Category - HOA Website

Homeowners associations have rules for homeowners to comply with that is for the benefit of the community and to protect the value of homes.  Occasionally, some homeowners may break the rules unknowingly but they get informed through the homeowners association website and follow what is outlined in the rules.  However, there are a select few who violate the rules more frequently and it’s the responsibility of the HOA board to enforce the rules or make a modification.  What should a board member take into account before modifying the HOA rules?

 

Homeowners associations across the country strive to be greater every year so residents enjoy a higher standard of living while home values never depreciate.  In most cases, board members know there’s room for improvement but evaluating the performance each year helps identify which areas need attention.  Even the community website should be looked at and how it keeps residents up-to-date.  What should you consider when measuring the performance of your homeowners association?

 

 

Ask board members to grade each area but keep in mind the rules set forth by the governing documents.  Also, seek the participation of residents as they may offer valuable ideas when critiquing the homeowners association.  HOA board members have a duty to fulfill to the association that includes organizing meetings and producing financial reports.  How are those being conducted throughout the year?  Is the association operating within or under budget?

 

Typically, leadership is noticeable after a few meetings and seeing the guidance shown by HOA board members.  Are meetings carried out consistently and according to the agenda or do topics get discussed not on the agenda?  This is an area where board members must exercise discipline and follow what is outlined in the governing documents.

 

The community website is a popular place for homeowners to see the latest updates in the neighborhood.  Common areas in the community indicate how well the homeowners association is being maintained.  A healthy homeowners association takes necessary measures to maintain an adequate amount of reserve funds for the upkeep of common areas.

 

 

If reserve funds are inadequate, projects may be postponed or the association could impose a special assessment.  Not only does this show poor performance of the homeowners association but it causes residents to question the decision-making of board members.  After an evaluation, get advice from a manager or specialist to ensure the homeowners association performs well in all areas.

Spring is an anticipated time for most residents as winter makes it nearly impossible to enjoy some outdoor activities due to freezing temperatures.  Aside from enjoying outdoor activities, spring is also an ideal time to catch up on maintaining the outside of your home as warmer weather arrives.  Areas of the home could likely use a round of spring cleaning after the winter months.  The following tips are usually found on the homeowner association website as they ensure your home is ready for another year.

 

 

Certain areas of a home are more noticeable than others so factor that into your approach when you start.  For instance, the front porch and guest seating area may be where guests spend most of their time so focus on cleaning these areas well.  When cleaning, choose a cloudy day or start early to prevent surfaces such as windows and the garage door from getting heat soaked.

 

Remember, cooler surfaces are much easier to clean and windows will have fewer water spots if you dry them with a chamois after washing.  Often, using a rag or brush soaked in dish soap and a multi-purpose cleaner is adequate to clean most surfaces.  Afterwards, use a water hose to rinse the area and check for cleanliness.  If not, use a pressure washer on the area but refrain from holding the nozzle in one spot as it might cause damage.

 

 

Many HOA residents look forward to the spring season as they enjoy having guests over for a gathering or cookout.  The patio area is where a majority of guests will sit to experience the fresh air that spring brings.  Patio furniture should be wiped down using a warm, wet cloth after all cushions have been removed and vacuumed.  Last but not least, remove any cobwebs that formed over winter and don’t forget to keep the homeowner association website in mind for future tips.

Homeowners associations without an HOA manager are led by board members that volunteer their time.  Usually, these members have a limited amount of free time to spend working for the association and information may not be updated on the neighborhood website.  There are several areas to analyze in a homeowners association to decide whether or not an HOA manager should be hired.  What should every homeowners association take into consideration before making that decision?

 

 

Board members generally know less about homeowners associations than a manager unless they have been involved on every decision for many years.  The value of most managers isn’t noticed until decisions need to be made about finances, unexpected projects, and setting aside money for the future.

 

Finances can make an influential impact on the homeowners association.  Managers are more likely to understand that as they have seen the result of financial decisions in the past and can guide board members.  With financial guidance, decisions are made to secure the funds for repairs during an unexpected project.

 

Some board members forget to account for that which could lead to a shortage in reserve funds.  Managers know which projects are likely to need additional funding and have a better understanding of how the reserve study needs to be updated.  Their assistance to the HOA board is highly valuable as it keeps the association running smoothly.

