First, what is an HOA?

Briefly, a homeowners association or HOA is a non-profit organization established (usually by the developer and then passed on to the homeowners) to oversee the management of a particular residential community. An HOA covers condo units, single or multi-family homes, townhomes, and other residential property.

The HOA is primarily responsible for the following:

• Ensure that the community/neighborhood maintains a certain standard to make it up to par with other premier communities in the state and across America
• Reasonable fees are imposed on the homeowners, and dutifully collected on the agreed schedule
• Maintain peace and order in the community
• Ensure everyone’s safety and security within the community at all times

How does an HOA accomplish all these (and more)? Through bylaws and conditions, which are more formally known as Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs). The stipulations covered in the CC&Rs may differ from one HOA to the next so homebuyers need to review these carefully before purchasing or leasing the property.

What does a property management company have to do with an HOA?

Most residential real estate today belong to an HOA, which means homebuyers and future homeowners will automatically become a member of the HOA once they decide to purchase or lease the property.

In a nutshell, a property management company will provide a professional team to oversee the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of an HOA. They help ensure that the HOA is fully serving its community according to conditions stipulated and itemized in the CC&Rs.

A property management team will especially be helpful in addressing complaints and concerns in a timely manner, which basically means as soon as they come. In doing so, they are preventing these issues from escalating and possibly turning into a costly legal dispute.

Here are other ways a property management company may be able to help an HOA:

1. Provide appropriate training for the Board of Directors, especially on finance and accounting
2. Review CC&Rs and suggest edits, updates, or removal of certain stipulations as deemed fit and necessary
3. Contact contractors, suppliers, and vendors for the HOA and its members, whenever necessary
4. Vet potential tenants for rental properties or potential buyers for houses for sale covered by the HOA
5. Ensure that members of the Board are dutifully performing their particular tasks, and assisting them if and when necessary

If you wish to learn more about how a property management company can help an HOA, please feel free to send your questions online or contact So Cal Property Enterprises, Inc. at 951-270-3700.

In the United States, the rise in popularity of homeowner associations means an increasing number of Americans make their homes within such communities.

As an organization formed by a property developer, the homeowner association, or HOA, is extremely useful in that it helps said developer in the managing, marketing, and selling of homes. However, HOAs provide a number of benefits to homeowners, as well, so much so that many actively seek to purchase homes that are members of such organizations.

Below, we list the top 4 pros of living in an HOA community.

1. Amenities

An HOA will provide homeowners access to a variety of amenities, such as clubhouses, basketball courts, tennis courts, football fields, swimming pools, playgrounds, playrooms, gardens, parks, cafes, business centers, and more. You can also expect recycling bins, cooking classes, art workshops, pet-grooming services, and the like. Such features offer a cheaper and more convenient alternative to seeking similar facilities and niceties outside the community.

2. Good neighborhood

Every good HOA imposes regulations designed to improve safety and homeowner experience in the community. Anything that diminishes the quality of life—from littering to disruptive behavior—is prohibited and penalized. To ensure fairness and preserve the best interests of the entire community, the rules are applied to every homeowner. Homeowners are also given the chance to air their grievances and participate in the betterment of the neighborhood.

3. Resolution of issues

If any problems arise between homeowners, the HOA intervenes to resolve the dispute. For example, you can approach the HOA if your neighbor tends to play obnoxiously loud music at night. Depending on the situation, the HOA may enforce relevant rules, or help the aggrieved parties come to an amicable settlement by finding a solution that benefits all affected by the issue.

4. Property value protection

To ensure the value of the property doesn’t diminish, homeowners aren’t allowed to make aesthetic or structural modifications to their homes without the HOA’s approval. Guidelines also exist that advise homeowners on how keep their homes clean, safe, and visually appealing in a way that conforms with the community’s high standards.

In short, an HOA can vastly enhance your experience within a community. To make sure an HOA meets your specific needs, it’s a good idea to research on it before purchasing your new home.

If you’d like to know more about HOAs and property management, please feel free to contact So Cal Property Enterprises, Inc. through its corporate website, or give us a call at 951-270-3700. We’d be glad to hear from you!

In an HOA-managed community, there are certain rules that need to be followed, and usually, these are strictly implemented, which means you could either get sanctioned or fined/penalized, or worse, kicked out.

HOA Rules

What are some HOA rules? Here are the most common or what are generally included in the Homeowners Association Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs):

1. Fees

This is one of the first things that will catch your eye when going over your contract to buy or rent a property within an HOA-managed community. Fees are collected from every homeowner on a predetermined schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually or other specific schedule). The fees may cover basic maintenance and repair, emergency funds, and other expenses. It’s important to check exactly what the fees are for and if there are other fee obligations that homeowners may be required to pay on a given situation or circumstance.2. Property maintenance

HOAs are quite specific about property

maintenance, both the exterior and interior of the property. There are certain restrictions regarding what you can put or plant on your front yard, what shades of paint you can use on exterior walls, garage gates, and every other detail that the HOA may feel necessary to control and oversee.

