Category Archives: Management Services

Planning a Bright Future With HOA Reserve Studies

Homeowners associations (HOAs) are the backbone of many communities, ensuring that neighborhoods are well-maintained and property values preserved.

An essential tool in this endeavor is the HOA reserve study, a process that not only safeguards the financial health of an association but also ensures its longevity and stability.

Let’s explore the importance of HOA reserve studies, how association management and boards conduct them, and their impact on more long-term planning.

What is an HOA Reserve Study?

An HOA reserve study is a comprehensive assessment projecting common area components’ future repair and replacement costs.

This study is crucial for an HOA’s financial planning, as it helps to determine the amount of money that should be set aside (or “reserved”) to handle significant future expenses without imposing unexpected financial burdens on the homeowners.

The Importance of Reserve Studies

The primary goal of an HOA reserve study is to maintain financial stability and avoid special assessments that can be a hardship for homeowners. By anticipating future expenses and proactively saving for them, an HOA can ensure it has the funds necessary to handle major repairs or replacements of community assets like roofs, pavements, pools, and other amenities.

This foresight not only preserves the quality and value of the properties but also fosters trust and satisfaction among the residents.

How Are HOA Reserve Studies Conducted?

A typical reserve study involves two key components:

Physical Analysis

Perform a detailed inspection of the community’s common elements to determine their current condition and expected lifespan.

Financial Analysis

Focus on evaluating the HOA’s current reserve fund status and projecting future fund requirements. It includes estimating the cost of repairing or replacing each common element over time and determining a funding plan to meet these costs.

These analyses are generally performed by professional reserve study specialists with the expertise to assess the situation and provide realistic and practical financial recommendations.

The Impact on Long-Term Planning

Reserve studies aren’t just about financial forecasting; they’re vital to the long-term strategic planning of an HOA:

Maintaining Property Values

By ensuring funds are available for necessary repairs and upgrades, reserve studies help maintain or increase property values within the community.

Preventing Financial Strain

Adequate reserve funds reduce the likelihood of needing to levy special assessments or increase dues significantly to cover unexpected, or unexpectedly large, expenses.

Facilitating Informed Decision-Making

Reserve studies provide a roadmap for future expenditures, helping the HOA board make informed budgeting and long-term planning decisions.

Secure Your HOA’s Future | Partner with Goodwin & Company

For HOAs looking to conduct a reserve study or seeking guidance in long-term financial planning, partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced firm is crucial. Goodwin and Company stands out as a premier choice in this regard with our expertise in HOA management.

Goodwin & Company can provide comprehensive reserve study services, tailored financial planning, and strategic guidance to ensure your HOA is well-prepared for the future.

Take the first step towards financial stability and long-term success for your community. Contact Goodwin and Company today to learn how their reserve study services can benefit your HOA. Contact us to start planning your community’s secure and prosperous future today!

The Art of Homeowner Association Management

Homeowner Association Management (HOA) is a critical aspect of maintaining the harmony and functionality of residential communities. Whether you live in a cozy suburban neighborhood or a bustling urban high-rise, HOA policies play a pivotal role in ensuring that common areas are well-maintained, disputes are resolved, and the overall quality of life is upheld.

Let’s dive into the world of HOA policies and the significance of an association management company. We’ll also meet Goodwin and Company, a leading HOA management firm with offices in Dallas, Houston and Austin.

Understanding HOA Policies

HOA policies — also known as Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) — serve as the guiding framework for a community. These policies are meant to preserve property values, protect the rights of homeowners and maintain a cohesive living environment.

Specific rules and regulations may vary from one HOA to another, but there are some common elements to be aware of:

Architectural Guidelines

These guidelines dictate the aesthetics of the community, ensuring that any structural changes to individual homes meet certain criteria to maintain a cohesive look.

Maintenance and Landscaping

HOAs often outline responsibilities for the upkeep of common areas, including parks, roads and shared facilities. This can include regulations on landscaping, snow removal and more.

Assessment Fees

Homeowners are typically required to pay regular assessment fees, which go to fund the maintenance and management of the community.

