Pass the Ammo - Is it time yet?

I realize that board members are volunteers, with no training or knowledge on the legalities of a community or interpreting of financial statements.   To help with those short comings property management companies are hired.  At least that is the theory behind the requirements written into some declarations.  So, why do HOA boards not posses the knowledge of basic business principles that is common knowledge to so many of us?  It makes me wonder if they have ever paid bills or had to work for their money?  It's time to restore common sense to our communities. 

Painting the Soap Box

I have to get this out of my system.  The way the board in my HOA handled re-painting or re-decorating the community was gone about all wrong.  Mistakes will be made and I know it.  But, don't ask or even bring up the topic unless everyone agrees to interview and hire an expert.  Someone who specializes in both decorating of the exterior of a communtiy as well as the landscaping.  Who will provide multiple visual aids showing several different styles based on the styles and designs used by owners in thier courtyards.  If this cannot be done because of the cost.  Then it should not get done! 

UPDATED Save Suntree aka Indian Bend Village HOA

My intention isn't to trash anyone; I just want to make new people aware of things to watch out for during election time.  The candidates on the Suntree 2011, ballot are a) a click of women wanting to spend money ("We have the money we may as well spend it." Talking about spending reserve funds on landscaping projects.), b) four live on the golf course or have mountain views, and c)two live near the pool and on the golf course. 

Imaginary Amendments

Reading your Declaration is looked at as if it were just legal mumbo jumbo.  It's not!  Did you read the contract when you bought your condo or house?  Did you read the lease when you rented anything?  As a reasonable responsible person, I'm sure you did.  The Declaration isn't any different.  If you don't really read it you have no idea if your board members a pulling a fast one.

Please Keep In Mind

As it is that time of year when board elections are taking place.  I make the following requests:


Please, if you run for the board do it only, to contribute to the greater good.  If you have some kind of beef or something you want fixed write a letter, DO NOT RUN FOR THE BOARD. 


Always keep in mind that not everyone is affected by decisions the same way.  What may not seem to be a big deal to the majority can be a huge problem for the minority. 


Do not make decisions based on emotion or be forced into making an impulsive decision.  Impulse buying or decisions are costly.  If your management company will provide you board packets early enough take several days to think about, verify, and research before making decisions.  One or two days before the meeting isn't long enough which leads to mistakes. 


Survey owners, ask how or if they will be affected, and give them a visual of what things will look like when projects are completed. 


Remember, the ONLY source of income communities have comes from the owners!

Tell me what you think

Is there too much politics being played by HOA board members?


Does your board listen to all the owners concerns or just those who live near them?  For instance, if board members whose homes back up to the golf course.   Only listen and respond to owners who live on the golf course and/or near pool.


Should candidates running for the board be tested on their knowledge of the governing documents?  With at least three questions must require them to interpret a portion of the Declaration.