Property Management Blog

HOA meetings tend to be frustrating for both organizers and board members.

Anytime you're discussing issues that pertain to how a group of individuals live their lives, you're going to run into problems. HOA board meetings are necessary to come to conclusions that satisfy everyone, but butting heads can destroy productivity in these meetings.

If your homeowners association is in need of direction, we can help. Today, we're going to give you 3 simple tips that'll make your HOA meetings more productive and satisfying to all. There's nothing easy about HOA management, but read on and you'll have a roadmap for making important decisions as a group.

1. Keep It Organized

Organization is important in HOA meetings. Start by designating a single point person for the local HOA - hopefully, this is your HOA president or a member that volunteers for the role. Ahead of each meeting, all board members should send this person the topics they'd like to address during the meeting.

The point person can then keep a thorough agenda for every meeting that keeps you on track. This will ensure that the meeting stays organized from start to finish and that covers all issues.

If you need to discuss specific documents during the meeting, everyone should receive these ahead of time. Everyone should also be aware of the meeting agenda ahead of time. Everything can go out in an email in the days prior to the meeting.

2. Let Everyone Speak... Concisely

The purpose of an HOA meeting is to address each homeowner's concerns. It's important that everyone can raise their own concerns, but you never want the meeting to get out of hand. Having a point person who can control a room will come in handy here.

This person should allow everyone to speak but for an allotted time. When discussions get out of hand and start going in circles, you'll inevitably have to cut things out of your agenda. You can even assign times for each topic on the agenda so that the meeting runs on time and addresses all issues.

3. Meeting Notes

Lastly, someone should be taking minutes to send out to the HOA members after the meeting. Ideally, this can be someone other than the person running the meeting, so as not to put too much responsibility on one person.

Not only does this ensure all HOA members are in the know about what was discussed, but it gives you a roadmap for further action. You can also use the meeting documents as a starting point for the next HOA meeting.

How HOA Management Can Improve HOA Meetings

HOA meetings can feel like a full-time job for those who choose to participate. These tips will help you boost productivity in your HOA meetings, but what can really help is HOA management.

Invest West Management can help your community raise and address issues in a productive and pain-free manner. As a full-service HOA management company, we can help you improve communication among members and provide property management services to ensure everyone in your HOA is happy.

Contact us today to inquire about our services and change your Vancouver community association for the better.

According to science, there are many great mental health benefits associated with being part of a community. Sadly, many neighborhoods out there don't have much of a sense of community anymore.

A great way to ensure you move into a neighborhood that does have a strong community feel is by moving into an area that has a homeowners association. Here are some of the main HOA benefits you need to know about.

High-Quality Amenities

One of the biggest homeowners association benefits is that you're paying for various high-quality amenities. Not only does a homeowners association mean you'll enjoy various benefits, such as pools, parks, and playgrounds, but it also means you'll be contributing towards their maintenance.

This ensures you have access to high-quality amenities all year round. This kind of luxury would simply not be possible without the help of a homeowners association.

Social Events

In some neighborhoods, people go their whole lives without saying more than a few words to their neighbors. This is unfortunate because getting to know people in your area is a great way to create a sense of community.

If you live in an HOA area, you'll find that getting to know your neighborhood is easy. Your HOA fees will contribute towards some great local events throughout the year. These kinds of events mean that people who live in HOA communities often feel a greater sense of belonging.

Resolve Disputes

Conflict is inevitable in any community, but it's how the neighborhood handles it that defines the community spirit. When you have an HOA in your neighborhood, you'll have a variety of rules and regulations that can help to resolve disputes.

Suppose you have a direct conflict with someone else in the community. In that case, representatives from the HOA can operate as mediators and will help to resolve the issue according to the rules.

Community Aesthetics

HOAs also have guidelines for how community members can decorate their homes. This helps to ensure a consistent and cohesive aesthetic. Not only does this ensure the neighborhood looks great, but it can also help to maintain the value of your property and make it easier to sell your home.

