Association Management Group (AMG) Unveils College Scholarship Program

Association Management Group (AMG) Unveils College Scholarship Program

School May Be on Disrupted, But Planning for the Future Doesn’t Have to Be

Application Deadline May 15, 2020

Senior year in high school this year is unlike any in recent memory. Schools are closed. Students are participating in “distance-learning,” and missing all the fun things of their final year. Although students may be “stuck at home,” they are likely still thinking of the future and the opportunities of college.

“As an association management company, all of us at AMG recognize that the term community is not just a group of buildings. It is also closely held relationships,” says Paul Mengert, AMG president. “The importance of community and the value of education go hand in hand. To help share our ideas of community with the next generation, we are proud to announce the following new scholarships, which will be available for use in the 2020/2021 school year,” he adds.

In keeping with AMG’s emphasis on community, these three scholarships honor the memory of three individuals who demonstrated community by making a difference in the lives of others.  You can learn more about them at amgworld.com/scholarships.

To apply and learn more about AMG’s new scholarships, please visit https://www.amgworld.com/scholarship-application.

In addition to completing the application, applicants can select to apply for one or more the scholarships. The final component of the application is a 300-word essay on one of three topics about community.

Striking the Right Balance

When May Gayle and I founded AMG back in 1985, we did so to help clients preserve, protect and enhance their communities.

Over the last 35 years, we have been extremely blessed to build a team of professionals who have joined us in helping community Associations across North and South Carolina administer their responsibilities. Much of our work has centered around balancing of members’ rights.

This month, we find ourselves facing unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 outbreak, trying to help our clients balance member rights. On the one hand, we want to be sympathetic and helpful to individuals in the community. On the other, we have a duty to help our clients fulfill their fiduciary duties of looking out for the rights and interests of all members.

This is most evident in enforcing covenant provisions and violations. There is a natural reaction under the current crisis to delay taking any enforcement actions. However, doing so may interfere with the rights of other members who are perhaps being damaged or inconvenienced by a violation. 

Similarly, delaying fee collection from those who are experiencing financial hardship sounds like a reasonable thing to do. However, many Associations need essentially all member payments to meet the obligations of the community. If some members don’t pay, it is likely that other members may be forced to pay more. Again, this is a balancing of rights. 

So, what have we learned over the last 35 years? 

1.     Be kind - Even when we disagree, don’t be angry.

2.     Follow Governing Documents - Do what the documents state and avoid making decisions that are already made in the governing documents or by law. 

3.     Avoid delays - As strange as it sounds, not acting promptly seems to make things worse.  Yet, if a member needs additional time to address a covenant violation, our recommendation is and always has been to be reasonable and try to work things out.  Typically, an extra couple of weeks is not a big problem in the overall scheme of things, and as long as an agreement is in place to resolve the situation then the HOA has fulfilled its’ responsibility. 

During this crisis, similar to past challenges we have faced (such as hurricanes and 9/11), AMG recommends being nice, following the governing documents and laws and acting promptly. It is easier to address problems sooner rather than later. 

Please feel free to call on any member of the AMG team for assistance and know that our prayers for everyone are strong.

Paul K. Mengert, Chairman and CEO

Association Management Group, Inc.                 

The Coronavirus, Flu, and HOA/Condo Association Meetings

This is one of three articles on dealing with the Coronavirus and its impact. This blog looks at how associations (particularly boards) transact business outside of in-person meetings. See also Coronavirus: What Should Homeowner and Condominium Associations Do? and “Let’s Have Our Meeting or Convention Online!”

Read the full story here: http://lawfirmcarolinas.com/blog/the-coronavirus-flu-and-hoa-condo-association-meetings/

What to Do When You Have Problem Neighbors

What To Do When You Have Problem Neighbors. There’s nothing worse than problem neighbors. After long days at work, we just want to come home and relax; when our neighbors disturb our peace it can be especially challenging.

Before you hire a lawyer or list your house for sale, there are a few strategies you can employ to make things better.

•Get to Know Them Better –Take an interest in the neighbor and try to understand the issues from their end. Talk about how to resolve the differences together so you’re both happy.