 

 

Homeowners associations have a duty to keep residents informed through newsletters or updating the neighborhood website.  If the association has a manager, communications improve since they make it a priority to post updates and notify members of upcoming board meetings.  Finally, the last reason to appoint a manager is to ensure that board members are trained properly.  Typically, this helps the association stay maintained as educated decisions are made and homeowners get to enjoy a quality lifestyle.

The task of figuring out which items qualify as tax deductions may be confusing at times.  Residents that have never lived in a homeowners association often have the most questions about what can be included on their taxes.  The best advice for homeowners is to visit the HOA website frequently for updates or contact a board member to know what is allowed when filing taxes.  Almost everyone knows that residing in a homeowners association means paying HOA fees but can they be claimed on your taxes?

 

 

A majority of the time, HOA fees are not deductible as the IRS considers them to be assessed by a separate entity.  However, not every association is the same so look into what the HOA fees cover.  These fees are collected to cover the maintenance on amenities in the community and a portion is saved for the reserve funds. 

If a portion of the fees are used for areas that you could pay for then you might be able to claim that portion on your taxes.

 

In one instance, a portion of the HOA fees are tax deductible.  Homeowners who have a home office are allowed to claim a percentage of the fees that is proportional to the space occupied by the home office.  For example, if the home office takes up 20% of your home, you may claim 20% of the HOA fees on your taxes.

 

 

In most cases, the HOA website caters to homeowners that live in the community but some homeowners associations allow homeowners to rent their place.  In which case, HOA fees are tax deductible for the owner of the property since that is considered part of the operating expenses.  Tax season is a time where residents want to include every allowable deduction.  If you do your own taxes, consult with a tax professional and follow their recommendation regarding HOA fees!

Throughout the year, a variety of issues in the homeowners association are discussed during meetings.  Occasionally, various issues have a direct impact on your life as they might involve upgrades in the community that lead to higher HOA fees or a special assessment.

 

One of the many advantages to living in a homeowners association is that you can follow the homeowners association website and voice your opinion at meetings.  How can you make a difference on community issues in your homeowners association?

 

 

In any homeowners association, there are certain issues that need to be addressed every so often.  Homeowners may participate in how these issues are resolved by casting their vote at the annual meeting.  Typically, the homeowners association notifies each resident several weeks in advance so they can make arrangements to attend.

 

Residents unable to attend are advised to contact a board member or read the governing documents to learn about voting using a proxy.  With a proxy, you should always use a well-trusted person to ensure your vote is placed according to your wishes.

 

There are two ways you can vote by proxy in most homeowners associations which is by a general proxy and a directed proxy.  Both grant another person the right to vote on the homeowners behalf with one important difference.  A general proxy gives the person the right to vote without specifying how that vote is cast, but a directed proxy specifically directs how the person should cast the vote.

 

 

Homeowners should make voting a priority as it helps represent the community more accurately when people have a voice on issues.  The HOA board election is a key component when it comes to your rights in the homeowners association as elected board members control the future of the community.  Check the homeowners association website periodically or ask a board member if you want to know more about your rights.

Maintenance and insurance issues in the homeowners association may cause confusion among HOA board members.  The task to differentiate between areas covered under the insurance policy and items that are considered maintenance requires understanding the responsibilities of each.  The community website informs residents of many topics in the homeowners association but experience is often needed to distinguish between insurance and maintenance.

 

 

Maintenance is responsible for certain areas of the homeowners association such as the streets, roofs, and landscaping.  The first step in establishing what is covered under maintenance in the HOA is to identify the responsibilities as outlined in the governing documents.  The governing documents, or CC&R’s, clarify the responsibilities and limitations of maintenance.

 

For instance, maintenance covers replacing roofs due to deterioration but that coverage has boundaries.  In the CC&R’s, there’s a portion that explains what maintenance accounts for and also what insurance is supposed to cover.  HOA board members must act according to the governing documents and keep maintenance issues separate from items covered by insurance.  Without the community website, would you know where insurance coverage begins?

 

 

It’s not unusual for board members with limited experience to be unaware how to handle maintenance and insurance matters.  In regard to insurance, board members should confirm the homeowners association has adequate coverage that meets or exceeds the minimum requirement.  Typically, this requirement is found in the bylaws and includes details about the insurance policy intended for the association.