Shared Expenses

Finally, paying HOA fees could actually help reduce your expenses in the long term. This is because the HOA can purchase collective services for the whole community. For example, in order to maintain a consistent and attractive aesthetic, you might need the services of a landscaping company.

The HOA can negotiate with the landscaping company on your behalf, and they can get a much better price collectively than you ever could on your own.

Now You Know the Main HOA Benefits

As you can see, if you want to live in an attractive, well-functioning community, it makes sense to live in a neighborhood with a good HOA. While you'll need to pay fees regularly, there are many HOA benefits, and a good HOA can make your community a much better place to live.

If you want to work with a quality real estate company that can help you to find a community to live in that has all these great HOA benefits, contact us today.

Think about the last time you thought about buying a home. Maybe you saw a couple of homes, but something was off. The yard didn't look great, or the front of the house needed some extra paint. You probably walked away from the house with a bad taste in your mouth.

Now think about how you'd feel if someone felt that way about your home. Luckily, you don't have to worry about that if you have a homeowners association.

HOAs are common in modern communities as they help maintain the quality of life in neighborhoods. They also help protect property values.

One way in which HOAs enforce their rules and regulations is through the use of liens. In this article, you'll find information on what an HOA lien is, how it works, and the consequences of failing to pay HOA fees in Vancouver, WA.

What is an HOA Lien?

An HOA lien is a legal claim placed on a homeowner's property by the HOA. HOAs use liens to collect unpaid assessments, fines, or fees that the homeowner owes the association.

When a homeowner fails to pay their dues, assessments, or fees, the HOA will request payment. If these requests go unanswered, the HOA may place a lien on the property.

How Does an HOA Lien Work?

The HOA lien on the property gives the HOA the right to collect the debt from the homeowner by selling the property. The lien can prevent the homeowner from selling or refinancing the property until the debt is paid in full.

That means the HOA's debt must be paid before the homeowner can get out from under the lien. If the homeowner continues to ignore the lien, the HOA may take further legal action, such as foreclosure, to collect the debt.

Consequences of Failing to Pay HOA Fees

Failing to pay HOA fees can have serious consequences, including the placement of an HOA lien on the property. This can affect the homeowner's ability to sell or refinance the property.

It could result in additional fees and legal costs. If the homeowner continues to ignore the lien, the HOA may initiate foreclosure proceedings. These can lead to the sale of the property to satisfy the debt owed.

HOA Services

HOA services can vary depending on the association and its governing documents. In Vancouver, WA, they may include maintenance of common areas, landscaping, trash removal, and community events.

HOAs may also provide amenities such as pools, gyms, and playgrounds. In exchange for these services, homeowners are required to pay HOA fees.

How to Avoid an HOA Lien

To avoid the placement of an HOA lien, homeowners should make sure to pay their HOA fees on time. Payment instructions should be outlined in the association's governing documents.

Homeowners should also familiarize themselves with the HOA's rules and regulations and follow them accordingly. If homeowners are struggling to make payments, they should contact their HOA as soon as possible to discuss payment options. Many associations offer payment plans or other options to help homeowners avoid the placement of a lien.

Reviewing the Facts About HOA Liens

To recap, HOA fees are required in exchange for HOA services, and failure to pay these fees can result in the placement of an HOA lien on the property. Now that you're aware of the rules and regulations regarding HOAs, you're ready to explore getting an HOA for your community. When you're ready, get in touch with the HOA management experts at Invest West Management.

Do you live in an HOA community?

If so, then you’re aware of how time-consuming it can be to keep your community safe and attractive. That's because an HOA manages a community's shared property. It also enforces rules and regulations.

HOA management companies play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of an HOA. Here we look at a list of important things that management companies can do for your community. Keep reading to learn more.

Administrative Tasks

A property manager can handle administrative tasks. This includes maintaining records, drafting agendas and meeting minutes, and managing community mailings.

This can relieve board members of these duties. It also helps to ensure they have more time to focus on critical community matters.

