Particular times and events stand out in my mind as I mature (age; I’ll never grow up). “Dirty Feet” is one of them. In a former life, I often attended meetings at the BASF plant in Anderson, South Carolina. In the lobby hung a banner that read: DIRTFTET. After numerous visits and much brainstorming, I was at a loss in determining its meaning. Not being shy, I finally asked.
Managing an HOA can sometimes feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Between handling homeowner complaints, organizing meetings, and keeping up with ever-changing laws, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Enter AI, your new best friend (after coffee).
Vendor relationships are at the heart of successful community association management. Whether it’s landscaping, maintenance, security, or financial services, the quality of service delivered to homeowners often depends on the strength of the partnerships between community managers and business partners. These relationships, however, don’t develop overnight. They require careful selection, clear expectations, and ongoing communication to ensure they remain productive and beneficial for both parties.
While the recently celebrated Independence Day, that is not the only special occasion this summer. July 1 is the day that most new laws in Virginia take effect. The Virginia Condominium Act (the “Act”) was enacted on July 1, 1974. It superseded the Horizontal Property Act, which was enacted in 1962. Condominiums are purely “creatures of statute” meaning that without the laws permitting them, they would not exist. In other words, they are a legal entity created by statute. The Act is a legislative marvel, crafted by deep thinkers and innovators. It was a new breed.
As the summer winds down and we approach the latter part of the year, it’s time for our community association to turn its focus to one of the most crucial tasks on our calendar: budget season. This period is not just about crunching numbers; it’s an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, plan for the future, and ensure the continued well-being and growth of our community. Here’s what budget season entails and why it’s essential for all of us.
Budget season is the time when the community association reviews its financial status, plans for upcoming expenses, and sets priorities for the next fiscal year. It involves several key steps:
As we enjoy the long, sunny days of summer, it's easy to get caught up in the season's festivities and relaxation. However, summer is also an ideal time for property inspections to ensure our community remains safe, well-maintained, and ready for the rest of the year. Regular property inspections during the summer months are crucial for several reasons, and here’s why they should be a priority for every community association.
The intense summer heat can take a toll on various aspects of our properties. Regular inspections help identify and address issues before they become major problems:
As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s the perfect time to take stock of our community management efforts. A mid-year review is essential for evaluating our progress, identifying areas for improvement, and refining our strategies to ensure we meet our goals for the second half of the year. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you assess and adjust your community management strategy effectively.
Start by analyzing the key performance indicators (KPIs) you set at the beginning of the year. These may include metrics such as:
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it also comes with its own set of safety concerns. As temperatures rise and outdoor activities become more frequent, it's crucial to ensure that our community remains safe and secure. Here are some essential summer safety tips for community associations, focusing on pool safety, firework precautions, and outdoor grilling.
Pools are a centerpiece of summer enjoyment, but they can also pose significant risks. Here’s how to keep everyone safe while having fun in the water:
In a world that sometimes feels disconnected, the importance of community cannot be overstated. Community associations play a vital role in creating and maintaining a sense of belonging and togetherness among residents. These associations have the power to transform neighborhoods into vibrant hubs of interaction, support, and shared experiences. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through organizing engaging activities that bring people together. Let's explore some activities that community associations can host to foster a sense of community:
Living in an association is more than just sharing a physical space; it's about cultivating a sense of belonging and connection with your neighbors. While individual units may be separate, the collective experience of a thriving community enhances the overall quality of condo living.
Don't wait. Whether you're looking to engage a snow and ice management provider or switching from one provider to another, give yourself at least three months to:
Properly vet providers.
Annual and special meetings require homeowner votes for new board members, assessment increases, capital improvement projects, and amendments to the association’s governing documents. The goal is to reach a quorum—a minimum number of members who must be present for business to be validly transacted.
Community associations should incorporate preventive maintenance and structural inspections into their reserve studies—the important budget planning tools that identify the components a community association is responsible for maintaining or replacing, indicate the status of the reserve fund, and provide a stable and equitable funding plan to offset anticipated future major common area expenditures. The recommendations are part of new Reserve Study Standards released by Community Associations Institute (CAI), the leading international authority on community association governance, management, and education.
In July, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released updates to project eligibility standards for condominiums and housing cooperatives.
There are many different social media platforms that may be utilized by community associations; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to name a few. Before jumping in, take some time to consult legal counsel, and develop a strategy. Know the good, the bad and yes, even the ugly!
Some insurance carriers refer to Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability as miscellaneous liability. Take my word, it is not a coverage that should be considered miscellaneous. There is a world of difference between D&O coverage offered to you as an endorsement on your master policy and proper D&O coverage specifically written as a stand-alone policy.
Effective July 1, 2023, the various resale provisions in the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act, Condominium Act, and Cooperative Act have been removed and consolidated into a new single act known as the Resale Disclosure Act, which is located in Chapter 23.1 of Title 55.1 of the Virginia Code. The new Resale Disclosure Act groups resale provisions together for Virginia property owners’ associations, condominium associations, and cooperatives, and collectively refers to them as “resale certificates.”
Your association’s budget impacts the financial and physical health of the community and residents’ property values. The budget is the first, crucial step to restoring aged, once-beautiful communities to their former glory, and it determines the enjoyment residents will derive from their community.
Perhaps the greatest achievement for any association is creating and sustaining a sense of community among residents and leaders. This goal is best achieved when homeowners, non-owner residents and association leaders recognize and embrace their rights and responsibilities. It was with this goal in mind that CAI developed Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities. These principles can serve as an important guidepost for board and committee members, community managers, homeowners and non-owner residents.
Homeowners have the right to:
These past several years have been indescribably stressful for everyone. Economic concerns after a year’s long pandemic, lack of socialization, mask-wearing, and general fear and anxiety have only increased the slow erosion of kindness and empathy we have seen devolve over the past few years.