 

The key is for board members to realize the importance of insurance and the time when it is necessary.  Maintenance is meant to keep the homeowners association up-to-date where insurance is meant for times where part of a building is destroyed.  Ideal action for the HOA board is to consult with a professional about insurance coverage that complies with the CC&R’s.

The beginning of each year is a great time for the HOA board to focus on improving certain aspects of the homeowners association to be better than the previous year.  As time passes, many circumstances can be expected to happen and the homeowner association website ensures residents they know the latest.  What key questions should board members address at the start of the year to avoid complications later on?

 

 

An important part of any homeowners association is to determine the budget for the operating budget and reserve fund.  The funds for the operating budget, or annual budget, get used to cover expenses that are recurring such as insurance and landscape upkeep.  The reserve fund is used on areas of the association that are typically expensive and occur over a long period of time such as replacing roofs.

 

When was the last time an extensive project was completed in the homeowners association?  A good idea is to update the reserve study every year to ensure sufficient funds are saved for future projects.  During a project, save all related expenses to accurately update the budget for reserve funds.

 

Aside from that, what else should be planned ahead for the year?  Schedule meetings in advance and post a calendar on the homeowner association website so homeowners may plan accordingly if they want to attend. Additionally, are there positions to fill on the HOA board?  If so, think about who would be a valuable addition and discuss it at the next board meeting.

 

 

If you don’t have an HOA manager, strongly consider hiring one as they help communications and manage deadlines in the homeowners association.  Their job is also to keep others informed about what needs to happen for the New Year to start well so residents enjoy a better quality of life.

The holiday season is a festive time where many residents in the homeowners association make plans with family and friends.  Before decorating your home or inviting anyone over, take a moment to read the Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions to verify you follow the rules of your association.  During times of celebration, you may forget what is posted on the neighborhood website but these reminders will ensure you adhere to the rules.

 

 

Three aspects to consider are outdoor decorations, noise level, and rules for visitors.  The last event you want to deal with during the holidays is for the HOA board to notify you that you have violated one of the homeowners association rules.  What should be a joyous occasion might quickly be spoiled with removing decorations or lighting to conform to the guidelines.

 

Always read over the CC&R’s prior to starting so you learn about the restrictions regarding outdoor decorations.  It just might save you from receiving an annoying violation notice and climbing the ladder to remove decorative lighting.  Aside from that, what noise level is acceptable and what should guests know about parking?

 

 

Many residents host a party for the holiday season which means parking spaces may be limited if neighbors next to each other have a party at the same time.  If you are the one hosting, take a look at the CC&R’s or ask an HOA board member about guest parking so your family and friends know where they should park.

 

Occasionally, the noise level at holiday parties will be loud, especially if there is a large crowd.  In a homeowners association, noise should be kept to a minimum to respect other residents and end the party at a respectable time.  Residents are urged to check the neighborhood website frequently for updates and remember these reminders to ensure the HOA rules are followed!

The HOA website provides homeowners with the latest news about the homeowners association and tips that make their life easier.  When a season changes, many residents make time for seasonal cleaning to dispose of items that are no longer used.  Often, items are put in a convenient place until later which eventually causes the neighborhood to look disorganized.  Prevent that from happening by donating items to a nearby organization so the homeowners association stays looking clean and organized.

 

 

Guidelines from one donation center to the next varies so always ask what they accept if your item isn’t listed as an eligible donation.  If one donation center rejects your donation, network with your neighbors to see if they know another location that would accept it.

 

Neighbors in the homeowners association might know of a closer donation center which helps significantly when you want to donate larger items.  A variety of items are accepted at donation centers as they are in need of certain donations.  Usual donations accepted include clothing, furniture, electronics, appliances, vehicles, sporting goods, books, dishes, jewelry, and toys.

 

Homeowners generally dispose of broken items but some organizations will accept them as long as you inform them ahead of time it needs repaired.  The task of delivering unwanted items to an organization may present an obstacle, but larger organizations are likely to pick it up from your home.  What else should you know before donating?

 

 

At the end of the year, items you donated may be used to count as a tax deduction if you get a receipt from the donation center.  Create an itemized list of the items you give away along with an estimated value and request a receipt before you leave.  Regularly visit the HOA website to know the latest tips towards keeping the homeowners association clean.