All posts by SoCal

Spring Cleaning on HOA-managed Properties

As soon as winter ends, Southern California property management companies start getting busy with spring cleaning. Winter, with the rain and snow it brings, leaves behind a ton of damage, especially for older, poorly-maintained communities. It also brings a ton of debris, such as fallen branches and rocks strewn about the property.

One of the first things property managers do is to conduct an inspection of the premises, coordinating with housekeepers and grounds maintenance personnel in removing loose debris. In the case of Southern California, winter tends to be a wet and windy season, with snow and frost in some locations. This results in broken tree branches, particularly for trees weighed down by frost and hail. Sleet and hail could also cause broken windows, floor tiles, and pavement. Rain could seep inside existing cracks in stone and cement, which then expand as the water freezes in sub-zero night temperatures. While this phenomenon affects some areas more than others, an inspection of all exposed concrete surfaces is in order.

Cold weather could have other unwelcome side effects. For example, water could accumulate inside drainpipes and downspouts, resulting in clogs, leaks, and cracks. Combine this with loose debris, and property managers suddenly have a maintenance headache in their hands. Properties with swimming pools are also at risk, as little-used and cleaned swimming pools can develop an algae colony over the lean winter months. It is advisable to make declogging the drains and removing algae from pools a priority, as the transition from winter to spring in Southern California can be very brief and residents might want to use the pool once the cold snaps end.

Spring is also the time for power-washing all exposed surfaces, such as tennis courts, pool decks, and sidewalks. Rain and snow runoff can contain debris from a number of sources, and this sort of accumulated dirt cannot be washed off using ordinary garden hoses alone. This, pressurized water hoses come in handy during spring cleaning.

Finally, once everything has been cleaned, it’s time to restore the plants to their former condition. Lawns have to be reseeded, perennial plants in flowerbeds need a new topsoil cover, and sprinklers have to be up and running. Thus, spring cleaning will not be complete without checking both the soil and the plumbing.

It is the job of Southern California property management companies to ensure that everything is in tiptop shape in time for spring. To find out more about the services offered by the top Southern California property management company, visit our website.

Keeping Pests out of HOA-managed Properties

When it comes to dealing with winter pests, LA HOA management companies have it a bit easier, as they don’t have to contend with stray wildlife such as opossums and raccoons. However, this doesn’t mean they can relax, as there are other common winter pests that can ruin the experience of homeowners and tenants alike.

Winter is the dormant season for insects such as mosquitoes and ants, so these two pests should not be a problem. However, holiday celebrations usually result in a supply of leftover food. Scavenging pests, such as mice, rats, and cockroaches, immediately try to get into residential properties in search of something to eat. Dealing with these pests shouldn’t start and stop at exterminating them – something has to be done even before residents start reporting noises made by mice on their ceilings.

Mice and rats are two of the most common rodents in Southern California. They tend to sneak inside confined spaces, such as basements, attics, and eaves, and are known to chew through plastic and rubber, and even lead pipes, just to get to their food sources. Many holiday-related fires are caused by damaged electric wiring, and mice and rats are two of the biggest culprits. In addition, they also carry serious diseases such as leptospirosis. To keep rodents away, HOA management and their vendors should seal all wall openings with silicone caulking and steel wool. They should also drain all stagnant water inside crawl spaces, as rats are attracted to moist environments.

Another problem commonly faced by Los Angeles HOA management during winter is the presence of cockroaches. While they are active throughout the year, they seem to thrive even more in cool weather, and prefer areas with a lot of moisture and food, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches carry a host of diseases and contaminate food. They are also carriers of allergens, triggering asthma symptoms in small children. The key to keeping cockroaches away from HOA-managed properties is the regular disposal of garbage. Another step property managers can do is to minimize moisture inside confined spaces, such as cupboards, closets, and kitchen cabinets.

An experienced LA HOA management company should be able to detect these problems before they manifest themselves. It should also maintain good relations with pest control services and run regular inspection and cleaning of all areas where pests can breed. To find out more about the best practices in Los Angeles HOA management, contact us at 951-270-3700.

In LA, HOA Management Software Can Help Automate Critical Tasks

For many homeowners’ associations in LA, HOA management can be a stressful job. There are so many factors and issues to look into that you need automated help to get things done faster and more efficiently. This is where HOA management software comes into play. Simply put, HOA management software are tools that you can use to manage your properties easier. Here are some software worth looking into:

AssociationVoice is a cloud-based HOA management software designed to assist HOA communities and building managers with communications, accounting, and daily management functions. C3 is an HOA management software solution that is available for both desktop and mobile access. C3 operates in a cloud environment and makes use of modules so you can build a customized solution for your property management needs.

For more information on our office in Los Angeles, and the HOA management services we offer, contact us at 951-270-3700.

Community Association Management in Riverside, CA

SoCal Property Enterprises is committed to providing reliable community association management in Riverside, California. It’s important to trust a reputable company with managing your properties, or else run the risk of spending more money on inadequate services. The team is trained in customer service, construction and maintenance best practices, financial accounting, collection services, and vendor selection and management. You’re assured that professionals are handling your property.

Other services we offer include professional training for board members and officers. This means orientations for newly elected board members and seminars for association treasurers. Programs on financial accounting services for accounts payable accounts receivable and others are also available. Our community association management service also includes following up on delinquent accounts for association dues and automatic clearing house service for the convenience of association members.

For inquiries on our community association management in Riverside, CA, contact us or call 951-270-3700.

Why There is a Need for Efficient Bookkeeping Services in LA HOA Management

LA HOA management, or any HOA management for the matter, involves more than just the physical maintenance and security of subdivisions and condominiums. Because tenants and homeowners pay monthly or annual dues to the HOA, they expect to get the best service possible.

However, because of improper or negligent accounting practices, HOAs may at times be forced to dip into their reserves just to make their budgets. In turn, they levy special assessments to homeowners and tenants, which is something that few residents welcome. Engaging a Los Angeles HOA management firm that does bookkeeping services is the right step towards fixing an HOA’s finances.

SoCal Property Enterprises specializes in determining operational budgets based on actual historical costs, determining the right HOA dues, and setting aside funds for capital expenses such as much-needed facility renovations. We also perform accounting for employee salaries and getting sign-off from HOA board members for major improvement projects.

We’d like you to know more about our bookkeeping services and other services that we can offer LA HOA management. Call us at 951-270-3700.