Use of Common Areas

HOA may also have policies around common areas, such as pools, gyms and clubhouses. This can include maintenance and rental rules that

Dispute Resolution

Procedures for resolving conflicts within the community, such as noise complaints or disagreements over property boundaries, are usually detailed in the CC&Rs.

The Role of an Association Management Company

Homeowners Associations often find it challenging to manage the day-to-day operations of a community, which is where Association Management Companies (AMCs) come in. AMCs specialize in professional management services for HOAs, making life easier for both board members and residents.

Here’s how they do it:

Financial Management

AMCs handle the financial aspects of an HOA, including budgeting, accounting and collecting assessment fees. This ensures transparency and financial stability within the community.

Administrative Support

AMCs provide administrative support, including meeting coordination, document management and record-keeping. This ensures important records and communications are easily accessible to board members and residents.

Maintenance and Repairs

The AMC company oversees the maintenance and repair of common areas and facilities, ensuring that the community remains in top-notch condition.

Enforcement of HOA Policies

AMCs play a vital role in enforcing HOA policies. They send out violation notices, work with homeowners to address issues, and if necessary, impose fines or other penalties.

Expertise

With their experience and industry knowledge, AMCs can help HOAs navigate legal and compliance issues more effectively.

Goodwin and Company: Your Trusted Partner in HOA Management

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced association management company, Goodwin and Company is here to assist you. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Austin, we have a proven track record of providing top-notch HOA management services.

Goodwin and Company understands every community is unique and has different needs. We tailor our services to your HOA’s specific requirements. Here are just a few reasons we should be your first choice:

Local Expertise

With offices in major Texas cities, Goodwin and Company has an in-depth understanding of the local real estate market, regulations and community dynamics.

Proactive Approach

We take a proactive approach to managing HOAs, ensuring issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.

Experienced Team

Our team of experts brings a wealth of experience in HOA management, legal matters, and property maintenance.

Transparency

Goodwin and Company believes in transparent communication and financial management, providing homeowners and board members with access to crucial information.

Custom Solutions

We work closely with HOAs to develop tailored management plans that align with the community’s goals and values.

Goodwin and Company: Your Partner in Association Management

In conclusion, HOA policies are the bedrock of community living, helping to maintain property values and quality of life. However, effective HOA management is equally crucial to ensure that these policies are enforced and the community runs smoothly.

If you’re ready to enhance your community’s living experience and streamline the management of your HOA, don’t hesitate to contact Goodwin and Company today. Their experienced team is ready to assist you in achieving the vision you have for your residential community.

Remember, a well-managed HOA can make all the difference in creating a vibrant, harmonious, and thriving neighborhood. Don’t miss the opportunity to partner with Goodwin and Company for a brighter future for your community.

Insuring Home and Community: Why HOA Insurance Matters

Whether you’re a homeowner, a prospective buyer or simply curious about how HOAs and association management protect your community, we’d like to offer you a comprehensive understanding of HOA insurance. Before looking at the world of HOA insurance, let’s start with the basics:

A Homeowners’ Association (HOA) is formed by a community of homeowners in a particular residential development or neighborhood. An HOA’s primary purpose is to manage and govern the shared common areas and amenities of the community, like parks, swimming pools and clubhouses.

HOAs establish rules and regulations to maintain a certain quality of life in the community and ensure common areas are well-maintained. And that’s where HOA insurance comes in.

Understanding HOA Insurance

In the past, we’ve established the basics of what HOA insurance coverage is available. Let’s take a closer look at the risks of not having this protection and why your community should always make coverage a priority.

Not carrying proper HOA insurance can expose the association and homeowners to major financial risks. One major exposure is property damage to common areas or structures owned by the HOA. This could include damage to amenities like pools, clubhouses, or playgrounds. Without insurance, the HOA would have to pay costly repairs and rebuilding using homeowner dues or special assessments.

Another risk is liability claims. If someone is injured in a common area and sues the HOA, liability coverage helps pay for their damages. Without it, the HOA could face lawsuits and legal judgments worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.

This could lead to bankruptcy or the need for repeated special assessments on homeowners.

An HOA should also insure key personnel against theft and fraud. Without this, a dishonest board member or property manager could embezzle funds without recourse.

