Economists are divided as to whether the housing correction is simply a minor setback for home price growth or the early innings of a sharper correction.
With Miami condominiums crumbling from the inside out, residents in Pembroke Pines said they are fearful if being kicked out due to the unsafe conditions.
A list of HOA managers’ new year’s resolutions for their community.
A woman in Fort Mill was charged $1,700 just to move out of her HOA. This raises the questions: Is this legal? If it’s legal, is it fair?
1. Help Keep High Community Standards
A primary duty as a board member is to uphold the standards within the development of the community. This is done by looking out for the best interest of the community in every area. Keeping high standards will keep property values steady, and even increase the value of the community.
When you volunteer to serve on the HOA board, you have an opportunity to have input and vote on issues that involve community regulations and standards.
When you serve on the HOA board, you can be more involved in your community’s endeavors to protect the investment of all residents.
2. Opportunity to Help Community Members
Most people like helping their neighbors in any way they can. If you like serving and helping your community members, then volunteer to serve on your HOA board. As a volunteer, you will be making decisions that will help others. There are those who do not want to participate, but those who are willing to volunteer can have a voice for others, share their concerns, and bring them to the board. As a member of the board, you may be instrumental in bringing on new volunteers and show the positive aspects of the HOA to residents.
3. Opportunity to Help Solve Problems Within Your Community
As a volunteer on the HOA board, you’ll no doubt become known in the community. Neighbors will confide in you with complaints and issues they feel are important.
It’s important to remain professional in these situations. This will give you an opportunity to be a part of solving community problems. A volunteer board member can bring awareness to problems that exist unbeknown to the board.
4. Opportunity to Grow New Skills
A great reason to serve on your HOA’s board is that you will grow a vast number of new skills. You will learn leadership skills, gain teamwork and team building experience, and experience how the board operations work behind the scenes. Your communication skills and ability to make decisions will prove to be a valuable asset. Formal meeting management may be a benefit to you. If you stay on the board, you may have the opportunity to be elected to a higher leadership position.
5. Take Part in Making New Rules and Change Existing Rules
By serving on your HOA board, you have an opportunity to create change in your community. As you learn how decision making is handled, you may have opportunities to vote on rules and suggest new rules to be voted on. There may be opportunities to make suggestions on new policies, to implement and help lead a committee to carry these policies out.
If you have been thinking about getting involved in your community, volunteering on your homeowner’s association board is a great place to start. Contact your HOA office and ask how you can get involved.
As the New Year begins, HOA managers and boards should start thinking about what 2023 has in store. Here are some important resolutions that are essential for a well running homeowners association.
1. Recruit Board Members
Each HOA manager needs to focus on recruiting and finding people who are interested in community affairs. One way to approach them is with an invitation to join an HOA board. Another good idea is to put a notice in the newsletter that they are accepting new members. Also, ask current board members to accept new people.
2. Planning Committee
Events are an integral part of an active community. Put together a committee that will create events that all residents will participate in. Set up an advanced schedule for the year. Propose a budget for yearly events and plan promoting the events.
3. Community Safety
Plan and implement safety measures in the community. Once a year, preferably at the beginning of the year. Conduct a safety check on all community lights, door locks, pool lights, fencing and community signage. Make sure all safety measures have been taken to keep residents safe.
4. Community Maintenance
Make sure all pool equipment, playground equipment, tennis court and all recreational amenities are functioning properly. Make necessary repairs to the common buildings, grounds and areas. Make a new year plan and budget for lawn maintenance, seasonal planting and curb appeal for the community.
5. Review and Update Governing Documents
As part of the HOA New Year’s resolutions, a board should consider reviewing and amending old documents. Doing so will allow these documents to reflect the times and environment today, as outdated documents can put associations in a bind. As new technologies continue to emerge, HOA boards will likely need to do this every year to avoid getting left behind the times. Refresh yourself on the procedures for holding annual meetings and Board elections, the types of architectural changes that are allowed, and the procedure for getting changes approved by the Board or the architectural control committee. Also, it can be a good idea to consider whether the rules governing the use of common areas need updating.
Even the simplest New Year resolutions can keep you on track and make being an association Board member a more enjoyable experience. Why not try one or more of these resolutions to make 2023 a positive and successful year for you and your Board?
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