Dave Orr is the current CEO of CAMS (Community Association Management Services). He has worked in the housing industry in various capacities since the late 1990s, holding high-level positions such as senior vice president and pres
Serving on a homeowner’s association (HOA) or property owners association (POA) board is a meaningful way to support your community, but it also comes with a wide range of responsibilities. From finances and legal
When you're responsible for governing a homeowner’s association (HOA), one of the most important duties you carry is protecting the association from risk. While many boards focus on daily operations such as maintenance, meetings, and budget
Serving on the board of your homeowner’s association (HOA) is a meaningful way to support your community. At the same time, it comes with some serious responsibilities. Among those is the concept of fiduciary duty. Understanding (and living up
Choosing a new HOA management company is no small task. The right partner will help your community thrive by managing the details efficiently and supporting your board every step of the way. Interviewing potential companies is the best way to underst
As the seasons change, so do the maintenance needs of your homeowner’s association (HOA). Fall is one of the most important times of year to get ahead on upkeep. Preparing now not only helps protect your community from costly winter damage and
Annual meetings may not be heralded with flashing lights and a red carpet (unless you really want to get fancy), but in the world of homeowner's associations (HOAs), they’re the event of the year! These meetings are
Serving on a homeowner’s association (HOA) board should be about collaboration, transparency, and working toward what’s best for the community. But sometimes, a board member goes rogue—pushing their own agenda, making unilateral dec
Being on a homeowner's association (HOA) board of directors comes with a lot of responsibilities—some big, some small, and some that only pop up once in a blue moon (or a big storm). That’s where your reserve fund comes in. Think of i
The peak of Atlantic hurricane season is early September, and if you live in the Carolinas, you know hurricanes don’t just hit the coast. As we’ve seen over the past year, inland areas can experience high winds, flooding, and property dam
Creating an annual budget is one of the most critical responsibilities of a homeowner's association (HOA) board. A well-prepared budget ensures your community runs smoothly, maintenance is prioritized, and funds are available for future needs. Wh
Whether it's your homeowner’s association’s (HOA’s) annual or board meeting, every meeting plays a vital role in shaping your community. Decisions made during these gatherings affect everything from budgets and landscaping to ru
Selecting the right service provider for your homeowner’s association’s (HOA’s) maintenance and improvement projects is an important responsibility. The wrong choice can potentially lead to poor workmanship, legal issues, and unhapp
Let’s face it: in today’s world, if it’s not online, did it even happen? Social media can be a fantastic tool for homeowner’s association (HOA) boards to connect with residents, share important updates, and showcase the commun
If you're serving on your homeowner’s association (HOA) or condominium board, you’re probably working with a community management company and manager or will soon. But what exactly do they do? Are they part-time magicians? Rule-makers
If you're serving on your homeowner’s association (HOA) board, you've probably found yourself wondering: What do we do when someone just... stops paying their dues? That’s where a solid collections policy comes into play. A
There’s nothing quite like a community pool in the summertime. It’s where kids learn to swim, neighbors catch up (or try to avoid each other politely behind sunglasses, whatever works for you), and long days end with a refreshing dip. But
Serving on your homeowner’s association (HOA) board is a great way to impact your community positively. However, before you throw your hat in the ring, it's important to understand the responsibilities, requirements, and expectations of the
As a homeowner’s association (HOA) board member, you play a crucial role in maintaining your community's financial health and long-term sustainability. For communities with common areas and capital assets that are the association's resp
Though it’s hard to believe due to the frigid conditions we’ve been experiencing in the Carolinas, spring is just one month away. Spring brings renewal and growth, making it the perfect time for homeowner's associations (HOAs) to perf
Serving on a homeowner’s association (HOA) board is no small task. Board members juggle various responsibilities, from financial oversight to community leadership. To be effective and maintain harmony in your community, it’s vital to unde
Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs) have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Why? HOAs often handle large amounts of money but may use less stringent security measures. This makes them an appealing opportunity for cybercriminals who exploit vu
A new year offers homeowner’s association (HOA) board members an excellent opportunity to reflect on past achievements and set meaningful goals for the future. By adopting proactive strategies and focusing on key resolutions, your board can imp
Creating a strong sense of community in your homeowners’ association (HOA) is essential for fostering trust, encouraging involvement, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. As a board member, you have the tools and influence to build
As the holiday season approaches, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have an opportunity to foster a festive and harmonious environment. With careful planning and clear communication, board members can ensure that all residents enjoy the season wh
If you're interested in getting more involved with your community, becoming a board member of your Homeowner's Association (HOA) can be a rewarding opportunity. Volunteers are always needed, and it benefits the association when community memb
Technological advancements in the community management industry continue to simplify processes and improve efficiency. One of the most important advancements that offers huge homeowner convenience is the option to conduct elections electronically. Wh
Serving as a board member of a Homeowner's Association (HOA) is a role that carries great responsibility. You are entrusted with the community's well-being, both in terms of its physical upkeep and financial stability. To effectively manage t
Community association board members fulfill a critical role within their communities. Entrusted with the decision-making and overall governance of the homeowner’s association (HOA), these volunteers are expected to act in the best interest of a
Participation in meetings and decision-making processes is vital for the smooth functioning of a community association. However, homeowners cannot always attend these meetings in person. This is where the concept of proxy voting becomes essential. Un
Annual meetings are the cornerstone of effective community management for homeowners' associations (HOAs) and condominium communities. As a board member, you play an essential role in ensuring these meetings are not only well-attended but also pr
Effective budgeting is the cornerstone of a well-managed homeowners' association (HOA). As board members, your role in overseeing the financial health of your community is crucial. However, annual budgeting for a community association can be comp
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a significant piece of legislation that aims to combat illicit activities such as fraud, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism. Enacted in 2021, the CTA mandates that (almost all) Homeowners Ass
