10 Tips When Moving into an HOA Community

1. 10 Tips When Moving into an HOA Community Kirkpatrick Management Company

2. So you've finally decided to purchase your dream house. It's a fantastic property in an excellent location, but it's also part of a neighborhood governed by an HOA, or homeowners association. So, what's next? We wanted to assist new owners who had never lived in a community association before. We've put together a list of ten must-know tips for anybody moving into an HOA community. Also Read:Community Management Services Indianapolis

3. Read Governing Documents (Declaration, Bylaws, Rules, etc)This may sound obvious to some, but believe me when I say that very few individuals read their agreements completely when entering into a community association. I realize it's not very exciting reading, but it's critical to become acquainted with your community's governing documents. Understanding all of the community's rules, regulations, and procedures will make living in an HOA community much more enjoyable because you will understand the role of the association and the expectations of its homeowner members.

4. Know how to contact HOA / Management CompanyWhether you are a self-managed community or enjoy the assistance of a full-time management company, you need to know how to contact the proper people concerning your community. If you have any questions, need proof of community insurance, statement of account, have a work order request, you know who and how to contact them. Understand your community's ARC application process. Nothing is more frustrating than starting your large backyard deck project only to get a stop-construction notice because you failed to properly file for the upgrade with your HOA. Every HOA should have a formal ARC (Architectural review committee) application process that you must complete before beginning your project. I understand that it may appear to be a major nuisance, but the same process is what prevents your neighbor from legally painting their house purple with leopard stripes.

5. View your HOA budget"Where did my money go?" is a question we are frequently asked. Understanding your HOA community's budget is the simplest approach to answer that question. This will include all of the costs and services provided by your HOA community. If you did not receive one when you first moved into the community, make sure to request one from your management firm or the board of directors, since you have the right to your community's financial information as an owner. Get your Amenity Center / Pool Access Keys Yes, we need to remind our communities to take advantage of their HOA community amenities occasionally. Even if you don't have any urgent plans to use your keys or access cards, pick them up. You never know when you'll need them, such as when friends and relatives visit and you need a place for the kids to play. After all, you are helping to pay for it.

6. Attend Annual MeetingAttending your annual meeting is the greatest way to get a pulse on your community and learn about the latest projects and any concerns that may arise. It's simply a few hours with your neighbors every year. While there, you may get an update on your organization's current financial position, which is especially essential if you reside in a condo association. Attend a Community Social Event Almost all HOA's have some kind of social or community gathering event for its owners and residents. It's a great way to meet your neighbors and start to form a sense of "community" amongst your fellow homeowners. Come on. Join the rest of the community during the next wine tasting or charitable event

7. Opt-in for HOA community emailsSome of you are probably rolling your eyes, thinking, "Great, more emails, that's all I need right now." Recognize that email is a fantastic method for communities to communicate with their citizens and provide them with important information without spending too much money on postage and paper. You will undoubtedly be interested in significant maintenance projects, safety updates, and major community voting sessions. Also Read: - Property Management Repairs and Maintenance Budget for HOA Assessments Now that you live in your HOA community, you must plan to adjust your budget accordingly. Your community depends on those Annual, Quarterly, or Monthly assessments to properly care for maintaining your community. Don't waste any of your hard-earned money on late fees or penalties because of your HOA assessments.

8. Sign up Bill pay / Auto draft for your assessmentHelp yourself with a budget for your community assessments by enrolling in automated bill pay with your bank or enrolling in an automatic draft with your HOA management firm to ensure that your assessments are paid on time every time. Keep your amenity center keys turned on. An HOA community may be a wonderful location to live, work, and raise a family. Homeowners associations offer several major advantages versus areas that do not have a community organization to aid with property prices. You will be more educated and knowledgeable about your HOA community if you follow these recommendations.

9. KMC-U is Kirkpatrick Management Company University! It is a fully staffed department with a customer training program for cooperative and multifamily management. Feel free to reach us regarding Multi Family Property Management Companiestoday.

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