•Be Proactive – If you are having a big party or scheduling some major remodeling, let your neighbors know and try to accommodate their needs as well.

•Document the Problems – Keep careful records in case you do need to address the issue legally. •Talk With Your Other Neighbors – Seek community support and assistance. If others are having similar issues, gather their information also and gain their help.

•Talk to the City/County/HOA – Often the issues you have with your neighbors are part of a municipal code or HOA R&Rs; talk to these entities and ask for help and guidance.

•Consider Mediation – Ask your neighbor if they would be willing to go to a professional mediator to try and resolve the issues.

•Take Legal Action - This should be a last resort. Contacting law enforcement or getting legal representation might be the only way in some extreme situations. Difficult neighbors can be a serious issue.

Problems range from leaves dropping on your lawn to drug dealing. Don’t feel like you have to live with the issue or move; take steps to try and resolve and know that there are ways to solve the issues.

Security Cameras

If you're considering installing security cameras in your HOA or condo association,. CAI has the tips to get you started.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Wpxx73ctwvs&feature=emb_logo

What to Look for in an Effective Community Association Manager

 These are Three Things to Look for in an Effective Community Association Manager

Good Communication Skills

Concise, timely and clear communication from within the community management association and without to the community members / resident is vital for effective and successful community management.

The community manager is responsible for getting every message out and acts as the liaison between the community and the members. Whether it is about events, changes, updates, maintenance and more, it is the responsibility of the community management to relay all important matters to the residents.

 A good HOA manager should possess an endless supply of patience, creative problem solving and people skills, which instills trust and builds strong relationships within the community.

Able to Handle Issues Effectively

The community can clearly see how issues are handled from within the association managers. Sometimes residents think issues are not getting resolved or complaints are being ignored. It is up to the community association management to handle community issues in a timely manner or communicate to the community why there may be a delay.

If there are conflicts to resolve the community association manager should reach out to involved parties and set measures in action for resolution.

The best community managers know how to apply a broad skill set to the unique situations they encounter on the job. They move with ease into situations that require strong communication, negotiation, customer service, and organizational skills. Property managers also can manage more tangible property-related concerns, such as maintenance and repair issues.

Possesses a Wide Range of Knowledge

Good community managers are knowledgeable about how community association properties operate, keep current on the latest laws and possess a certain set of skills, which include the ability to communicate and relate to a wide array of people. 

Another set of important qualities that a community association manager should possess is organization and attention to detail.  Multitasking and the ability to follow up and follow through on projects and objectives are also essential characteristics that should be considered. 

Additionally, among other skills, a community association manager should have knowledge and understanding of scheduling, payroll, budgets, collections and basic accounting principles.

The community association manager must know all aspects of the community they manage, the CCRR’s, laws, policies and procedures and anything pertaining to the operation of the management of the community.

If there is an instance where information may need to be researched it is important to notify any party involved that the community manager is getting the answers to questions or problems.

The Most Popular Community Amenities

Most Popular Community Amenities Crafting the perfect lifestyle is about more than just the size of the kitchen or the space in the backyard.

The community in which the home is located is almost as important to quality of life as the home itself. As more and more properties are developed in master planned communities, the home buyer is accustomed to considering neighborhood amenities as part of the package. Here are the most popular community amenities in 2019.

Parks and Green Space –Topping the list of desired amenities is green space. Studies show that as home buyers seek smaller square footage, they also are seeking outdoor space from the neighborhood.

Trail Systems –Along the same lines as green space and parks is the desire for trails throughout the community. Home buyers are interested in both paved and natural trails for walking, hiking or biking.

Resort Style Pool and Clubs –Pools and clubhouses have become more elaborate over the past decade and home buyers expect their community pool to feel like a vacation spot in style, size and extras, such as towel service and snack bars.

World Class Gyms and Courts –Exercise rooms and courts are also expected to rival the best paid clubs in the area.

Main Street Village Centers –As developers create their neighborhoods, daily necessities must be readily available. Artfully designing the shopping area to include a main street feel is a huge plus to home buyers. Lifestyle is a complete package.