Insuring against cyber risks is also crucial these days. A data breach could expose homeowners’ personal information. HOA insurance provides protection in these scenarios.

Not carrying tailored HOA insurance coverage leaves the association and homeowners vulnerable to major losses ranging from property damage to liability lawsuits. It only takes one uncovered incident to financially devastate an HOA.

Benefits of HOA Insurance

Now that we’ve explored the risks of not having HOA insurance let’s take a closer look at the benefits it offers to the community and individual homeowners.

Cost-Sharing

HOA insurance spreads the financial risk across all homeowners within the community. This cost-sharing mechanism ensures that no single member is unfairly burdened with the expenses of repairing or replacing common areas.

Legal Protection

Liability coverage protects both the HOA and its members from potential lawsuits, which could otherwise lead to financial hardship for the association or its homeowners.

Peace of Mind

Knowing the community is adequately insured can provide homeowners with peace of mind, allowing them to focus on enjoying their homes and the amenities the HOA provides.

Attracting Buyers

A well-insured community is more attractive to potential buyers, which can help maintain property values and make it easier to sell within the community.

Maintenance and Repairs

HOA insurance ensures that common areas are promptly repaired or replaced in the event of damage, helping to preserve the overall aesthetics and functionality of the community.

Let Goodwin and Company Guide You Through

Whether you’re a homeowner or a prospective buyer, being aware of your HOA’s insurance coverage is crucial to responsible homeownership. Knowledge is power, and the realm of HOA insurance is no different.

HOA insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding both the community’s collective interests and homeowners’ individual investments. It provides peace of mind and financial protection and ensures the shared spaces and amenities we value are well-maintained. Reach out to Goodwin & Company for all your questions about HOAs, community services and more!

Foster Vendor Relationships with Clear Communication

Effective vendor management for any association relies on clear and transparent communication between community management, homeowners associations (HOAs) and their vendors. Establishing open channels of communication, setting clear expectations and fostering collaborative problem-solving are each essential for successful vendor relationships.

Let’s explore some practical tips and strategies to enhance communication and strengthen your vendor relationships. By implementing these practices, community associations can proactively address issues, minimize misunderstandings, and ensure that vendors align with their vision and goals.

Transparent Channels of Communication

Strong vendor relationships are crucial for seamless operation and successful projects. The foundation of these relationships lies in open and transparent communication channels.

Designate a Responsive Point of Contact

First, community associations should designate a reliable point of contact who can promptly address vendors’ inquiries, requests and issues. They’ll serve as a liaison between the association and its vendors, ensuring information flows smoothly, and you can tackle issues without delay.

Embrace Regular Meetings, In-Person or Digital

Scheduled meetings play a pivotal role in strengthening vendor relationships. Whether in-person or digital, they provide valuable opportunities to discuss ongoing projects, share updates, make decisions and address emerging issues collaboratively.

Practice Clear and Consistent Communication

Clear and consistent communication is the cornerstone of a successful vendor relationship. Keep all involved parties informed about project progress, timelines, and potential changes. If you already have a community texting thread within your association, creating a separate thread for vendors can help you stay in the loop on all maintenance and special projects. Transparency in communication builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Foster Transparency and Mutual Understanding

Transparency goes beyond sharing information: it means equally being open about goals, challenges and expectations. Encourage vendors to voice their concerns and be receptive to their input. Mutual understanding is the bedrock of any flourishing relationship.

Cultivate a Culture of Collaboration

Create and promote a culture of collaboration within the community association. Recognize the efforts of vendors and celebrate your successful projects together. Acknowledge the role of vendors as essential partners in achieving shared goals.

Setting Clear Expectations

Clear and well-defined expectations with vendors are essential for smooth operation and successful collaborations. When both parties understand their roles and responsibilities, you have alignment, fostering a harmonious working relationship.

Articulate Requirements, Standards and Timelines

The first step is to articulate your specific requirements, standards and timelines. Be detailed and comprehensive to avoid any ambiguity. Written agreements or contracts are invaluable tools to convey these expectations explicitly, leaving no room for misunderstandings.

