Meeting Minutes Matter™ California Open Meeting Act — Setting Homeowner Expectations

Meeting Minutes Matter™ California Open Meeting Act — Setting Homeowner Expectations

When an upset homeowner attends a homeowner association (HOA) board meeting, they believe they have the right to speak to the board, and sometimes demand answers or immediate action by the board. Although most of us would like immediate answers from the board, it is important that the board, management, and sometimes experts, like roofers/plumbers/arborists, and so forth, review the homeowner request before an informed decision can be made. Read More... [et_social_share]
Community Associations — What to Know Before You Buy.

Community Associations — What to Know Before You Buy.

If you’re considering buying a home in a condo or HOA, chances are you have some preconceived ideas about what that means. Some of those ideas may be true and some may not. The truth is, every community is unique, with a different set of benefits, problems, and rules that affect how you enjoy your new home. So, what do you really need to know, and how can you find out before it's too late? Read More... [et_social_share]
Dissident or Fake HOA Website:  Is Free Speech Really Free?

Dissident or Fake HOA Website: Is Free Speech Really Free?

While technology has many advantages, the internet and social media has led to a decline in human interaction between neighbors. For as little as $0.99, anyone can create a website. Many homeowners associations are behind the times and have not yet created their own HOA website, let alone registered for a HOA website domain name. Accordingly, when neighbors are not neighborly, and tempers flare, the creation of a dissident website (fake HOA website) using the name of the homeowners association is becoming an increasing popular way for members to voice their dissatisfaction. What should a homeowners association do when this happens? Read More... [et_social_share]
Avoiding the Headlines

Avoiding the Headlines

Not surprising that in a random sample of newspaper and TV stories focusing on HOAs and condo associations, 13 of 16 stories were about disputes and controversies. Only 3 stories were positive.The news media love controversies. And why wouldn't they? Controversies attract readers and viewers like poop attracts flies. So you can bet if there's some controversy brewing in your association, a newspaper or TV reporter just might come knocking on your door. And it's not fun when that happens. Read More... [et_social_share]
Great Expectations: What Homeowners Want From Their HOA

Great Expectations: What Homeowners Want From Their HOA

Today, there are roughly 57 million Americans living in managed communities, or HOAs. Of those 57 million, every single one of them has a certain set of expectations about what that should mean. While most homeowners would reasonably expect things like grounds maintenance, snow removal, and maybe some nice amenities, that's not really the point. Residents have some deeper needs, and as an HOA, you have a responsibility to meet them the best way you know how. Read More... [et_social_share]
Trendy for Politicians, Terrible for HOAs

Trendy for Politicians, Terrible for HOAs

Editors and reporters know a good thing when they see it. Just about anything involving HOAs is bound to be controversial.But there is a little something HOA volunteers and property managers can do to become more aware of potentially nasty issues and to hopefully keep them from hitting the fan. They can take some time to think about issues, and ask themselves a simple question: What if this or that happens? After identifying what might hit the fan, HOA leaders can think about how they would handle questions and determine when they may need to call in the cavalry, a property manager or HOA attorney, for their insights and expertise. Read More... [et_social_share]

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