With the appeal of smaller homes and no-maintenance properties, home buyers are seeking the extra space in their communities, replacing large private yards with community space and amenities.

Preparing Your Home for the Colder Months

Now that the warm summer months are behind us, it’s time to prepare for winter. Regardless of whether you expect to see sub-zero temperatures this season or you live in one of the warmer climates, preparing your home for colder weather can save you money and hassle this winter.

So, before you dig out your fall sweaters, take a weekend and prepare your home for the cold weather to come.

Save Energy- Fall is a great time to seal drafts in the home which can suck energy out. Check around doors and windows and replace worn weather stripping and caulking.

If you use your fireplace for warmth during winter, this is the right time to have the chimney cleaned and checked for safety. Arrange a furnace tune up complete with replacing the filter and vacuuming the vents to make sure you are warming your home efficiently.

Outdoor Tasks - Before the chill turns to freezing, head to the yard to winterize the exterior of your home.

Check gutters for clogged leaves and other debris and examine the roof and siding for any repairs which could create leaks or drafts in the cold.

If the gardening season is at its end, drain water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses. Make sure the sprinkler system is off and reinforce any exposed pipes which could burst with the cold.

Home Window Door Test- Check doors and windows for air leaks. Seal around windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.

Fall is here. Along with the smell of baking and falling leaves, you can ensure your home is ready for winter by taking a few steps now to prepare. Save energy and the hassle of an unexpected repair by getting some routine maintenance done before the cold months come.

3 Tips for Effective communication with your HOA members

It is essential for the HOA board to have good communication skills when working as a governing board. If the board does not communicate well from within, they won’t effectively communicate with the residents in the community.

A lack of communication in any area can cause problems within a community. The board should make every effort to work together professionally and work for the good of the community.

There are many creative ways an HOA board can communicate and build a positive relationship with the members.

Let’s take a look at 3 tips for effective communication with your HOA members.

1. Newsletters

   Newsletters are a convenient way to get information to a large group. In this digital age many associations use a digital newsletter for communications. There are some associations that mail newsletters via USPS.

   The HOA board should include events, security information, updates on policies or regulations, reminders, notices of community maintenance dates or any information that would affect the residents or community.

   Newsletters can be sent quarterly if there is not enough information for a monthly publication.

2. EMAIL

   Email communication is very efficient and fast. It is very simple to get a message to the masses with one click. There are over 3.9 billion email users worldwide. This year, the number of email users reached the 3.9 billion mark, which means that over 50% of the world's population is now using email.

   When new members or residents move into the community and complete paperwork their email address is one of the vital pieces of information collected. You can be sure every member has an email address.

3. WEBSITE

   If your HOA has a website this can be a great tool for effective communication. All members will know your website and can visit it for conducting all business and communication with the office.

   A good website should host all news and community updates, maintenance updates and a place to request maintenance. The Association website should also have a place for members to pay dues, submit questions or concerns, download forms, review meeting minutes and see newsletter archives. A great association website is a primary tool when running a smooth HOA.

Ways Your HOA Prepares For the Summer

Summer is a very busy time of year. There is a of home maintenance that is routinely required by both the HOA and residents. While homeowners are busy mowing, mulching, painting their homes and cleaning the garage, your HOA is busy, too.

Behind the scenes here are 5 things your HOA is doing to keep the community amenities running smoothly for your enjoyment.

1. Community Pool: Your HOA board or community association manager will have the swimming pool inspected, cleaned and serviced to ensure the pool is cleaned and safely maintained for the summer swimming season.

Loose debris, such as leaves, dirt, wrappers, plastic and more will find its way into your swimming pool. Though this debris floats on the surface for a while, it eventually breaks down and sinks to the bottom of your pool. This, in turn, can lead to an algae build-up and stain the plastering of your pool. This is why regular skimming during the summer months is a must.

Chemical levels are arguably one of the most important facets of pool maintenance. Improperly balanced water looks murky, irritates skin and eyes, and can cause your pool to become a breeding ground for bacteria. As a general rule-of-thumb, a swimming pool’s chemistry must be checked twice a week, most especially during the summer.

