Article Ideas on HOAs requested

Hi all,

Glen did a thread on having an HOA bible (or collection of papers needed). Within that thread Rob suggested holding classes for the membership. I've taken those ideas and want to start a series of articles for our Associations newsletter. I've come up with the following ideas:

CC&RS - The initial document that brought about the Association: What they are, how it's a contract between homeowners, what it specifies (generalized terms), why/how this document calls for an Association to be formed.

The Corporation known as your HOA: The fact it's a company authorized in the CC&R's and takes on the responsibilities of common areas and enforcement of the CC&Rs. Then broadly identifying what the Articles and Bylaws are.

How the HOA works: Basic organization of the HOA, how things are developed, adopted and implemented.

How laws affect you and the HOA: Basic concepts of the state hoa laws, corporate laws, how they are impact the HOA and thereby the member. Links to the laws, etc.

I've only spend about 20 min on this and I know it needs a lot of development. However, I would appreciate suggestions on other articles along the same theme of what is an HOA and how does it work. Any additions/subtractions from my initial ideas would also be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tim

Funny you would say this. I discovered by going through our own Association records that the Articles of Incorporation being published to the membership was not the same Articles files with the State Corp. Commission.

I'm correcting this issue but I couldn't believe that this was done and previous boards (especially those who issued the first printing to our members) were aware of it.

I'm in the outline process now. Good advise.

Tim

Tim, one of the best received articles I did for the newsletter was one where I broke down the monthly assessments and explained where each dollar went.

Melissa, if your post was directed at me, of course the homeowners get a copy of the budget but when you are talking hundreds of thousands of dollars most people don't really realize what it takes to run an Association. I broke down their monthly assessment and explained how their money was spent i.e The first $13.10 goes to pay the Management Company and explained what the MC did for their $13.10. How much a month they paid for the pool, for maintenance, lawncare etc.

I would suggest your booklet contain lots of references to municipal, county and/or state laws where appropriate. And remind them that legally, one trumps the other, where required. We've included websites for those areas when necessary. We also make sure new owners receive a copy of the CCRs (they should have reviewed it during closing ir not before), and some general information like board member names, meeting dates, etc, as well as general community info like non-emergency police phone, local utility info, cable, etc. It's good to start off on right foot.

@Glen - An excellent idea especially since we just had the huge increase to fund the reserves.

@ Diana - Also an excellent idea. I've always included references to the laws/governing docs but never took the time to explain the order of precedence.

Thank you all.

Any more ideas?

Tim