Financial Management

A property manager can help maintain the community's financial records and accounts. They collect monthly HOA dues and manage the community's budget, expenses, and taxes.

They can also provide financial reports that ensure transparency and accountability.

Maintenance and Repairs

An experienced property manager can oversee the maintenance and repairs of shared community property. This includes parks, pools, and landscaping.

They ensure these areas remain in good condition and schedule any necessary repairs. This can improve the safety and aesthetic appeal of the community.

Rule Enforcement

A reputable property manager can enforce community rules and regulations. It's also important to ensure that residents follow them. They can handle violations, resolve disputes between residents, and take any necessary action. This can maintain community harmony and safety.

Communication

They can also act as a liaison between the HOA board and residents. This allows them to provide regular updates on news, events, and meetings.

They can also manage communication with vendors and service providers. This can ensure everyone stays informed and on the same page.

Strategic Planning

An HOA property manager can assist in the development of long-term plans. This includes goals and objectives for the community. They can work with the board to create a strategic plan for the community's success in the future.

Vendor Management

HOA management services can manage contracts with vendors, contractors, and service providers. They can ensure vendors are meeting their contractual obligations.

Insurance Management

Management companies can manage the community's insurance policies. This helps to make sure the community has adequate coverage. It also helps protect the community against risks and liabilities.

Technology Support

A knowledgeable property manager can provide technical support to the community. This includes website maintenance, online payment processing, and social media management.

Legal Compliance

A property manager can help keep the community in compliance. This includes compliance with all state and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances. They can also provide legal support and representation when necessary.

Benefits of HOA Management Companies

Keeping a community safe and beautiful is a big job. That's why it's so important to let HOA management companies handle most of the work for you.

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our HOA management specialists at Invest West Management in Vancouver, WA.

Would you like to improve the quality of your home owner's association?

HOAs are responsible for managing and maintaining communities of homes or condominiums. These organizations are typically governed by a board of directors. The board is made up of homeowners within the community.

One of the challenges that HOAs face is maintaining an active and engaged membership. New homeowners can play a critical role in helping HOAs achieve their goals and maintain a healthy and vibrant community.

Here are some of the reasons why an HOA benefits from new people who join the community. Keep reading to learn more.

Fresh Ideas

A new homeowner brings fresh ideas and perspectives to the community. They may have different experiences or backgrounds that can help shape the direction of the HOA. That's why it's beneficial to include them in the decision-making process.

Increased Participation

HOAs rely on the participation of their members to achieve their goals and improve the rules. A new homeowner is often excited to get involved and contribute to the community. When they take part in an HOA, it increases the level of engagement and energy.

Financial Stability

HOAs rely on member dues to fund community projects and maintenance. New homeowners can help ensure the financial stability of the HOA by joining and paying their dues.

This helps create a healthy and stable financial base. HOAs can then undertake projects that benefit the community and improve property values.

Community Growth

HOAs are responsible for maintaining and improving the community. New homeowners can help by contributing their time and resources. When they work together, they can create a strong and vibrant community that everyone can be proud of.

Renewed Enthusiasm

HOAs can sometimes become stagnant or complacent over time. The involvement of new homeowners can help to inject renewed enthusiasm into the community.

This is because they are often excited to make a positive impact and can help motivate other members to get involved as well.

Improved Communication

Communication is essential in any community. New homeowners can help improve communication within the HOA. This happens when they share fresh ideas. After all, they may have unique perspectives on how to address issues that arise.

Diverse Skill Sets

New members of the community may have unique skills or talents that can be beneficial to the community. For example, a new homeowner may be an expert in landscaping, accounting, or event planning.

By identifying and utilizing these skills, HOAs can improve the services they offer. They can also enhance the overall quality of life for members.

Increased Diversity

HOAs benefit from having a diverse membership. This is because new homeowners help increase diversity within the community. After all, they bring different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to the table.

This helps foster a more inclusive and welcoming experience for all members.

