It is not uncommon to find hoarders in HOAs. While the act of hoarding itself should not affect an HOA, it has an indirect impact on the community’s appeal to would-be homeowners. Most people keep their hoarded items inside the house, but when they get out of hand, they can easily spill over to yards,…
It pays to know what states have the most bugs in America, especially for homeowners associations. Common area maintenance is a big part of managing an HOA community, and pest control is crucial. Unfortunately, an unfamiliarity with pests and their prevalence will keep HOA boards in the dark about what to do. After all, knowledge…
Homeowners don’t always have free rein when it comes to putting up political signs in HOAs. These communities are known for their strict rules, and many prohibit or regulate things like signs, flags, and general decor. Whether or not an HOA can permit political signs depends largely on state laws and its governing documents, though…
Many homeowners associations have rules about HOA landscaping — what plants residents can use, how often to mow their lawns, and other similar regulations. It is important to understand these rules so homeowners can follow them to the letter. After all, noncompliance can result in various unsavory consequences, ranging from monetary to legal. Who…
Board members may feel tempted to conduct an HOA informal meeting, especially if they wish to discuss matters before deciding at an actual board meeting. However, informal meetings are not always advisable. In some cases, they may even go against state laws. Board members should understand what actions are permissible to avoid exposing the association…
Board members of community associations should familiarize themselves with HOA proxy voting. This form of voting can be very useful in helping HOAs achieve a quorum at board election meetings or any meeting that requires a membership vote. Navigating the ins and outs of proxy voting, though, can come as a challenge, especially for boards…
Preparing make ahead turkey gravy is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to impress your guests this Thanksgiving. While making gravy from scratch can be laborious, you can ensure success by giving yourself ample time to make it days before. Of course, not everyone knows how to make turkey gravy. Fortunately, there are…
Understanding and executing HOA maintenance responsibilities is essential to successful community management. From keeping common areas pristine to ensuring structural integrity, homeowners associations play an integral role in maintaining the shared elements of residential communities. There is more to HOA maintenance, though, than meets the eye. What Are HOA Maintenance Responsibilities? Homeowners associations must…
The Labor Day recipes you choose to follow can make or break your holiday meal. If you want a truly memorable celebration with your family or friends, you have to pick the right dishes to prepare. Fire up that grill for one last summer hurrah, as Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the hot…
An HOA newsletter can be an effective tool for communication and bringing residents in the community together. Many homeowners associations, though, don’t have newsletters or don’t know where to begin when making one. Here, you will understand why newsletters are important, how to write newsletters, and how often to distribute them. What Is an…