Articles

Border Protection: Observing Boundaries in the HOA Jul 25, 2016

Advising associations was for many years occasionally quite stressful, as I would sometimes advise clients which would reject that advice. However, one of the defining moments...

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Reader Questions - Individual Insurance Policies May 16, 2016

Dear Kelly,

When it comes to an owner choosing an insurance company for condominium insurance for the inside of the condo, would the best course be to choose the same compa

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Ten Damaging HOA Myths Apr 11, 2016

Some myths are not only wrong, but harmful. Here are ten HOA myths which create problems for communities:

1. Governing documents are boilerplate

Most HOA homebuyers carefull...

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Tips Toward Fairer Disciplinary Hearings Mar 28, 2016

In a perfect world, disciplinary hearings would be unnecessary because members all focused on being good neighbors to each other. However, disciplinary hearings are occasional...

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Reader Questions - FHA Condo Loans, Rental Limits Mar 14, 2016

Dear Kelly,

Enjoy reading your weekly articles in [the paper]. I own a condo that is for sale. My agent tells me she had two offers with VA loans, but the development is no

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Twenty Thoughts at the 200 Mark Jan 18, 2016

Dear Readers,

This marks the 200th column since it was revived in early 2012; may I share 20 thoughts with you on this milestone?

  1. Common interest communities involve share
  2. ...
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Reader Questions - Committees Dec 28, 2015

Mr. Richardson,

I am the treasurer of a committee, which is the bank for funds raised by our various clubs and organizations. We use those funds to pay for projects. This y

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Reader Questions - Why HOAs? Oct 12, 2015

Kelly Richardson,

We have lived in three HOAs. What we have found lately is that no one wants anything to do with the HOA even though they signed up to be in it when they b

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What is “Exclusive Use Common Area”? Jul 06, 2015

Condominium owners often misunderstand exclusive use common area, and this leads to far too many wasteful disputes. Simply put, exclusive use areas are not “your” property, bu...

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Reader Questions - Termite and Wasp Problems Jun 29, 2015

Kelly,

I live in a stock cooperative apartment complex comprised of downstairs and upstairs apartments. When tenting for termite infestation, this service covers both commo

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Reader Questions - Why Use Lockboxes? May 18, 2015

Kelly,

I’ve lived in a Planned Development in Placentia for 6 1/2 years. Our property management company was recently sold. We now send our HOA monthly fees to a lockbox in

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Reader Questions - Insurance Coverage May 04, 2015

Dear Kelly,

Is it required that an HOA purchase earthquake insurance? Does it have to be stated in the CC&R’s? Can the board be held liable if it doesn’t purchase the insur

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