The Benefits New Homeowners Bring to HOAs

Being part of a home owner's association can be a rewarding experience. The key is to encourage new homeowners to become active members of the community

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of the property management specialists at Invest West Management.

Did you know that there are around 350,000 community associations in the US right now?

Community associations come in many different forms, but all have one thing in common - the need for effective management.

Whether it's overseeing the maintenance of common areas, enforcing community rules, or managing finances, an HOA management company can help.

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the duties of a community association management company and why they're essential to the success of any HOA or shared living space. Read on to learn more.

Maintenance and Repairs

One of the key duties of community association management companies is overseeing maintenance.

The property management company will see that all common areas are properly maintained. They will also make sure that any repairs are carried out efficiently.

This helps to ensure the community is a safe and attractive place to live and helps to protect the value of homes.

Financial Management

Financial management is another key duty.

Management companies are responsible for collecting dues, managing budgets, and making sure that records are accurate. They're also in charge of investing funds in a way that maximizes returns while minimizing risk.

By handling the financial responsibilities of the HOA or community, the management company helps to ensure the long-term stability of the community.

Enforcement

HOAs typically have a set of rules and regulations that must be followed by all residents.

The management company is responsible for enforcing these rules. This means everything from ensuring that homes are properly maintained to making sure that residents are following parking rules.

This helps to maintain a high quality of life for all residents. It also protects the value of homes in the community.

Did you know that 66.9% of new homes completed in 2021 were part of HOA communities? When everybody follows the rules, the community becomes a nicer place to live.

Communication

Finally, the management company will communicate with residents. This could be via letters, a weekly bulletin, or email.

They work to keep residents informed about important events and respond to questions and concerns. They will also provide regular updates and news.

In this way, the management company can foster a sense of community and build trust among residents.

Our team is on hand to help with all aspects of community association management. We believe that great communication is central to a strong community spirit.

How a Community Association Management Company Can Help You

The duties of a community association management company are wide-ranging and critical to the success of any community.

Here at Invest West Management, we pride ourselves on helping communities and HOAs excel. Your community should work for you, and our services can put it on the right track.

If you're part of an HOA, our friendly team is committed to meeting the needs of your community. We have over 40 years of experience in property management and are happy to help. Contact us today.

Are you considering purchasing a home within a homeowners association? Maybe you're part of an HOA board and the various responsibilities seem daunting.

Not to worry. Whatever your circumstances, knowledge is power and relief from undue worry. Here are several of the most compelling reasons why homeowners associations are a major positive.

1. Protect Your Property Value

One of the most irksome things homeowners face is the devaluation of their home because of a "junkyard" neighbor. This is especially frustrating when you've invested money and time in preserving or improving the value of your own home.

Fortunately, when you're a member of a homeowners association, your property value is protected. All those living within the HOA must agree upon deed restrictions. They are then held accountable for abiding by them.

An HOA means, you will have a well-maintained home and your neighbors will too.

2. Prevent Nuisance Behavior

Do you dislike rowdy parties at 2 am? Your neighbors might not ... luckily when you own property within a homeowners association, everyone is held to the same standards regarding:

• Noise policies
• Parking
• Short-term rental guides
• Pet ownership

No more worrying about the neighbor renting out their basement to college students (if it's prohibited in your HOA). No more stressing about neighbors letting their 5 dogs run loose without a leash. No frustration about not being able to park in front of your own home because someone down the street is hosting a reception and 30 cars are parked.

As long as your HOA has regulations regarding such items, you are protected from irritating issues like these.

3. Great Community Amenities

Are you looking for a home with a neighborhood pool, gym, or playground? One of the biggest perks of an HOA property management company is that you can have these local amenities and they can be well maintained.

Beautiful common areas promote a sense of unity and pride within a neighborhood. They help you get to know your neighbors. They provide a place for residents to gather and socialize.

Ideally, when you have a management guide or HOA, residents feel more responsible for making sure common areas are well-kept.