2. Landscaping: There will be a lot of cleanup going on after the effects of winter on the outdoor community lawn area. Your HOA will call the landscape service and have the lawn mowed and ready for summer. Your association management may need to replant fresh plants and lay a fresh layer of mulch in community landscaped areas.

There will be times throughout the day that are useless when it comes to watering the community lawn because the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots. The best time to water is in the early morning, while temperatures are lower and plants can make better use of the hydration— your roots will thank you. Additionally, during the hotter parts of the day, many plants go dormant. This means that water consumption is neither adequate nor efficient.

In addition, never allow weeds to grow, especially if you're trying to get a garden underway. Dandelions, for example, though enjoyed thoroughly by children, can be invasive and problematic, detracting overall appeal from the yard. Consider spraying pre-emergent herbicide within all garden beds to save time and trouble.

3. Update contracts with vendor: If your HOA and community have any contracts with outside companies, be sure to ensure that those contracts are up-to-date before the spring/summer begins and the services are utilized the most.

4. Prepare Amenities For Use: Your HOA will prepare communities outdoor amenities for summer use. This means ensuring playground areas, picnic areas and community leisure activity areas are safe and ready for use. Making sure grills have gas and are in working order.

One of the most requested amenities for HOAS is a gym. Maintaining this amenity is important, as it’s a hot spot for germs. According to Fitness Magazine, free weights (dumbbells, weight plates, kettlebells), weight machines, and exercise balls are the biggest culprits of cold bugs and viruses. Other germy areas include yoga/exercise mats, gym towels, water bottles, and cardio machines (treadmills, elliptical machines, spinning bikes).

The HOA community clubhouse is often rentable for holiday parties and other get-togethers. Restock bathroom paper towels and toilet paper. Clean bathroom mirrors, all windows, and glass doors with glass cleaner. Wipe down sinks, faucets, tables, doorknobs, and door handles daily with disinfectant. Sweep debris from entryway. Vacuum carpet or sweep hardwood floors. Report broken furniture to the homeowners association for replacement or repair. Organize storage room. Double-check the first aid kit and fire extinguisher for expiration dates, and replace as necessary.

5. Contact the members: It's a great time for the HOA to send a summer notice or email about safety reminders and summer news.

Inexpensive Curb Appeal Tips That Work

No doubt you know that your HOA wants all residents to keep homes looking beautiful for the benefit of the community. Maintaining your home’s curb appeal does not have to cost a lot of money.

Following are some inexpensive curb appeal tips that really work.

Fresh Coat Of Paint

A fresh coat of paint adds curb appeal without busting the budget. With a gallon of paint you can freshen up the window ledges, shutters, front door and the garage door. Add a fresh coat of paint to decks and railings, and street lampposts, as well. 

Solar Lighting

You can find inexpensive solar lighting stakes at discount stores around the country. Add these to the edges of the driveway, along the front pathway and around front hedges for nighttime curb appeal.

Metallic Paint

If you can’t afford brand new hardware for your front door, consider investing in a small tub of metallic paint. Refinish the doorknob, door knocker and the metal porch light fixtures. 

Annuals

Landscaping can be pricey, but with a couple dozen inexpensive blooming annuals you can transform your front walkway. Choose the most colorful annuals you can find at your local discount store. Plant right alongside the path leading to your front door. Fill in empty spaces in between plants with colored mulch. 

Wreath

Simply hanging an attractive wreath on your front door adds a tremendous amount of curb appeal that can be seen all the way from the road. To avoid marring the wood, use a wreath hanger that installs over the top rim of the door. 

New House Numbers

Pick up a set of brand new house numbers from your local hardware store. Hang them front and center next to your mailbox on your porch, on your mailbox post or over your garage door.

Refreshed Mailbox

Mailboxes get ignored so many times. It’s a shame because it’s easy to add curb appeal with an inexpensive magnetic mailbox cover. If you have a different kind of mailbox, consider just giving it a fresh coat of spray paint. 

