KarenC9 (Colorado)
Posts: 3
Posts: 3
Posted:
Need a great HOA Colorado
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Acquiring an atorney
Started by KarenC9 • 7 replies • 1520 views
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RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067
Posts: 5,067
Posted:
DARCO can provide informatin on several. If interested click on our ad and contact us.
JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219
Posts: 4,219
Posted:
Hi Karen:
Depending on the issue you also may want an attorney who is knowledgeable regarding contracts and real estate. Which part of CO is your association?
One of the best ways also is to check around with other neighboring HOA’s and see what attorney they have used and how well they liked the attorney. This way you will have references regarding the service provided. I know there is one who also advertises on this website and located in Colorado; however, I am not familiar with this particular attorney myself.
Depending on the issue you also may want an attorney who is knowledgeable regarding contracts and real estate. Which part of CO is your association?
One of the best ways also is to check around with other neighboring HOA’s and see what attorney they have used and how well they liked the attorney. This way you will have references regarding the service provided. I know there is one who also advertises on this website and located in Colorado; however, I am not familiar with this particular attorney myself.
KarenC9 (Colorado)
Posts: 3
Posts: 3
Posted:
Thanks Janet: this HOA is in Costilla County, San Luis, I'm in Bailey CO
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
Remember your HOA is a CORPORATION and deals with CONTRACTUAL laws. It may deal with Real Estate but it's NOT Real Estate. It's best to find a lawyer familiar with business/corporate/contractual laws. There may be lawyers who specialize in HOA law but do a little research there.
Former HOA President
JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219
Posts: 4,219
Posted:
Hi Karen:
Well you are not in my local area … the only one I have ever spoken with a few times personally near your area is on the Professional Advisors Link on this site http://www.thecprc.org. I tend to like attorneys who can think outside the box.
The Colorado HOA Information Office and Resource Center website is:
http://www.dora.state.co.us/Real-estate/licensing/subdivisions/HOA.htm
Under the Frequently Ask Questions is a link to the Colorado Bar Association. If no one in your surrounding area HOA’s has any recommendations or possibly RogerB with Darco, as he also stated his company knows several, then you will at least have a link to the Bar Association to review options.
Well you are not in my local area … the only one I have ever spoken with a few times personally near your area is on the Professional Advisors Link on this site http://www.thecprc.org. I tend to like attorneys who can think outside the box.
The Colorado HOA Information Office and Resource Center website is:
http://www.dora.state.co.us/Real-estate/licensing/subdivisions/HOA.htm
Under the Frequently Ask Questions is a link to the Colorado Bar Association. If no one in your surrounding area HOA’s has any recommendations or possibly RogerB with Darco, as he also stated his company knows several, then you will at least have a link to the Bar Association to review options.
KarenC9 (Colorado)
Posts: 3
Posts: 3
Posted:
Thanks Everyone for your imput. I have acquired an attoreny. Since I am just the S
Secretary, Treasurer and have been asked by the President and vice to take care of this. What should I have them do to make this legal for the HOA.
Secretary, Treasurer and have been asked by the President and vice to take care of this. What should I have them do to make this legal for the HOA.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
Your HOA is going to have to pay a "Retainer" fee first to the attorney. It's best that the president be involved in signing any contracts. However, I would make sure the members know and understand the money spent on the attorney. The attorney does NOT represent the INDIVIDUAL HOA members...They represent the HOA in WHOLE. So members can't just call the HOA attorney directly with their issues. The primary purpose of having a HOA attorney is to represent the HOA IF they need to be represented in court. However, some HOA's uses theirs for other reasons such as filing liens/foreclosures, advice. or writing letters..etc... Your board is going to have decide the purpose and scope of work you want your attorney to do.
Keep in mind a lawyer WILL charge you for phone calls, emails, or in office meetings etc..Basically ANY contact with them PROFESSIONALLY can be charged. So make sure to understand what those expenses are. Is it $30 a phone/email? Find out the hourly rate of the attorney which is SEPARATE from the RETAINER.
I find the biggest mistake and expense with hiring a lawyer is the understanding of responsibility, scope, and charges. You can easily get caught up and see the forrest for the trees situation...Make a habit of putting things in writing and be careful with your contact. A simple call to the office can cost you so NEVER give the name of the HOA to have them call you back. That is an oportunity for a charge. Just keep calling until you get the "Live" version...If you always have to leave messages, then look for another attorney...
It's good thing to have one but make sure to also understand what you have. Our HOA was lucky because I do have some legal background/education. That's not always the case and it can easily put a HOA in hot water...I actually had 3 different lawyers for our HOA. Each one did something different and had a singular purpose.
Keep in mind a lawyer WILL charge you for phone calls, emails, or in office meetings etc..Basically ANY contact with them PROFESSIONALLY can be charged. So make sure to understand what those expenses are. Is it $30 a phone/email? Find out the hourly rate of the attorney which is SEPARATE from the RETAINER.
I find the biggest mistake and expense with hiring a lawyer is the understanding of responsibility, scope, and charges. You can easily get caught up and see the forrest for the trees situation...Make a habit of putting things in writing and be careful with your contact. A simple call to the office can cost you so NEVER give the name of the HOA to have them call you back. That is an oportunity for a charge. Just keep calling until you get the "Live" version...If you always have to leave messages, then look for another attorney...
It's good thing to have one but make sure to also understand what you have. Our HOA was lucky because I do have some legal background/education. That's not always the case and it can easily put a HOA in hot water...I actually had 3 different lawyers for our HOA. Each one did something different and had a singular purpose.
Former HOA President
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