evans of PCMI

The Committee selected Olde Oaks HOA, Inc. as the Award Winner

A family that was very active in the community, the father was suffering from cancer, the mom was holding down two jobs, and the kids were in high school (honors classes). The manager was aware that such things as lawn maintenance and assessment payments were more than this family could deal with during their grief. Friends and neighbors were contacted and came together to pay the annual assessment. A local landscape company donated is crew to maintain the yard at no cost for almost a year. Still a resident of Olde Oaks, the kids have graduated from college and she is now an active volunteer in the community.

Conservation:
Submittals: Lake Forest of Kelliwood HOA, Inc.
Mike Prado of Hurricane Lake & Fountain

Being an electrical engineer, when Dave Lake became President of the Association in 2005, he believed that the community could save money on electrical use maintenance by converting the existing five stationary fountains (two of which were not working), to floating fountains. Hurricane Lake & Fountain was the winning bidder for the work and completed the installation within six months. The capital investment payback for the project is 26 months. A savings of over $40,000 per year in electrical costs is now being enjoyed by the community.

An additional benefit to having the floating fountains is the Association’s ability to meet the Harris Galveston coastal subsidence District mandate where groundwater usage is required to diminish very significantly in the coming years, floating fountains will allow greater flexibility as a transition to possibly transient surface water sources over future years.

Creative Solutions:
Submittals: Northview HOA, Inc.
Pam Bailey of Chaparral Management Company

Northview HOA, Inc.’s Board believes that communication is the key to a successful community. Because funds are short, the Board prepares and had delivers the Northview News directly to its 634 homes on a bi-monthly basis. As a direct result of the Board’s commitment to the newsletter project, three community-wide events have been growing each year – the Easter Egg Hunt, the Halloween Costume Contest, and Christmas Caroling.

Each year, a small group of carolers start out going door to door, as announced in the newsletter. This past year, as an act of spontaneous Christmas cheer, members of some households joined the singers, making the crowd swell a little at each stop. By the end of the event, Mr. & Mrs. Claus’s original group of ten had grown to ten times the original size.

Special Events:
Submittals: Cinco Residential Property Association, Inc.
Tammy Evans of PCMI

Cinco Ranch held its first National Night Out at LaCenterra shopping center in Cinco Ranch. Volunteers from the community and local groups helped to make the evening a success. Representatives from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, the WillowFork Fire Department, Katy Art Reach, Redi Clinic, Direct Energy, the Houston Chronicle, and Dr. Alexander Gonzalez attended with information and/or activities for attendees. Neighborhood representatives visited with neighbors and other neighborhood representatives regarding better communication between the communities.

CAI-Houston's "Community Spotlight" Radio Show

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:27:00 +0000

Starting November 2nd CAI-Houston will be producing a weekly news/talk radio show called "Community Spotlight" which features guests who address specific weekly topics. Distinguished guests will include local, regional, state and national political leaders, business leaders, homeowners, HOA board members and others with vested interests in HOA's. The show will be moderated by a CAI-Houston host and will give ample opportunity for listeners to call with questions pertinent to the subject of the week.

"Community Spotlight" will air each Friday afternoon from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. on CNN650 Radio News (KIKK-AM). In addition, all programs will be available in podcast format from the CAI website preserving the advertisers' messages. Podcasting is now available on many cell phones, dynamically extending the listenership range.

If you or someone you know would be interested in advertising space during the show contact Sabine Holton @ 281-496-5952 for rates and information.

CAI C.A.R.E.S. Deadline October 15th

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:52:00 +0000

The October 15th deadline is fast approaching for submission of good news stories about your community association or one that you manage. Win awards and recognition for holding a company-wide get-together, helping a neighbor in need, launching an energy conservation program, or a myriad of other possibilities that highlight the good side of community associations. For more information and an online application, go to the CAI website at www.caihouston.org or look in the latest edition of Facets for your entry form.

CAI C.A.R.E.S

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:44:00 +0000

CAI wants to celebrate your community association's accomplishments and unique activities and events and spread the word so other community associations can use your great ideas. We'll recognize your association work with a certificate and publish your story on our Good News Blog. Once a quarter, we'll invite the public to vote online to help us highlight the best of the best with special awards and recognition for the community and the submitting party.

