In case you’ve been living under a rock, there’s a new alternative to traditional hotels and motels. It’s called an airbnb, and it’s catching on like no one could ever have predicted. In essence, someone who owns a property and is not using it – e.g., they’re on vacation or away at a business conference […]
Insurance is just one of those things: you hate to pay for it when you don’t need it, but you’re incredibly grateful to have it when you do. Homeowners associations generally have quite a bit of insurance, and many of them have umbrella policies that cover them for just about any eventuality. This is extremely […]
Halloween is coming, which means doorsteps will soon be adorned with pumpkins and gourds and those plastic figures that scream when you walk by and those enormous blow-up bats … unless the HOA sets up rules far in advance. Here’s a quick guide that will help you set rules that will keep your property festive […]
While some folks have the luxury of living in the moment, an HOA always has to be looking toward the future. If it’s the beginning of summer, the board needs to start thinking about leaf removal. If it’s fall, they need to make sure the budget is there for plows, salting, and sanding. It’s always […]
Apartment Rental Cycles Generations always differ from one another in a variety of ways – the culture in which they’re raised, their relationship with technology, their priorities, and their likes and dislikes. But there are also things they have in common. For example, in most generations, younger people tend to rent apartments and older people […]
Regular condo association meetings are important, but getting all of the condo owners to attend can be a challenge, especially if the meetings tend to be long and, let’s face it, dull. But there’s no reason they should be. HOA meetings can be less of a chore if the members of the board take steps […]
In a perfect world, an HOA would have regular meetings where members of the community would ask the board questions, raise concerns, and receive regular updates. It would be structured, straightforward, and civilized. Unfortunately, that’s not how most meetings with the board go. Invariably, there will be a homeowner who thinks that their opinion is […]
Your condo association would never dream of turning away potential condo owners based on their race, religion, or familial status, but did you know your pool rules could put you in violation of the Fair Housing Act (FHA)? What is the Fair Housing Act? The FHA states that condo associations may not discriminate against people […]
Temperatures are soaring and the A/C is cranking. Condo associations can reduce cooling costs in common areas with a few simple techniques. Read on and start saving! Natural Cooling with Plants Indoor temperatures rise when the sun beats down on roofs and walls. Keep indoor temperatures cooler by planting tall bushes around the property […]
Life within a homeowners’ association isn’t always harmonious. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a homeowner might find him- or herself at odds with the HOA and its rules and bylaws. This can make for an awkward and uncomfortable situation for everyone involved, but there are usually steps that can be taken before things get ugly. […]