Your neighborhood may be more likely to have bike trails, barbeques, basketball courts, or other desirable amenities because an HOA ensures there is a budget to provide for the construction and maintenance of such things.

A homeowners association can also be responsible for budgeting and planning holiday or civic events that also bring your community together. When deciding whether an HOA is right for you, think about the lifestyle you want and determine whether that's possible without one.

Managing Your Homeowners Association

The right homeowners association can provide endless benefits to any property owner. The trick is knowing how to manage regulations and communicate effectively. If you still have questions about what an HOA might entail, how to set one up, or why buying property within an HOA is a good idea, our team of experts is happy to answer your questions.

Contact us today and find out what Invest West Management, LLC can do to help your HOA.

Have you recently moved into a new home?

If so, there's no denying that buying a new house is an exciting experience. But it also comes with a lot of responsibility. For example, many neighbors are managed by an HOA.

The purpose of an HOA is to ensure that the neighborhood stays as safe and beautiful as possible. This is obviously important for cultivating a high quality of life. That's why it's essential to ensure you understand HOA rules to avoid getting fined.

Fortunately, this article can help. Here we take a look at a list of common HOA regulations every homeowner needs to know. Keep reading to learn more.

Decorations

Let's start by discussing HOA restrictions regarding decorations on your residential property. Keep in mind that this includes both seasonal decorations and everyday decorations that you might use throughout the year.

This is something that can ruffle some feathers, especially if you love to go all out during popular holidays like Halloween or Christmas. Every HOA will likely be a bit different, so make sure you check the specific HOA regulations for your neighborhood to ensure you stay within the rules

Landscaping

It's important to keep your property landscaped. This includes mowing the grass and trimming around the house and trees. This is a universal aspect of HOA regulations for neighborhoods throughout the country.

The best strategy is to get into the habit of mowing your lawn once a week during warm weather to prevent dirty looks from your neighbors.

Parking

Do you own multiple vehicles? This can potentially lead to parking violations with your HOA. After all, the regulations in your neighborhood might frown on homeowners parking more than one or two vehicles in the driveway and could prohibit parking on the street in front of the house.

Noise

This is a big one. After all, there's nothing more annoying than noisy neighbors. When it comes to the most common HOA bylaws in every neighborhood, noise regulations rank among the most important.

The key is to focus on being respectful to your neighbors. This means notifying them ahead of time in the days leading up to hosting parties or having company, and minimizing the volume of music, machinery, and conversation at all times.

Pets

Do you love your pets? You're not alone. Before adopting pets or buying a home in an HOA community, check the rules regarding pet ownership.

You might be surprised to learn that pets aren't allowed in your neighborhood, or you might have to pay a fee for each pet living on your property. It's also important to keep dog barking to a minimum to reduce the potential for annoying your neighbors.

A Guide to Common HOA Rules

It's no secret that homeownership is a big part of the American Dream. Fortunately, this guide to common HOA rules for homeowners will help make you a good neighbor and save you a little money.

Please contact us to learn more about our professional property management services.

Did you know that more than 350,000 communities relied on management from a homeowners association in 2022? With a number like that, it's clear that homeowner's associations (HOAs) are a major player in the real estate industry. HOA management services are used in adjoining dwellings but are found managing neighborhoods with single-family residences. 

If you are considering using an HOA management company and want to learn more about the services these companies offer, keep reading.  

What Are HOA Management Services?

HOA management companies provide management, financial, and administrative services. These companies appoint an on-site manager to support the HOA board and the homeowners.

When it comes to establishing an HOA policy, that is the domain of the HOA board. However, the management company can assist with enforcement. 

On the financial side, HOA management companies handle accounts receivable and establish budgets. This can include processing payments and handling delinquent accounts. Administrative duties may include scheduling board meetings and responding to homeowner inquiries. 

Site management is another important duty that companies offering HOA management services provide. This includes ensuring that rules on home appearance and upkeep are being maintained. They can also handle work on shared areas, including sidewalks, gyms, and pools. 

