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Thursday, November 26, 2015

By Brenda Warner


Homeowner associations have become a common phenomenon in many states across the US. It is estimated that up to 24milllion homes in the states are governed by such groups. The running of these organizations since the mid twenties century has often been characterized by controversy. States such as California have a large body legislation governing these associations while others like Massachusetts have virtually no law pertaining to this arrangements. In general, close oversight of HOAs by state governments is absolutely minimal. HOA management companies Raleigh Durham are generally managed under state statutes that control nonprofit corporations.

Joining homeowner associations forms part of the contract signed in the purchase agreement in most instances.to this extent, membership by a real estate buyer is mandatory. For effective management, most associations employ this companies to handle their affairs. Such companies basically have varying packages in their services.

Running categories are split in three major groups: financial management, full time and on site management. Contracted financial services will typically entail administration of some bank accounts, HOAs budget and book keeping. Full time management is more comprehensive and would entail offering financial services and other company tasks such as board elections, maintenance, minute keeping and setting the agenda of the association.

On site management encompasses all the aforementioned services together with directly helping home owners. Stipulated Educational standards are the most common requirements for an application to be a HOAs manager to be approved. Other qualifications may form part of the requirements for an accreditation to be approved based on the jurisdiction.

HOAs render services, regulate certain activities, impose assessment levies and impose fines they enjoy such powers under state statutes. They are however not deemed as state agents or actors like municipal governments thus not subject to constitutional constraints of the later. Homeowners have rights to sue associations for violation of contracts or statutes.

Homeowner associations have powers to compel individuals to meet their obligations as agreed in the property agreement. They can demand that an individual pays the proportional amount for the running and maintenance of the property. The organization is however supposed to ensure prudent and transparent management of finances minimum of two funds, an operating fund and reserve fund have to be maintained.an operating fund is used to manage operating expenses while a reserve fund is used in areas like asset maintenance, replacements and repairs.

HOAs have a myriad of benefits. They help promote shared neighborhood values, they help in provision of services through the commonly owned properties of the association such as pools, security gate clubhouse, tennis court, sidewalks and a gym. These amenities would have otherwise been unaffordable for a majority of individual homes. The extent to which amenities are provided is dependent on the community needs.

State authorities also benefit immensely from these organizations. Security concerns are better addressed by more vigilance which helps identity criminals embedded in the community. Revenue generation is also boasted through better collection. Association owned properties are also sources of revenue. Local authorities are relieved of the burden of providing services that are already being provided by these organizations cutting on expenditure requirements.

Homeowners associations have come under severe criticism for excessive restrictions on how owners can use and conduct themselves on personal property. Limitations on the exterior landscaping a house, the color you can paint your house, the amount of noise that can make have been seen as encroaching on personal freedoms.




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