What can a board do if its building is faced with extensive capital work while recovering from the real estate slump of the early 1990s? Assessments are unpopular and reserves are low. There’s a desire to have construction operations completed as quickly as possible, but an aversion to parting with too much money at one time. One way to solve this dilemma is to phase in the capital programs over an extended time. Undertaking construction in distinct stages offers many advantages as well as potential pitfalls. Armed with the proper information, however, the board can organize the building’s construction into phases that best suit their purposes.
Volunteer Now!
The need for community volunteerism has never been greater than it is today. The economy has strangled the budgets of many Home Owner Associations and elevated the need for community home owners to be more involved in caring for the public areas in their associations. Though volunteering may seem to be an encumbrance on home owners, it can actually turn into a benefit.
Those who volunteer to assist the community testify to the payback they receive from doing so. And, just what are those benefits? First, volunteerism gives one a sense of self-worth. There is a personal satisfaction in one’s spirit when he or she has done something meaningful without being remunerated for it. Secondly, there is a special connection with others in the community who joined in the volunteer effort. Getting to know your neighbors while being involved in a project within the community builds friendships and unite the community in ways that serves everyone’s interests. Thirdly, there is a blessing involved in feeling that you are improving the area in which you live. We all know that special mood that is produced when we plant trees or flowers in our own yard, or when we put out bird feeders or bird baths for our special feathered friends. That unique emotion is multiplied when special projects are accomplished in the community public areas by the residents who live there.
Five Questions for The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
In December, Federal Housing Administration approval of condominiums began to expire. FHA approved mortgages account for an estimated 40 percent of financing in condominiums. Without FHA approval, owners may have a hard time selling their units. HUD is administering the new approval process and insurance requirements, which are set forth by Mortgagee Letter 2009-46 B.
What Can an HOA Website Do For You?
What Can an HOA Website Do For You? How about helping the residents of your association feel like they are part of their association.
Too often residents complain about not being informed about association matters. Of course board meetings occur, projects are being worked on and periodically new accomplishments can be noted in the neighborhood. But, what does the resident who doesn’t hear about the board’s progress, has issues with the dues or whatever their neighbor is doing wrong have to say about the association?