What Are HOA Fees?

HOA fees are charged to homeowners as a means of paying for the services the homeowners association provides. These fees are typically assessed monthly, although some places assess quarterly fees.

The fees vary based on what services are provided to residents, such as pools and gyms. The fees typically range from a few hundred to $1000. 

What is an HOA Board?

The HOA board is responsible for creating the by-laws the properties shall operate by. These rules may cover everything from landscaping to holiday decorating. Members of the board are elected and the positions resemble those in the corporate structure, including president and vice president. 

These boards have broad powers to enforce their regulations. If fees aren't paid, a board can enact a lien on a property. 

What Should You Look For In an HOA Management Company?

While you already know the services to look for, you should review the individuals operating the company. Ideally, there should be at least one licensed realtor on the team. There are other professional certifications related to property management you may look for, including:

• Accredited Resident Manager
• Certified Property Manager 
• Certified Community Manager
• Association Management Specialist
• Certified Manager of Community Associations

Are You Ready to Get HOA Management Services?

Now that you know about HOA management services, what are you waiting for? These companies provide management, financial, and administrative services that make the day-to-day operation of a homeowners association more manageable. You should review the personnel with any prospective company to look for applicable qualifications. 

If you are in the Vancouver, Washington area and are ready to learn more about the services offered, contact us to get started. 

One of the first things homeowners ask about when moving into a neighborhood is whether there is a homeowners association. One thing about the HOA is the fees differ based on the season and other things that happen throughout the year.

When it comes to the holiday season, you might be wondering how to set the HOA holiday decorating rules for the people in the neighborhood.

We have some tips below to help you ensure that you not only provide decorating ideas but also some information on enforcing HOA holiday decorating rules as the holiday season gets underway.

1. Give People Deadlines

Deadlines are one of the most essential parts of setting the HOA holiday decorating rules. You must ensure that you set a precise date to give homeowners information about when they can start decorating their decorations.

You should also include information about when the decorations should be taken down. For example, one rule may be that 2 weeks after a holiday has concluded, homeowners must remove the decorations from their homes.

While HOA holiday decoration ideas might not seem like a big deal to some people, preserving the integrity of the neighborhood is essential. You don't want people leaving their Christmas decorations up until the summer.

2. Ban Certain Types of Lighting

Lights are one of the main components of holiday decor. However, if homeowners aren't careful and go overboard, they could end up hanging lighting that becomes distracting. Especially to people that are driving past the home.

When people become distracted by lights or other forms of decor, it can become a hazard leading to an accident within the neighborhood. It's best to set rules that ban homeowners from hanging lights that could momentarily bling people that are driving or flash.

Also, when the lights are hung, note that homeowners should hang them so they don't shine towards the road. Again, this could be hazardous to people driving by.

3. The Decor Must Have Anchors

When you enforce HOA holiday decorating rules you've got to think of everything, including how decor is anchored.

Much like the flashing of lights, no one wants to see an inflatable decoration item flying across their yard. If people are going to use inflatables as a part of their decor, ensure that they understand they must be anchored in the yard.

When items aren't anchored properly, it becomes a distraction. But it can also be hazardous and lead to accidents if it flies in front of someone driving down the street. 

4. Ban Noise Playing Distractions

We all enjoy seeing holiday decorations on our way home. But when it's time to go to sleep for the night, we don't want to listen to scary holiday noises or Christmas music late into the evening.

To ensure that people aren't disturbed while sleeping, ban noise-making machines.

Or if you're going to grant them use, ensure people understand there's a specific time when they must be turned off in your community home decorating guidelines.

How to Set HOA Holiday Decorating Rules

When it comes to setting HOA holiday decorating rules, there are several ways to allow homeowners to celebrate without going overboard. Ensure people understand to anchor their inflatables and ban noise-making decor.

If you want to improve your HOA, contact Invest West Management and let us put our 40 years of experience to work for you and your association.