Bird House

Another inexpensive way to add curb appeal is with a decorative bird house or similar lawn ornament next to your front porch. These are on long stakes that you simply push into the ground. Tick one into your hedges for a charming look.

You can complete these inexpensive curb appeal tips with a minimum of time and money. Yet, they’ll have a similar impact as if you spent hundreds of dollars. 

Be sure to contact your trusted real estate professional for more tips and tricks on how to ramp up curb appeal that will generate the most interest in your property.

Paul Mengert to Address Management Convention

President of One of North Carolina's Leading Homeowner and Condominium Association Management Companies - Paul Mengert to Address Annual Convention on Community Management

Greensboro, N.C- Paul Mengert, President of Association Management Group, which manages condominium and homeowner associations throughout North and South Carolina, has been tapped to address the 42nd annual international Community Association Institute convention, which will be held in Orlando, Florida May 15th - May 19th.

Mengert, considered a thought leader in the management of common interest communities, such as homeowner and condominium associations, will offer managers from around the world seven specific techniques to obtain happier customers.

Mengert's firm has often surveyed customers and received results as high as 98% satisfaction. In an industry littered with stories of unhappy community members, Mengert's firm has pioneered efforts to increase satisfaction among members while working to raise property values and protect community assets.

Mengert commented, “By setting realistic expectations, establishing standards and delivering what is promised leads to not only happier members but increased property values.” Mengert previously served as the President of the North Carolina Chapter of the Community Association Institute (CAI). For more information on the Community Association Institute, please visit www.caionline.org.

About AMG: AMG is the Carolinas leading professional community association management company dedicated to building effective, successful community associations. AMG guides and assists executive boards to help protect the association's interests, enhance the lives of community members and improve the property values of the community. With offices throughout the Carolinas in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, as well as Greenville, SC, AMG is a knowledgeable partner in enforcing community governing documents with a proven set of processes and techniques. AMG specializes in supporting communities with a broad range of services that can be tailored to individual community needs. Association Management Group, Inc. is a locally Accredited Business by the BBB, as well as a nationally Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC) by the Community Associations Institute.

Four ways your HOA prepare the community for Spring

Spring is upon us and it’s time for the dreaded chore of spring cleaning. This can be a daunting task for most homeowners to get started.

Spring cleaning can begin in your local community. Homeowners Associations can help residents get in the mood and start thinking about their spring cleaning at home.

Here are four things your home or association can do to get the season started and encourage homeowners to jump on the bandwagon and start sprucing up for the warmer weather.

1. HOAs should start early on some of the spring-cleaning items that will make residence want to be ready for the warmer weather. The first thing the HOA board should do is call their local pool service and have the community pool uncovered from the winter, cleaned and all chemicals prepared so the residents can enjoy this amenity as soon as the warm weather breaks.

2.  HOAs should hire and engage the services of a lawn maintenance company to begin mowing, removing leaves, debris and other items left from the winter. It would be a great idea to have your landscaper start planting a few spring plants around the common areas of your community. Once homeowners hear the lawnmowers start up and see the community start to take on new life for the spring season, it will help get them in the mood to do the same. Soon you will have mowers starting up on lawns throughout the neighborhood.

3.  A newsletter should be sent out every spring with activities that are planned for the spring and summer, like tips for spring cleaning, improvements that are coming to the community and much more. After a long cold winter, homeowners begin to look forward to outdoor activities and enjoying the amenities of their community. Newsletters are a great way to get families excited about their community. Make sure to include local events outside of your immediate neighborhood, such as city athletics and sporting events, parades, cleanup days and other local town events that families can go out and do together.

4. Plan community spring and summer events within your community. Spring gatherings, egg hunts, community clean ups, spring community garage sales are just a few examples of events.

Five Ways Your HOA Shows Love to the Community

Often times residents in HOA communities are not fond of the Homeowners Association. Many times residents feel their HOA has too many rules and regulations. Let’s look at this from a different perspective. Let’s consider these 5 things a Homeowners Association does for the community.