Describe your creative solutions, heartwarming initiatives or fun/funny activities or tell us about the winners of your own community awards to special volunteers. We're looking for stories about Special Events, Beautification, Community Service Helping Hands, Conservation, Bootstrap Projects and Creative Solutions. Use the Word format if possible and make it as long as you need to tell the story. Be sure to include names, dates and details. We welcome digital photos, too. We'll be glad to help you put your story together; all you have to do is get it started, email it to us, and we'll get back to you to help put your accomplishment in written format. Publication is at the discretion of the Greater Houston Chapter of CAI.

Send your stories, photos or questions to caistaff@caihouston.org.

Thanks for taking the time to help CAI continually celebrate the many contributions of community associations.

TLAC's Community Association Day in Austin March 27th

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 10:26:00 +0000

March 27, 2007 is YOUR chance to participate in “Community Association Day at the Capitol” with the delegates of CAI’s Texas Legislative Action Committee (“TLAC”). Our day in Austin is planned to emphasize to our legislators the need for and benefits of reasonably-managed community associations.

TLAC’s lobbyists can only go so far in persuading Texas legislators to oppose efforts to curtail the ability of community associations to fulfill their obligation to enforce governing documents, collect assessments, and foster a sense of neighborliness and community. Nothing our lobbyists do is as effective as having YOU in Austin to discuss these issues with your elected officials.

Legislators are currently considering bills that would:

Require payment plans for maintenance fee delinquencies
Limit what an association may charge back to an owner
Prohibit foreclosure for nonpayment of maintenance fees
Require the delivery of a resale certificate within five business days of the request or suffer a potential $1,000 fine
Limit the amount an association or management company may charge for an expedited or updated resale certificate
Limit the amount an association or management company may charge for a transfer fee
Prohibit the Right of First Refusal
Require hiring a neutral third party for contested board elections
Require redacting (blacking out) references to owners before releasing certain information to other owners
Require establishing a “cap”, or maximum dollar amount of a fine for a continuing deed restriction violation

Register for our trip to Austin on the 27th by emailing Margey Meyer, CMCA, PCAM at mmeyer@associaonline.com with your contact phone number and names of your Representative and Senator (if you’re unsure, go to http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/). We’ll make appointments to visit your district’s Representative and Senator and accompany you there to ease any trepidation. Join us on the TLAC “bus” to Austin and we’ll spend the time reviewing the issues and discussing the finer points of lobbying. Once you register, we’ll send you the details of our trip and appointment times.

It's not too late to sign up for TLAC’s Community Association Day at the Capitol on March 27th. You'll find it will be extremely useful and relevant to you . . . and your legislators need to meet you!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:46:00 +0000

The Greater Houston Chapter of the Community Association’s Institute congratulates the following community associations for adopting the “Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities” resolution. The resolution is designed to promote understanding and sustain harmony within community associations across the state.

Bridgeview Homeowners' AssociationHouston, TX
Cambridge Glen Condominium Association, Inc.Houston, TX
Chandlers Landing Community Assn.Rockwall, TX
Crestwater Homeowners AssociationHouston, TX
Cypresswood Community AssociationHouston, TX
Fairwood Homeowners AssociationHouston, TX
First Colony Community AssociationSugar Land, TX
Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc.San Antonio, TX
Heritage Village Homeowners AssociationHouston, TX
Kleinbrook Community AssociationHouston, TX
Kleinwood Maintenance FundHouston, TX
Lake Windcrest Property Owners AssociationHouston, TX
Lakewood Oaks EstatesHouston, TX
Lexington Woods Owners CommitteeHouston, TX
Lexington Woods Section 8Houston, TX
Memorial Club Townhouses Association, Inc.Houston, TX
Norchester Maintenance FundHouston, TX
Northampton Maintenance FundHouston, TX
Northern Hills Country Village Owners AssociationSan Antonio, TX
Northridge Park West Homeowners AssociationHouston, TX
Northwest Park Homeowners AssociationHouston, TX
Oak Bay ClubRockport, TX, TX
Oaks of Devonshire Homeowners AssociationHouston, TX
Quail Valley Townhome AssociationMissouri City, TX
Second Victorian Village Homeowners AssociationHouston, TX
Terranova West Property Owners AssociationHouston, TX
The Country Place, Inc.Carrollton, TX
Three Lakes Community Improvement AssociationHouston, TX
Willowood Maintenance AssociationHouston, TX
Wimbledon Estates Homeowners AssociationHouston, TX

