Full Description

“...an absolute MUST HAVE for anyone
owning or planning to purchase a condominium.
Don’t buy a condo without it.”
—Jerome Jahn, Attorney and Real Estate Broker
Pasadena, California

BE PART OF A THRIVING COMMUNITY—YOURS!
Every community—whether condominium, townhouse or gated—has the potential to be a great place to live. Safe and secure. Neighborly. A place to not only protect, but increase what may be your biggest investment. When moving into a community with a homeowners association, you not only buy a home, you choose a way of life.

“Here, at last, is a truly comprehensive manual on condominium living,
written by knowledgeable homeowners, for homeowners. You’ll want
to read it from cover to cover and keep it as a living reference as you
learn the ins and outs of your community operations.”
—Judy G. Campion, AMS, CCAM, PCAM, Los Angeles, California

“Working with Your Homeowners Association is a valuable guide to all aspects of community living. It provides the tools and blueprint necessary for all involved in the workings of community life....great benefit at all levels—residents, directors, committees, and attorneys.”
—Stephen C. Sawicki, Attorney, Orlando, Florida

GET EXPERT GUIDANCE ON ALL OF THE IMPORTANT ISSUES
-The structure and management of a homeowners association
-Getting involved with your association to create a positive community experience
-Keeping your association—and your investment—financially secure

Plus, questionnaires, checklists, a board member manual and other recommended reading and resources for you and your association.

Table of Contents

Dedication
-
Acknowledgements
-
Introduction -
Evaluating the Community
Tracking and Monitoring Progress: The Forms
How Not to Use This Book

Part I: Building Community

Chapter 1: Community Living -
Becoming a Part of the Community
Being Active in Your Community

Chapter 2:Understanding the Structure of the Association -
Understanding the Association

Chapter 3:Knowing the Players of the Association-
The Board of Directors
Support Systems: The Committees
Managers and Management Companies

Part II: Managing Legal Issues

Chapter 4: The Legal Structure of the Association -
Legal Counsel
The Association’s Legal Needs
The Importance of Legal Counsel
Avoiding Legal Problems within the Association

Chapter 5: Preventing Legal Problems -
Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)
Bylaws
Articles of Incorporation
House Rules
Insurance
Due Process
Enforcement
Conflicts of Interest

Chapter 6: Resolving Legal Conflicts -
Negotiating within the Community Association
Mediation
Arbitration
Correspondence that does not Offend

Part III: Managing the Community

Chapter 7: Ground Rules for Success -
The Ground Rules
The Disruptive Homeowner

Chapter 8: Proactive and Preventive Financial Management
Keeping a Forward View
Taking a Team Approach
Basic Considerations in Financial Management
Operating Budgets
Reserves
Investments
Financial Oversight

Chapter 9: Planning and Monitoring
Planning and Monitoring Priority Areas

Chapter 10: Communication and Meetings -
Board and Committee Meetings
The Annual Meeting
Welcome Packets/Homeowner Manuals
Newsletters
Suggestion and Response Systems
Being Part of the Larger Community

A Final Note: You and Your Association -

Glossary -

Appendix A: Key Questions and Evaluations of Your Association -

Appendix B: Sample Letters and Sample Notices -

Appendix C: Board Member Orientation Manual

Appendix D: Recommended Readings and Resources
-
Index -

About the Authors

Excerpt

Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews: