What is the job of the management company?

A property management company is hired by the HOA board to carry out the day-to-day enforcement of the community's policies, which are established in the HOA's governing documents. Acting as the board's agent, the management company handles administrative tasks, such as sending violation letters and notices, while the board retains ultimate authority for decision-making. This partnership allows volunteer board members to focus on long-term planning and high-level decisions, with the management company handling the practical application of the rules. Essentially, the board sets the policy, and the management company executes it.

 

What is a homeowners association?

A homeowners association (HOA) is a private, governing organization within a residential community, such as a subdivision, condominium complex, or planned neighborhood. Its purpose is to manage and maintain shared community areas and assets, like pools, clubhouses, and landscaping, using fees collected from all property owners. The HOA also enforces rules and regulations, known as Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), to preserve and enhance the property values and overall aesthetics of the neighborhood.

 

How do I become a member of my community’s HOA?

If an HOA is mandatory, membership is automatic upon purchasing a property within the community. By purchasing a home in an HOA, you automatically become a member of the homeowners association. The obligation to join is typically included in the property deed and enforced through Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). By signing your deed at the purchase of your home you agree to be part of the HOA. 

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How do I know what the rules are for my HOA?

Your HOA’s specific rules and policies are outlined in the Governing Documents which provide comprehensive information about the association’s procedures for operation and detail its rules and regulations on amenity usage, architectural guidelines, fee schedules, fines, fences, leasing and rentals, noise, parking, pets, signs and much more. A copy is provided on your associations information/documents page in the owner portal. 

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What are CC&Rs or Governing Documents?

Each community association is governed by its own unique rules and policies.  These itemized in the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and bylaws which clearly define what kind of behavior and actions homeowners can and cannot take regarding their homes and communities.  In addition to the CCRs, many Board’s and communities will the governing documents as a baseline to formulate more specific rules for the neighborhood. All rules and policies are designed to protect property values by keeping the community clean, safe and beautiful, and ensuring a harmonious living environment for all residents.  Homeowners are required to follow all of the community’s rules, even if they do not agree with them, and non-compliance can result in fines or legal action. A copy is provided on your associations information page. 

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What type of insurance policy do I need?

An HO3 policy is the standard type of homeowners insurance for single-family homes, while an HO6 policy is specifically designed for condominium owners. The key difference lies in what each policy covers regarding the structure of the property, since HO6 policies assume a homeowners association (HOA) master policy exists. 

 

If you own or are purchasing a single family home or a townhome you will need an HO3 Policy to insure the structure and the contents of your home. The HOA does not insure the structure and should it be destroyed the owners insurance would rebuild so the dwelling/structure MUST be insured. 

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If you own or are purchasing a condominium you will need an HO6 Policy to insure the only the contents of your home because the HOA insures the structure.  Often, many people mistake their townhome for a condo and do not have the right insurance policy.  If you do not hte correct insurance and your unit/home is destroyed and you don’t have the proper insurance it will not be rebuilt. 

 

If you are unsure if your home is a condo or a townhome please contact our office.  We want to make sure you are property insured and protected. 

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What do my dues cover?

What your dues cover depends on what kind of home you live in (Single Family, Townhome or Condo). what kind of amenities your community has, and any services outlined in your HOA Governing Documents that are to be provided by the HOA.  Below are some examples of items that your dues cover.  Please note that in some cases not all of the items listed below will apply to your HOA and in other cases there may be more items not listed here which are included in your dues.

 

Single Family HOAs – Management Fees, Common Area Liability Insurance, Common Area Grounds Maintenance, General maintenance & repairs, Common Area Landscaping, Common Area Paving (if applicable), Street Light Electricity , Entrance sign electricity & repairs (if applicable), Snow removal/plowing of entrances, Common Area Electrical repairs, Common Area Water/sewer maintenance, Taxes & Tax Return preparation, Annual Audits, Legal Fees, Bank charges, Tree maintenance and/or removal, Dredging of retention pond and regular maintenance (if applicable) & more

 

Townhome HOAs– Management Fees, Common Area Liability Insurance, Grounds Maintenance, General maintenance & repairs, Landscaping, Pine needles and mulch, Snow removal, Paving of streets/parking areas, Street Light Electricity, Entrance sign electricity & repairs (if applicable), Electrical repairs, Taxes &  Tax Return Preparation, Audits, Legal Fees, Bank charges, Exterior maintenance includes, but is not   limited to: Exterior Painting, Replacing wood rot, Siding  repairs and replacement, Roof repairs and replacement; Tree Removal & Maintenance (if applicable), Retention Pond maintenance (if applicable), Irrigation (if applicable) & more

 

Condo HOAs– Management Fees, Insurance on common area and structures, Grounds Maintenance, General maintenance & repairs, Landscaping, Pine needles and/or  mulch, Snow removal, Paving of streets/parking areas, Street light Electricity, Entrance sign electricity & repairs (if applicable), Taxes & Tax Return Preparation, Annual Audits, Legal Fees, Bank charges, Irrigation (if applicable), All exterior maintenance: Painting, Replacing wood rot, Repairing siding, Roof leaks & replacement, Plumbing & plumbing repairs, Tree Removal & Maintenance (if applicable), Retention Pond maintenance (if applicable). 

 

In addition to the items listed above, dues for HOAs with amenities also cover: Pool and/or clubhouse Insurance, pool and/or clubhouse lawn maintenance and landscaping, pool and/or clubhouse maintenance, pool and/or clubhouse cleaning, janitorial or other supplies, pool deck repairs, pool & clubhouse electricity, pool telephone, pool permits & application fees, pool and/or clubhouse water & sewer, pool furniture, pool house/clubhouse Janitorial services, pool & clubhouse plumbing repairs, pool & clubhouse cleaning supplies, pool & clubhouse electrical repairs, pool equipment, pumps, clubhouse cable/internet (if applicable), tennis court lights, court resurfacing, replacement of equipment such as wind screens and nets. 

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For a complete list of items covered by your dues in your specific HOA please contact our office. 

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