The process of formally adopting the “Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities” resolution gives communities an excellent opportunity for the kind of dialogue that facilitates awareness, builds consensus, and promotes greater community involvement. For more information contact the Greater Houston Chapter of CAI at 713-784-5462 or look on the web at http://www.caionline.org/rightsandresponsibilities/communities.cfm .

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BETTER COMMUNITIES

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:41:00 +0000

By Margaret C. Kremer, CMCA, PCAM

Not too many years ago, the Community Association Institute developed a statement of principles for homeowners and community leaders that live within community associations. It was hoped that in adopting the “Rights and Responsibilities” resolution, a community would be able to build consensus among its members and promote community involvement. It was also hoped that the document would serve as a continuing guidepost for all those involved in the community – board members, managers, homeowners, and non-owner residents, alike. It serve as a tool for balancing the needs of the homeowners with the needs of the community as a whole and would minimize the potential for conflict by laying out the mutual rights and responsibilities of all members of the community.

Thousands of communities across the nation adopted the community association “Bill of Rights” at the time it was originally written and many community associations in the Houston area have been using the Rights and Responsibilities document as a the foundation for their community’s operation ever since. Below is a list of the homeowner associations in the Greater Houston area who have adopted the “Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities” resolution and registered their action with the Community Association Institute:

Adopting the community association “Bill of Rights” in your community is easy. The Community Association Institute outlines a simple six step process.

1. Distribute the document throughout the community by way of the community newsletter or website. Announce and publicize when and where the document will be adopted.

2. Explain why this important to your community and the benefits it can create.

3. Review and discuss the merits of the principles at an open meeting of your Board of Directors.

4. Solicit input from homeowners.

5. Have your board vote to adopt a resolution endorsing the “Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities.” The principles will be more meaningful to homeowners and community leaders if they are formally adopted.

6. Send a note to the Community Association Institute to let them know when the resolution was adopted and your community will receive a commemorative certificate. For information, visit www.caionline.org/rightsandresponsibilities

WHAT'S GOING ON IN AUSTIN

noreply@blogger.com (M. Bevis) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 18:26:00 +0000

The Texas Legislative Action Committee keeps tabs on what's going on in Austin regarding property owners associations in the state. For more information on a particular bill go to the Texas Legislature Online Bill Lookup website and type in the number of the bill you would like more information about in the Bill Number inquiry box (ex: HB 123).

HB 222
Solomons
Relating to property owner's associations.

Bill History:
01-31-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry

HB 231
Ritter
Relating to the regulation of certain renewable energy technology by a property owners' association.

Bill History:
01-31-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry

HB 493
Orr
Relating to priority of payment relating to property owners' association assessments.

Bill History:
02-05-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry

HB 749
Dutton
Relating to the foreclosure of certain liens on real property.

Bill History:
02-07-07 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Business and Industry

HB 976
Van Arsdale
Relating to the amendment of extension of restrictive covenants on residential property.

Bill History:
01-30-07 H Filed

HB 989
Zerwas
Relating to the filing for record of a plat or replat of a subdivision of real property.

Bill History:
01-30-07 H Filed

HB 1067
Murphy
Relating to subdivision replatting by certain municipalities.

Companions:
SB 360 (I)

Bill History:
02-02-07 H Filed

HB 1171
Bailey
Relating to the operation of property owners' associations.

Bill History:
02-06-07 H Filed

SB 358
Jackson, Mike
Relating to the regulation of solar energy panels by a property owner's association.

Bill History:
01-29-07 S Filed

SB 360
Janek
Relating to subdivision replatting by certain municipalities.

Companions:
HB 1067 (I)

Bill History:
01-30-07 S Filed