1.    Your HOA takes care of your community in many ways to make it enjoyable and beautiful. They maintain the common area lawns and landscaping year around, including maintaining pools, playgrounds, leisure equipment and golf courses.   

2.    Your HOA provides amenities for your family enjoyment and livelihood. It provides enjoyable facilities like community club houses with recreational equipment, pools, golf courses and playgrounds. Some communities also provide golf courses for HOA members.

3.    Your HOA puts into place regulations for all members to abide by to help standardize the community and uphold property and home values. It's always important to review your CCR's and know what standards are in each community. You are required to participate in these standards to help make it a better living experience for all residents in your community.

4.    Your HOA deals with municipalities and local government's with respect to sidewalks, street lighting and other safety items within communities.   If this type of equipment needs repaired or replaced, your HOA will work with local governing bodies to handle the situations.

5.    Your HOA has a fiduciary responsibility to dues and fees paid by its members. Your HOA uses this money for the upkeep, preservation, addition and maintenance of all areas within the community where needed. It's important that members know that your HOA is responsibly using their dues and fees for the betterment of the local community and its residents. 

How to Prepare your Home for the Spring Season

Spring is right around the corner, and for most home owners it’s an exciting time to get your home ready. In the winter time, many portions of your home are neglected or aren’t used as often because of home owners staying inside their homes.

From the interiors of your home to the exterior, getting your home ready for spring will ensure you’ll be ready to enjoy the warmer weather once it hits. It is important to space out your maintenance chores so that when spring arrives, you will be able to enjoy the season!

Replace Filters

Replace all your filters including water, range hood and air vent filters. You should replace these filters every 3-6 months depending on the type of filter you have.

Test All Smoke Alarms

Test smoke alarms and CO detectors and change out batteries as needed. It's cheap, only takes a few minutes and can save your family's lives.

Check Your Foundation Vents

A house with a crawl space has vents along the foundation walls. The vents provide air circulation that helps prevent excess moisture and mold growth, and they prevent critters from taking up residence underneath your home. The screens collect leaves and other debris from fall and winter. Clean these vents by hand or use a shop vacuum. Repair any damaged screens — critters can get through even the smallest holes.

Clear Your Gutters’ Downspouts

Dirty gutters are an eyesore and a liability not only for you but for potential buyers, as well. Cleaning your gutters will take roughly 15-30 minutes but will save you money in the long run. You can avoid flooding during spring rains by clearing gutters of all rubbish using a ladder, a small hand rake, and a hose.

Prepare Your Garden

Throughout the fall and winter, your garden can be exposed to the elements and what’s left behind from storms. “You want to first start by clearing all of your garden beds and lawn of broken branches, leaves, and other debris that have collected.

Pull out those tools that have been sitting around all winter. “It’s almost time to use your tools again, so you want to make sure they are ready for the job,” says Lambton. “Clean off the tools with soap and water, and use mineral spirits on wood handles. The mineral spirits will help prevent the wood from splintering. I clean my tools every spring and fall, or if they are especially dirty.”

Check Exterior Roof for Damage

Check your roof for any exterior damages. If you notice faulty shingles or other areas of concern, you need to consult a professional to have the issue repaired immediately. Any roof damage will quickly develop into a huge problem when you receive April showers in undesirable places.

Five New Year's Resolutions Members Can Make to Help Their HOA.

1.       Use Proper Channels - Use the proper channels as set forth in the member’s regulations for communicating with your association regarding issues. Handle things in a professional and courteous manner. Otherwise known as “covenants, conditions, and restrictions” (CC&Rs), HOA rules must be understood by each member to effectively understand and communicate the issues at hand. Doing so in a courteous and businesslike manner will help the association respond quickly and accurately.

2.       Personal Responsibility - Each member should take personal responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of their property. It is important for the member and the safety of the community to keep your immediate common area free of litter, toys, trash cans and other belongings. This includes sidewalks, streets, and common grass areas. Such items should be neatly stored away where they belong.