Specify Deliverables and Performance Metrics

To ensure alignment, precisely define the deliverables you expect from your vendors. These can range from completed projects to regular reports outlining progress. Setting measurable performance metrics allows both parties to objectively track and evaluate their performance.

Address Unique Community-Related Considerations

Each community association has its unique characteristics and needs, and it’s crucial to communicate any specific considerations that may impact the vendor’s work. This could include adhering to noise restrictions, respecting cultural events, or working around peak hours to minimize disruptions.

Regularly Revisit and Reinforce Expectations

Setting expectations is not a one-time task — it requires periodic review and reinforcement. Regularly revisiting these expectations allows you and your vendors to address any evolving needs, challenges or improvements in the process.

Foster Open Communication and Flexibility

Maintaining clear expectations also entails open communication between the association and the vendor. Encouraging vendors to provide feedback and voice their concerns ensures we can address issues promptly, preventing potential misunderstandings or delays.

Collaborative Problem Solving

Effective communication is a catalyst for collaborative problem-solving. When we prioritize open dialogue and active listening, it creates an environment of mutual understanding. We can tackle challenges together and nurture the most innovative solutions.

Encourage Open Dialogue and Active Listening

Associations and vendors should both focus on a welcoming atmosphere where all parties feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns. Active listening means each stakeholder’s perspective is valued, fostering empathy and promoting a deeper understanding of the challenges at hand.

Promptly Address Issues with Respectful Communication

When issues arise, prompt and respectful communication is essential to prevent them from escalating. Associations and vendors should prioritize addressing concerns promptly, using a respectful tone in all interactions. Timely resolution prevents potential conflicts and demonstrates a commitment to working together in harmony.

Engage in Discussions about Potential Improvements

Look at communication as a platform for innovation and improvement. Encouraging vendors to share their expertise and ideas fosters true partnership. By nurturing this collaborative approach, you can identify improvement opportunities and implement them together.

Proactively Overcome Obstacles Together

Sharing concerns openly and brainstorming solutions, you work collaboratively on finding effective remedies. This proactive approach builds trust and strengthens the overall working relationship.

Utilizing Technology

Technology has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way we interact. By working with association management that goes above and beyond for results, you can harness the power of digital solutions. This means your association can foster seamless communication, efficient project management and enhanced collaboration.

Collaborative Project Management Platforms

The backbone of effective communication between associations and vendors, these versatile tools offer a centralized hub where all project-related information is accessible in real-time. From tracking project milestones to sharing crucial updates, these platforms streamline workflows, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Instant Connectivity

The right communication tools bridge geographical gaps and facilitate instant connectivity between associations and vendors. Whether through messaging apps, video conferencing or collaboration suites, these tools can enable prompt and efficient communication, fostering quick resolutions to queries and concerns.

Document Repositories for Easy Access

Shared repositories provide a secure and organized space for associations and vendors to store and access critical documents. From contracts to compliance guidelines, having a centralized repository ensures essential information is readily available to all stakeholders. This promotes transparency and accountability.

Real-time Information Sharing for Swift Progress Tracking

Associations and vendors can now effortlessly share real-time updates, progress reports, and status changes. This transparent information exchange enables stakeholders to track project developments promptly, reducing delays and ensuring timely completion.

Improved Accessibility for All Parties

Vendors, association members and property managers can access pertinent information remotely, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages participation and inclusivity.

Regular Performance Reviews

In the pursuit of excellence, regular performance reviews are vital communication checkpoints for associations and vendors.

Establish a Structured Evaluation Process

Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and goals ensures that both parties are aligned and aware of the benchmarks for success. Set clear expectations and performance criteria in collaboration with your vendors.

Incorporate Formal Assessments and Ongoing Feedback

A holistic approach to performance reviews combines both assessments and feedback. Regularly scheduled evaluations provide a comprehensive overview of vendor performance, while continuous feedback ensures timely course corrections and improvements.

Emphasize Achievements and Identify Areas for Improvement

Performance reviews are not solely for critiques but should also celebrate achievements. Recognizing and appreciating vendors’ contributions and successes bolster motivation and strengthen the association-vendor partnership. Performance reviews particularly provide an opportunity to identify areas for further growth and set actionable goals.