As a homeowner’s association (HOA) board member, protecting your personal information and your community's sensitive data is crucial. In today's digital world, implementing strong internet security practices is vital to protect against
Homeowner’s association (HOA) boards are critical to the success of their communities, ensuring they are safe, well-maintained, and harmonious. However, well-intentioned volunteers new to serving on a community association board of directors ma
Maintaining order and fairness in meetings is crucial when managing a homeowner's association (HOA). Robert’s Rules of Order provides a structured framework to ensure that all board members have a voice and that decisions are made efficient
Selecting the right service providers on behalf of the association is a critical responsibility for HOA board members. This process impacts the quality of services provided to the community and reflects on the board’s ability to manage communit
Becoming a new board member of a Homeowners Association (HOA) board is both an honor and a responsibility. As a board member, you're entrusted with the stewardship of your community, ensuring its smooth operation and the well-being of its members
Living in a homeowner’s association (HOA) community offers numerous benefits, from shared amenities to a sense of belonging. However, truly maximizing this experience requires more than just residing in the community. By actively engaging with
If you're part of a community association board, you will become familiar with Architectural Control – the process for reviewing and approving additions or exterior modification requests for homes within the community. Whether th
As the winter chill begins to fade away, it's time for HOA communities to gear up for the vibrant seasons of spring and summer. Ensuring your community is prepared for the warmer months involves a checklist of essential tasks to enhance safety, m
In the realm of community management, one of the pivotal aspects often overlooked until it becomes a pressing issue is the collections process. Community association board members serve as stewards of the community's financial well-being, necessi
Homeowners' Association (HOA) community managers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning and upkeep of residential communities. Often misunderstood, their duties encompass various responsibilities, ranging from administrative tasks t
In the world of Homeowners Associations (HOAs), the need for accurate financial management is paramount. Some HOA boards, in an attempt to handle their finances internally, often find themselves facing various challenges that could be easily mitigate
As we usher in a new year, it's the perfect time for Homeowners' Association (HOA) board members to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. Adopting strategic resolutions can pave the way for a more efficient, harmonious, and well-m
The desire for a sense of belonging and connection with neighbors is universal. Homeowners Association (HOA) living provides a perfect ecosystem for creating an environment that can generate a sense of community, enhance the quality of life, and, by
Homeowner’s associations (HOAs) are crucial in fostering a sense of community and maintaining property values. As the holiday season approaches, board members must strike a balance between promoting festive cheer and upholding the guidelines i
As the leaves change color and the temperature begins dropping, fall presents an excellent opportunity for community associations to prepare their neighborhoods for winter weather. From common areas to landscaping and amenities, there are several tas
Community associations are often the subject of various misconceptions. Some may perceive them as bureaucratic and overbearing. However, these perceptions disregard the underlying reasons for associations and overlook living in a community associatio
In the realm of community association living, a growing trend is transforming residential landscapes, making neighborhoods more vibrant and connected than ever before. It's called lifestyle programming and is not exclusively for 55+ communities a
Community association meetings are pivotal in fostering communication and decision-making among residents and board members. These gatherings, however, are not immune to common problems that can hinder their effectiveness and efficiency. This article
Community associations play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in their respective communities. At the heart of every community association is its board of directors, comprised of dedicated individuals who serve in various
As community association board members serve as the governing body of neighborhoods, preserving their vitality and protecting their assets becomes a collective responsibility. In the realm of safeguarding, a vital practice is the annual review o
Living in a community association entails adhering to a set of governing documents that guide residents, maintain order, and protect property values. These documents exist within a hierarchical structure, each serving a specific purpose and establish
Safety is a top priority for every homeowner's association (HOA), as it plays a crucial role in fostering a secure and harmonious living environment. By implementing effective safety measures, HOAs can not only protect residents and their propert
As a board member of a community association, it's crucial to regularly review important aspects of your association's operations to ensure its success and meet the needs of residents. In this blog post, we will discuss seven key areas that c
As we approach June, it's time for community association board members on the east coast to begin preparing for the Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricanes can be incredibly destructive, so association leaders must do all they can to protect their
Have you volunteered to sit on your community’s board of directors? If so, chances are you understand how exhausting meetings can get. Nevertheless, meetings are necessary to take care of the association’s business. Fortunately, solutions
Forming an emergency plan is essential for all community associations. Having a comprehensive plan will keep you ahead of the curve and allow board members to rest assured that all aspects of the association are prepared should the worst occur. In th
Communication is key in any successful relationship, including communicating with your homeowners’ association (HOA) management company. Keeping open lines of communication between all parties involved can help ensure that the necessary tasks a
As a board member of your homeowner’s association (HOA), you want to ensure that the financial decisions made on the community’s behalf are secure and efficient. Working with Community Association Management Services’ (CAMS) partner
If you're a board member of a community association, it's important that you familiarize yourself with and follow Robert’s Rules of Order. This article will give you some background information on the rules and how they relat
Your home is your castle, and each homeowner’s goal is ultimately to live in harmony and to be confident that your largest investment will maintain its value. Buyers seek out well-maintained and worry-free communities, which are made
Do you ever find yourself wondering how your community association (sometimes called homeowner’s association or HOA) works? Who makes the decisions about what happens in your community? The answer is the board of directors. The board is a grou
Everyone is feeling the effects of higher inflation these days, and community associations are no exception. Everything seems to be getting more expensive, from increases in utility bills to the price of goods and services. But there are ways board
If you've ordered anything online recently, you've probably noticed it has taken a bit longer to arrive than usual (what happened to Amazon's two-day delivery guarantee?). Many factors have contributed to this, not least the worker short