3.       Protecting Community Property - Each member should assume a certain amount of responsibility for helping to protect and maintain community property and amenities. Playgrounds, pools, golf courses and clubhouses are all part of community amenities that are provided for the leisure and enjoyment of the paid member.

When the member or members guests and families are using the amenities, it is important to use them with care and restore them to the condition they were in when they found them. Community amenities are highly sought after by homebuyers shopping for an HOA community. The condition of the amenities is equally important. Part of the member’s monthly HOA fees go towards the maintenance, repair and upkeep of these amenities.

If each member works together towards a common goal to keep their community amenities functioning properly and looking beautiful, it will help enhance the community and help the HOA use funds and other needed areas within the association.

4.       Be a Responsible Pet Owner - Each member of the HOA should have thoroughly read the members packet with instructions for pet owners. Each member should help the association by following these instructions and being a responsible pet owner. Is important to locate the designated pet walk areas and walk your pet only in those places.  It's also important to have litter or waste bags readily available when you walk your pet to pick up any pet waste your pet makes during walks in the common areas. If there are pet waste bags provided in the pet walk area and if it is required to use it to pick up waste in the work area, then follow those instructions as well.

It's important that each member or resident have a well-behaved pet. Your pet should be controlled and not aggressive towards other people while walking through communities. While on your own property, pets should not be excessively barking loudly, imposing on the peace and repose of neighboring community members. Loud barking dogs or nuisance pets is often a complaint to HOAs. If we all do our part to ensure our pets are well behaved it makes for a happier community for everybody.

5.       Parking - In your community resident members package are instructions for each resident as to the parking regulations within your community. Whether a townhome, Condo or single-family residence, each homeowner should read the instructions regarding the designated parking areas and follow them. If a resident or member is having a special event or party, it may help to call your HOA office and ask if there are any provisions for overflow parking and find out if extra parking is allowed in any community area or on the streets.

If every member in the community made a New Year's resolution to follow the regulations as set forth by the HOA, this would help your community association function better and let them focus more on the enhancement of the community.If all members work together for the betterment of the entire community, the community would be a more pleasant place for all members to reside with peace and enjoyment.

Working together as a team will also protect and preserve community common areas and amenities, keeping high standards in the community and preserving property values for your investment, as well as enhancing the future sale of your property, and the investment of new homeowners coming into the community.

5 Things To Do To Get Ready For Winter

Simple home and yard tips don't have to take a lot of time, but can save a lot of headaches if that first winter storm catches you unaware. Here's a checklist to help you prepare:

Assess Your Windows and Doors

Take a walk around your interior, preferably on a windy day. Check for drafts and air leaks; replace weather-stripping, align door thresholds. and repair window frames and sills if they're damaged. If you have storm windows, make sure they're ready to install. Replace the screens in a storm door with glass panels. Also check your garage door to make sure that it operates properly.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly half of a home's total energy use is for heating and cooling, so it makes good financial sense to assure that your systems are as efficient as possible for every season. 

Check Your Furnace and Fuel

Before cold weather arrives, schedule or perform any necessary routine maintenance on your furnace or HVAC systems. Clean ducts, replace filters, calibrate the thermostat, and fill the fuel tanks as required. This is also the time to clean the flue and check the chimney if you have a fireplace or woodburning stove. If your home doesn't have a carbon monoxide detector, consider installing one to assure your safety during the winter. 

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Working outside can be a pleasant weekend task during the cooler autumn season. It's also the time to do some prep work on your landscaping so that your plants will be at their best for the next growing season. Depending on your location, and your commitment to your yard, now is also the time to prepare new garden beds and plant spring bulbs, or tackle projects like brick walls, planters and stone pathways.

Undo Outdoor Hoses 

Burst outdoor hose bibbs can be the source of serious interior water damage, and the most common cause is a hose left attached when the first freeze occurs. Eliminate that possibility by undoing your outdoor hoses early in the fall. If you still must water the lawn or your garden, it's easy enough to reattach the hose as needed. Also, remember to store coiled hoses in the garage or in a shed during the winter. They'll last longer!

