Articles

We Like This Manager, But Are They Qualified? Apr 15, 2019

Previous columns addressed management options and contracts. After selecting the desired type of management services, how can a board know if a manager prospect is...

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Selecting a Management Company: The Contract Apr 08, 2019

The previous HOA Homefront column discussed choices in association management.  If the association decides to hire a management firm to provide service, the management...

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Association Management: Associations Have Options Apr 01, 2019

Choosing management assistance is one of a board’s most important decisions. Even the smallest associations will benefit from some form of professional management.

...

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Why Governing Documents Matter Mar 11, 2019

Governing documents are critical for HOA communities and are literally the legal glue which holds the association together. Civil Code Section 4150 defines...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 4 – Board Meeting Participation Feb 04, 2019

Productive and efficient meetings are not happenstance but are the result of committed and prepared volunteers, normally assisted by a great professional manager.

To help...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 3 – How The Role Is DIFFERENT Jan 28, 2019

All the knowledge and experience from the working world (“day job”) can actually hinder a volunteer’s effectiveness in the world of HOA governance if the...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 2 – Preparation Jan 21, 2019

Before seeking a board seat, the best candidates should improve their readiness for service, and can:

Read the governing documents at least once

The governing documents are...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 1 – Attitude Jan 14, 2019

A community association is no better than the board of directors which leads it, and excellent associations require excellent volunteer leaders. Truly exceptional volunteer...

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13 Surefire Steps to Guarantee Board Meetings Will Be Longer [Satire] Jul 02, 2018

If board service is not difficult enough, you can crank it up a notch by making board meetings much longer. If people aren’t dozing by meeting’s end and if...

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New Year’s Resolutions [Part 4] – The Service Provider Jan 15, 2018

As the association’s service provider, I resolve to:

Number one:

    1. Follow the Golden Rule. [treating others how I want to be treated]

Proposals:

    1. Give the board...
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New Year’s Resolutions [Part 3] – The Manager Jan 08, 2018

As the association’s professional manager, I resolve to

Number one:

    1. Follow the Golden Rule.

Attitude check:

    1. Remember I am a professional, and will give the...
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New Year’s Resolutions [Part 2] – The HOA Member Jan 01, 2018

I, the HOA member, resolve to:

Number one:

    1. Follow the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.

My attitude:

    1. Not refer to the HOA or board as...
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