Address Concerns and Issues with Transparency and Fairness

Transparent and fair communication is paramount during performance reviews. Both associations and vendors should approach discussions openly, ensuring concerns and issues are addressed in a constructive manner. A non-confrontational environment fosters trust and promotes a shared commitment to resolving challenges together.

Foster a Continuous Improvement Mindset

By nurturing a culture of ongoing growth and development, associations and vendors commit to delivering exceptional services and driving positive change within the community.

Improve Your Relationships with Goodwin & Company

Looking to improve your vendor collaboration through effective communication? Contact Goodwin and Company today to see how our customized solutions can help organizations like yours to foster strong vendor relationships, streamline operations and drive success.

Goodwin & Company understands the importance of effective communication in vendor management. We provide comprehensive solutions that empower businesses to enhance their communication practices, leading to stronger vendor relationships and improved outcomes. Together, we can elevate your vendor management practices and empower your business for long-term growth.

How to Be an Effective Association Board Member

Joining a Community Association is a great way to create a sense of community and shared responsibility. Living in a community association also requires adherence to certain rules and guidelines to maintain harmony and avoid conflict.

As a Board member or manager of an association, it’s your duty to ensure your constituents live comfortably and happily in your community. This means getting these dos and don’ts right between everyone involved.

As seasoned association managers, our team has seen it all. Here are some of our biggest dos and don’ts to keep in mind when living in a community association and how a property management team like Goodwin & Company can make creating a harmonious association an attainable goal.

Rules and Regs

DO Familiarize yourself with the community association’s rules and regulations. As a Board member, you are a leader within your association. Get closely acquainted with your CC&Rs to help you stay in the know about when a member breaks a regulation and what you can do to peacefully guide them back in line with the needs of the community.

DON’T Ignore the rules as a Board member. Ignoring the community association’s rules and regulations can lead to conflict with your neighbors and can ultimately result in fines or legal action. Everyone involved has to do their part to create the best community possible. So, don’t let your decision-making power lead you astray from the rules you must govern.

Good Neighbors

DO your best to keep the peace between all members of your association. Keep noise levels down and avoid parking violations like cars left in front of homes without the homeowner’s permission.

Emphasize the importance of common courtesy and maybe even turn it into a game. How about creating a Neighbor of the Month award? This gives you the chance to reward those who go above and beyond to make the association an enjoyable living environment.

One of the best ways to keep the peace in your community is to take advantage of the portal that comes with your management team. Using your online communication tool, you can remind owners of their responsibilities as neighbors without officially calling anyone out. Everyone gets notified, and you now have documented proof that you’ve made an effort to stress local regulations if you do have to step in and take action.

DON’T let common areas go ill-maintained. Common areas, such as community pools and parks, are shared by all community members. Be respectful of these areas, ensure all owners and guests use them appropriately, and keep the grounds clean.

As a management bonus, reach out to your association management team to connect with reliable vendors that can maintain your common areas and keep your team

Personal Space

DO Hold owners responsible for property maintenance. Your association is an exclusive community. So, you want to ensure your owners take pride in their property and keep the exteriors well-maintained and in line with uniformity standards.

This includes keeping yards tidy and free of debris and ensuring that any exterior changes made to a property comply with the community association’s guidelines.

Helping owners maintain responsibility for their home’s appearance lets your association remain attractive and inviting. This will lead to retaining your current owners and reeling in new, reliable members that want a beautiful place to call home.

DON’T Let association beautification fall to the wayside. You expect your owners to maintain their home’s exterior. So, make every effort to arrange regular inspections of your property and the utilization of reliable local vendors. Failure to do so can quickly lead to small problems getting out of hand and essential attractors like your landscape becoming an eyesore that drives potential owners away.

Trust in Goodwin & Company to Improve Your Association

Looking to maintain a safe and harmonious living environment in your community association? Goodwin & Company can help! By following these dos and don’ts, you can contribute to the well-being of your community association and make it a wonderful place to call home. Contact Goodwin & Company today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving a thriving community association.

HOA Management Tips for Planning an Annual Budget

An annual HOA budget helps an association determine how much to charge owners for their annual dues and how much money is available to complete projects and cover emergency situations throughout the year.