Check Roof Shingles and Gutters

Although it's not a bad idea to check your roof and clean gutters and downspouts at least quarterly, it's especially important before winter. Take note of cracked or curling shingles; check to make sure no daylight is visible from the attic, and make sure that all gutters and downspouts are clear of debris prior to snow and ice buildup.

Owning a home requires ongoing maintenance to assure that it will truly be a haven during foul weather, but it doesn't have to be an unending task or cost a lot of money.

Location, Location, Location: How to Ensure You're Buying a Home in the Right Community

When investing in a home, one of the most important things is buying a place that you and your family can feel comfortable in. However, while a place you can envision yourself in is important, it's not worth neglecting the neighborhood you'll be moving into for the perfect home. If you're wondering what you should be looking for in the neighborhood you choose, here are a few things to consider before making an offer on a home.

Is It Safe?

It may be common to feel bowled over by a home and want to invest immediately, but the right home in the wrong neighborhood may not be the best choice for many reasons. Part of feeling comfortable in your home is being safe among its streets, so ensure you research the neighborhood and its history, and check in on the crime rate. You may even want to consult with your agent or some local neighbors to see what information they can provide about the area's history.

Are There Local Amenities?

If you're used to getting in the car to run errands, it might not be important to not have a grocery store or pharmacy nearby. However, if there are no amenities you use frequently close by, it can start to be a bit of a drain on your lifestyle. While you don't necessarily need to have the trendiest restaurants or best shopping, it's important to have a few choice places in case you run out of something and need to make a quick run to the store. 

What's Your Neighborhood Style?

It might seem like a strange thing to ask yourself, but the neighborhood you live in is going to become a big part of your life and that means you'll have to see yourself in it. If you want neighbors you can trust and community-mindedness, you'll want to seek out an area with these qualities. On the other side, if you happen to prefer a busier urban atmosphere that offers more independence, this may be the way to go.

There are a lot of things that go into finding the right home, but it's important not to forget about the neighborhood you're living in and what it will mean for your lifestyle.

Learn more about the 2018 CAI Advocacy Summit and other regulatory trends homeowners and property managers are facing.

Dawn Bauman Interview [Video]
Meet the Community Associations Institute's (CAI) Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs, learn more about the 2018 CAI Advocacy Summit and other regulatory trends homeowners and property managers are facing.

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How To Green Up Your Home To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

If you are a home owner trying to reduce your carbon footprint, it's time to make some changes to your property. The more you can do to reduce energy costs, increase efficiency and reduce waste, the less impact you and your home will have on the earth. From small changes, such as using energy efficient light bulbs, to big changes such as adding solar panels to your home, you can make your home a more Earth-friendly space.

Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Appliances that are labeled energy efficient are going to help you reduce your carbon footprint. When you need a new appliance, look for ones that are energy efficient. When doing things like washing dishes, flushing the toilet or washing clothes, look for the settings that use less water and energy. Take the time to understand your dishwasher or washing machine to see how you can reduce energy and water waste.

Use Energy Saving Light Bulbs

One of the easiest ways to make your home a little more Earth-friendly is to replace old light bulbs with energy saving ones like LED lights. In many areas you can have an energy audit done on your home and get ideas on ways to save even more on energy related costs. Pay attention to turning off your lights when not in use.

Saving Energy Saves Money and the Environment

When you reduce your use of energy to heat, cool or run your home, you are going to save money on utility bills. Try having your home a few degrees cooler in the winter to see if it is still comfortable. Use fans instead of air conditioning whenever possible in the hot weather. Hang out clothing to dry instead of using a clothes dryer. Save money on bills to run your home and protect the earth at the same time.

Collect Rainwater for Your Garden

If you have a garden, use rain barrels to collect rainwater to be used to water your flowers and vegetables. You won't have to turn on the hose, and you will save a little bit of money on water fees. Rainwater is healthy for your plants, and can be used for a variety of things when you collect it properly.

Check Into Solar Energy

Check with a solar panel company and see if you can have solar panels installed. This may save you money on electrical bills and may allow you to sell electricity back to the grid if you produce enough. Saving energy and water is possible in your home, you just have to look for ways to do it.