From 3-foot-tall skeletons draped over front lawns to inflatable pumpkins and spider web-covered walkways, Halloween decorations have grown in popularity over the years. Community association board members may choose to develop a policy for these spooky decorations, including what, where, when, and for how long. Board Members Engage residents in a conversation on whether… Read more »
The 2025 fiscal year ended on Sept 30. The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal agencies from obligating any money without an appropriation from Congress. Any period when appropriations are not enacted into law, either through regular appropriations bills or a continuing resolution, is known as a “funding gap.” This gap results in a partial federal government… Read more »
Every community faces it: the temptation to put off maintenance. It seems like an easy way to save money, right? That fresh coat of paint can wait. The HVAC check-up can be skipped this year. But this practice, known as deferred maintenance, can lead to big problems down the road. While it might seem like… Read more »
It’s that time of year—you’re exchanged your swimsuit for sweaters and scarves just in time to roll up your sleeves and prepare you home for cooler weather. As we watch summer fade into the sunset, consider adding the following items to your winterization checklist, and ensure your home is in tip-top shape for the fall… Read more »
Switching from a reactive, “fix-it-when-it-breaks” approach to a proactive preventive maintenance program can dramatically cut costs and extend the life of a community’s assets. While it’s a big shift, you don’t have to do it all at once. By following a few key steps, you can create a program that’s perfectly suited to your community’s… Read more »
Each year you receive a draft of the proposed budget for review and comment. A lot of work goes into preparing the budget. It’s a complex activity that has to start early so the budget can be finalized and approved prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. Here’s how we do it: The… Read more »
The curb appeal of our community depends on each resident maintaining his or her property as completely as possible. For those who keep their homes and yards well maintained, the association thanks you for your efforts and good examples. We encourage all residents to pay particular attention to the following maintenance items. -Exterior paint. Paint… Read more »
What’s the difference in a board meeting and a special meeting, or an annual meeting and a town meeting? Confused? Here’s some clarification. Annual Meetings Annual meetings—or annual membership meetings—are required by our governing documents, which specify when they’re to be conducted and how and when members are to be notified about the meeting. This… Read more »
With the rise of social media, HOA board members often find themselves navigating online communication. Social media can be a useful tool to keep homeowners informed and engaged. However, it can also lead to miscommunication, conflicts, or even legal issues if not handled properly. This has led many to wonder whether or not there should… Read more »
While mainly governed by your association’s bylaws and governing documents, most states have legislation that provides HOA proxy voting rules. Most indicate the requirements for a valid proxy vote and its limitations. What is Proxy Voting? Proxy voting occurs when a homeowner’s association member authorizes another person to cast votes on behalf of the members…. Read more »
Despite a certain groundhog having seen his shadow, winter will come to an end before we know it, recalling the Hal Borland quote, “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” The quote is often used to mean that even in difficult times, there will eventually be a change for the better. For the… Read more »
Homeowners associations are governed by a set of documents, among which are the bylaws and the CC&Rs. There will come a time, though, when you will need to amend those documents. Continue reading to learn how to change HOA bylaws and CC&Rs. How to Change HOA Bylaws and CC&Rs: Is It Even Possible? A homeowners association’s… Read more »