Your association’s annual budget is likely something that adjusts from year to year. So, taking some time to plan out your community’s finances is essential.

While this task may seem daunting to the average board member; the help of your association management team and their financial connections can quickly bring together a workable budget.

Here are a few of our top tips for approaching annual budgets and ensuring that your association is in a position to succeed in its coming year.

Have the Right Team on the Job

When planning a budget, there has to be a specific group of people on the project. This task force will be solely dedicated to planning the community’s budget. This budgeting team that will lead your association to success should include:

Board members
The Board President
The Board Treasurer
Finance and budget committee leads

Reserve Time for a Budget Session

Planning out your association’s budget isn’t something that your board can add to its next scheduled board meeting. This process is going to take time and should have 100 percent attention devoted to its completion.

Make sure that the task force in charge of organizing the budget reserves a specific time to discuss the budget and build it out for the good of the community.

Examine the Actual Expenses From the Last Year

It’s always important to look back on the previous year when looking ahead at the next. The actual expenses that your association accumulated paint an accurate picture of what you can expect for your next budget.

From vendor charges to insurance premiums, the receipts your board has saved over the last year can help you start to determine what it’s going to cost to keep your association fruitful.

Looking back on the last year and prior year’s dues delinquency trends can also help your team predict how much money needs to be set aside to ensure that the community’s needs are met while your management team actively pursues cash owed to the association.

Line Up the Next Year’s Major Projects

Every association has a lineup of projects and maintenance needs to complete throughout the year. Take a moment to prioritize the projects that must be finished by year’s end and plan out the estimated costs of each.

If a project requires the use of a vendor, reach out to them and send requests for proposals. You want to make sure that this aspect of your budget is precisely planned out so that your community can afford to keep up its property value with annual improvements and repairs.

Make Sure Your Budget Has Planned for the Unexpected

Whether this year brings in an influx of unexpected dues delinquencies or your community faces extensive repairs after a natural disaster, your budget must always have a cushion to protect your community from the unexpected.

Your HOA management’s financial team can help you review your past year’s spending and determine how much money your association can set aside for emergencies. In most cases, if your association has been managed wisely, the funds are there, the trick is merely knowing where to allocate them.

Budget Your Association for Success With Goodwin & Company

If you are an association board member that knows your community needs help building a budget, let the experts of Goodwin & Company show your community ways to save money.

We are one of Dallas’ leading HOA management companies and have provided the highest quality of service to our clients since 1991. From budgeting to community outreach, we are ready to help you excel.

What are the Top 6 Benefits of Living in an HOA

When many people think about living in an HOA, concerns about restrictive covenants and regular dues come to mind. While these features of an association can seem daunting to outsiders, the truth is that they bring a lot of benefits to owners that do invest in HOA-managed properties.

Here’s a look at the top 6 benefits that owners gain when they choose to live within a planned community.

1. You Earn a True Sense of Community

Simply put, an association makes meeting people and making friends a lot easier. From community meetings to social media pages and regular events, there is always something to look forward to when you’re living in an HOA.

The potential for social interaction increases the sense of community and allows people to form strong relationships that uplift the overall culture of the association.

2. Your Property Value Remains High

Yes, your HOA is going to have a strict policy about what you can and cannot do to the exterior of your home. Keep in mind, however, that these policies aren’t in place to punish owners.

Your association was created with a specific look in mind, and uniformity is essential for keeping up overall property values in the area. While you may be able to ensure that your home always looks tidy, you can’t guarantee that your neighbors will do the same.

An HOA helps ensure that your neighborhood stays beautiful and that your investment as a homeowner is one that will eventually pay off if you decide to move.

3. Sometimes, Utilities Are Inclusive

One of the biggest benefits of living in an HOA is the perks that you wouldn’t get from a regular suburb. While many HOAs come with amenities like swimming pools and community centers (more on that later), some communities even take amenities a step further.

You’ll have to ask your association before signing on, but some communities even include utilities like water, gas, and trash collection in your regular dues. While you’re still paying for these services, this benefit definitely helps alleviate some of the stress that comes with keeping track of the bills.