3. Animals

If you’re a pet owner, it’s important to check restrictions regarding pet ownership. There are some HOAs that rule against owning large dogs, certain types of animals, and such. There may also be specific spots in common spaces where pets aren’t allowed so check these as well. Fees may also be collected for your pet’s “share” on property maintenance expenses.

4. Household size

Another important item to check on the CC&R is household size or the number of occupants allowed per home. Some only allow a family of four plus one pet, others more, and others even less. Sometimes, there are also restrictions on the number of overnight guests (yes, surprisingly). Usually though, household size is determined by property size so basically, a bigger house may be allowed to have more occupants compared to a smaller-size house.

5. Cars and parking

HOAs have rules about car ownership, too, and in general, it has something to do with parking and garage. Basically, if your property only has a one-car garage, then one car is all you’re ever going to be allowed to own or at least park in your garage because curbside parking isn’t allowed.

There are just five of the HOA rules that are generally included in CC&Rs. There are more that you may need to thoroughly check and review.

In the United States, more and more homes are becoming members of homeowner associations (HOAs). HOAs ensure the maintenance of shared spaces in neighborhoods, as well as provide amenities such as health clubs, parks, swimming pools, child playrooms, and more.

As not everyone understands what an HOA is, however, we’ll be answering 7 of the most frequently asked questions about HOAs in today’s article.

1. What is an HOA?

In real estate development, the property developer sets up a non-profit organization known as an HOA for marketing and selling homes in a residential area, as well as developing and managing the community. The homeowners vote in the HOA’s board of directors, which makes sure the association abides by the non-profit or corporation laws of its state.

2. How much will be being part of an HOA cost?

On average, HOAs charge a monthly fee of around $125. However, dues vary depending on your community’s location and what niceties your HOA provides. HOAs of townhomes or condominiums may charge more as fees will likely incorporate insurance and the maintenance of the building’s communal spaces.

3. Is it necessary to pay HOA fees?

Yes; even if you don’t avail of the community’s shared amenities, you are obliged to pay fees from the moment you occupy a home belonging to an HOA.

4. What kind of rules must I follow in a community belonging to an HOA?

HOAs create rules designed to encourage homeowners to take good care of their homes and communal spaces. Others help maintain the consistency of the neighborhood’s appearance and ambience. Examples of rules include prohibitions against littering, excess noise, unkempt lawns, and the keeping of dangerous animals.

5. What if I break the rules or fail to pay HOA fees?

Late payments or other infractions are often handled quietly, usually via courteous notices that are issued by mail or in person to the homeowner. Continued violations will incur additional warnings before the HOA decides to take more drastic measures.

6. How are rules enforced by HOA boards?

The association will work with you to settle any contentious issue but may be forced to pursue legal action in extreme cases. Until issues are amicably sorted out, an HOA may put a lien on your home.

7. Will HOA charges influence how much money a bank will lend me?

Yes, lenders take into account considerations such as insurance, taxes, and HOA fees, which will determine the amount of money a bank will loan you.

If you have any questions about HOAs or HOA regulations, please feel free to contact So Cal Property Enterprises, Inc. through its corporate website, or give us a call at 951-270-3700. We’d be glad to hear from you!

In real estate development, the property developer establishes a corporation known as a homeowner association (HOA) for managing, marketing, and selling lots and homes. To fulfill their many duties in an efficient manner, associations often enlist the services of HOA managers.

Over the years, HOA management has grown into an expansive industry that constantly finds itself adopting new techniques to meet new challenges as they crop up. For this reason, the industry has steadily evolved with the times. In today’s article, we’ll be examining the 4 major ways HOA management is evolving.

1. Flexible and creative problem-solving

HOAs often must contend with complex, time-consuming bureaucratic processes. Property management enterprises can ease this burden by being flexible, creative, and proactive problem-solvers.

Effective HOA management companies are constantly looking for ways to respond to every individual association’s unique needs. They examine concerns from various angles and determine methods of solving problems that don’t interfere with current operations. This way, managers can help associations become more efficient at making decisions and taking action.

2. Focus on people and relationships

Because dealing with homes is an extremely personal issue, HOA management is essentially an industry revolving around people and the relationships built with them. It’s therefore of utmost importance that managers can understand how human emotions and motivations factor into people’s needs and decisions.

Today, property management companies assess managers for their certifications, experience, personality, and ability to preserve smooth relationships with others, then match them with the appropriate associations for the best results.

3. Providing exemplary services

To succeed, HOA managers must do more than just offer basic services such as giving business advice and administrative support; they must also provide guidance and insight to help associations develop more robust communities. For example, today’s most distinguished managers can come up with innovative ideas designed to enhance community engagement and help homeowners get the most out of their homes. Such managers can be expected to do far more for HOAs than low-tier companies will.

4. Focus on long-term relationships

The best management companies often seek to build long-term relationships with HOAs. This is because reputable property managers aim to assist associations with their multiple obligations and make great efforts to keep up with and evolve with the HOAs they’re working with. Such companies perform a range of services, from the obvious to the less noticeable, and ensure every facet of your business is given the attention it deserves.

If you have any questions about HOAs, please feel free to contact So Cal Property Enterprises, Inc. through its corporate website, or give us a call at 951-270-3700. We’d be glad to hear from you!