Frequently Asked Questions

What is a homeowners association?
Homeowners Associations, also known as an HOA, is a non-profit corporation that is created to enforce the deed restrictions and protect the property values of the neighborhood.


What is the Board of Directors?
The BOD is a group of individuals who are responsible for enforcing the deed restrictions and making decisions on behalf of the HOA.


What are CC&Rs?
The term CC&R refers to ‘Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions.’ A real covenant is a legal obligation imposed in a deed by the seller of a home and or property upon the buyer of the real estate to do or not to do something. Such restrictions frequently ‘run with the land’ and are enforceable on future buyers of the property. Examples might be to maintain a property in a reasonable state of repair, to preserve a sight-line for a neighboring property, not to run a business from a residence, or not to build on certain parts of the property. Many covenants are very simple and are meant only to protect a neighborhood from homeowners destroying trees or historic things or otherwise directly harming property values. Some can be more specific and strict, outlining everything a homeowner can do to the exterior of their home, including the number of non-familial tenants one may have, acceptable colors to re-paint the home, exactly when holiday decorations are allowed up, automobile placement or repair on property, satellite placement, etc.


What Are “ByLaws”?
A set of rules or guidelines regarding the operation of a non-profit corporation such as a Board. Bylaws generally set forth definitions of offices and committees involved with the Board of Directors. They can include voting rights, meetings, notices, and other areas involved with the successful operation of the Association.


What are Governing Documents?
The declaration, bylaws, operating rules, articles of incorporation or any other documents which govern the normal operating procedures of an association.


What is a Lien?
A monetary claim levied against a property for unpaid mortgage, taxes, contractor work, or other charges. A lien is attached to the property, not the owner, but legally must be recorded in the property records of the county of residence. If a Lien is in place, the property owner has very limited ability to do anything involving the property until the Lien is satisfied or removed.


What is the “Declaration”?
The Declaration is sometimes referred to as the “master deed”, “documents” or “declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions” [CC&Rs]. It describes an owner’s responsibilities
to the association which can include payment of dues and assessments as well as the association’s various duties to the owners. It is common viewed as somewhat of a “constitution” of the
association. The person or group of persons who either signs the original declaration governing the development and association or acquires the original developer’s rights is referred to as the “Declarant”.


When does my HOA hold meetings?
These are determined by your Board of Directors and your Bylaws. You can contact our office and we will be happy to let you know the date of the next scheduled meeting .


What do my dues pay for?
The dues are used to operate the HOA. This includes common area maintenance, insurance, management fees, and creating a reserve fund for future repairs and expenses.


What happens if I do not pay my dues?
This will be determined by your HOA’s governing documents. Most common is a late fee charge, interest charges, placing a lien on your property, and possibly foreclosure.


Do I need approval from my HOA for exterior modifications?
Yes, all alterations and additions to your property must be approved in writing by the Architectural Control Committee for your HOA. You can contact our office for the forms you will need to submit.