4. Regulations Mitigate the “Bad Neighbor” Problem

As much as we hate to admit it, we’ve all had that neighbor that just irks us. From overgrown and unkempt lawns to mountains of cars pouring out of their driveways, a “bad neighbor” can really put a damper on how much you love your home.

Fortunately, with regulations involved in an HOA, you’ll have fewer surface issues to worry about with your neighbors and can truly focus on bettering your own property.

5. Beautiful Amenities

It’s been said that amenities can make an HOA worth living in; and the team at Goodwin & Company is supportive of that statement. HOAs amenities like community centers, swimming pools, and parks, all serve as great places to spend quality time with your friends and family.

Access via an HOA usually provides a safer and more convenient option for families who would otherwise have to leave their neighborhood to experience these amenities.

6. Goodwinlent Property Management

While this perk doesn’t apply to all associations, HOAs with an excellent association management team will usually have property management services built into their annual or monthly fees.

This means that in some associations, an HOA will hire professional vendors to keep up with all exterior beautification of the neighborhood, including the owner’s front yards. So, when you shop around to live in an association, it’s always a great idea to find out if your dues will buy you some extra time to relax and worry less about the state of your landscaping.

Ensure Your HOA Gains These Benefits with Goodwin & Company

If you know that your HOA could use some help with management, it’s time to look into professional aid from an association management team.

At Goodwin & Company, we help make the “HOA magic” happen for all of the communities we serve. Our services include due collection assistance, online portal management, vendor management, and any other association responsibilities that arise.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and about how your association can become a part of the Goodwin family.

How to Plan for Exterior Alterations in an HOA

Spring is in full swing in Dallas, and after the harsh freeze that rounded out our winter, it’s no surprise that many owners plan on making some exterior improvements while the weather is warm.

While exterior renovations are always a great way to start off the spring season, if you are an owner in an HOA, completing a project isn’t as easy as a split decision and getting started. With most renovations or exterior alterations, an application with plans must be submitted to your Association’s committee and approved *prior* to work starting.

Items That Require Approval

Although removing exterior walls and replacing a major feature like a fence may be an obvious need to retain uniformity, many homeowners are surprised at how many exterior renovations actually require an ACC request and board approval.

Common projects which require ACC approval include:

Painting your home (even in a uniform color)
Roof replacement
Removal and replacement of landscaping
New gutters
New trim
A new front door
Pergola installation
Patio build
Pool construction

The general rule of thumb is to submit a request to the committee for any exterior modification. If an owner performs any of these renovations without committee approval, not only will their work need to be halted and redone at their own expense, but they could face significant fines for failing to submit an ACC request.

“Isn’t the Land My Land?”

This is a common answer that many owners in an HOA ask when they face submitting an ACC request.

While homeowners own the actual home or unit in which they reside, the HOA is tasked with maintaining the overall aesthetic of the community. Buying a home in an HOA means that the homeowner agrees to comply with all regulations set forth by the HOA for the betterment of all homes and units within the community.

What is an ACC Request?

An association’s Architectural Control Committee is responsible for reviewing all architectural project requests. Your neighborhood committee reviews the Association’s rules and ensures that every project that gets approved keeps the property uniform and within the association’s regulations.

Typically an ACC request covers the significant details of the project, including the following:

What exactly your project entails
The estimated timeline of the project
Who is conducting the work

Fortunately, with community amenities like online portals, submitting an ACC request is as simple as the click of a button. All owners have to do is sign into their account, fill out their request, and await the ACC’s swift response.

What Happens After a Request Submission?

Typically, the ACC has between 30 and 60 days to respond to a request (exact timelines vary from community to community). Once a decision has been made, you will be notified and receive a letter indicating the verdict for your records. If the request is denied, the owner can always fix any potential issues with the project and submit a new ACC request.

Keep Your Board Ready for Project Approvals with Goodwin & Company

If you are a member of your HOA board or local ACC, you may eventually need some third-party help with reviewing and managing incoming project submissions. At Goodwin & Company, our team has perfected the art of helping our clients make the right decisions when it comes to uniform exterior renovations within the community.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming a partner with our association management team and how we’ve helped out communities like yours in the past.