Investing the time to find the right landscaping partner during budget season.
There is a financial aspect, as landscaping often eats up a large portion of the HOA’s budget, and the quality of that service directly impacts residents’ satisfaction and the property's overall value. Landscaping can represent a significant percentage of the total HOA budget, with estimates ranging from 25% to 75% depending on community size and expectations.

Investing the time to choose the right vendor, who not only fits the budget but aligns with the community’s values, can save headaches down the line. It’s about finding the right balance of cost, quality, and reliability. By carefully planning the budget and following a structured process for selecting and managing landscaping vendors, HOAs can ensure their communities remain beautiful and well-maintained while also safeguarding their financial well-being.

Developing a community is more than just breaking ground and laying foundations- it’s about shaping an environment where residents feel secure, engaged and invested. As a community manager, navigating new developments requires careful planning, effective communication, and strategic problem-solving to balance progress with sustainability.

The Virginia General Assembly continued to take an interest in the important work of community associates in its 2025 session. We highlight below notable changes that may affect property owners’ associations and condominium unit owner associations.

These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

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). 

As spring approaches in Southeastern Virginia, HOA communities must take proactive steps to manage their ponds and stormwater devices. These systems play a crucial role in managing runoff, preventing flooding, and improving water quality. However, without proper management, they can quickly become sources of erosion, pollution, compliance violations, and costly repairs. 

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.

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.

Understanding Budget Season

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.

Preventing Heat-Related Damage

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.

1. Conduct a Performance Review

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.

Pool Safety

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:

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.

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.

In July, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released updates to project eligibility standards for condominiums and housing cooperatives.

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.