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California Association of Homeowners Associations
SERVICES AND BENEFITS
The services and benefits provided by the “California
Association of Homeowners Associations” are numerous
and extensive. With membership, the California Association
of Homeowners Associations Inc. will review many of your association’s
records and documents and make suggestions and recommendations.
Upon request we will review your rules and regulations, budget
pro forma, reserve study, minutes of meetings, financial reports
(not an audit), collection policy and annual disclosure report.
We will make recommendations and suggestions as appropriate
and provide you with free consulting on specific matters.
These benefits not with standing, strength in unity is the
most important function this organization provides community
associations. Homeowners united and working together now have
a voice in their associations, communities, and cities and
in Sacramento. The strength of our combined associations is
now being used to our financial advantage while providing
solutions to the day to day issues and problems that confront
us.
The purpose of the California Association of Homeowners Associations
is to provide Community Associations, Condominiums and Common
Interest Developments,’ Boards of Directors and homeowners
with complete, comprehensive and professional information
pertaining to this industry. We are assisting Boards of Directors
with information and solutions to their problems which they
may not be able to provide for themselves. The “California
Association of Homeowners Associations” has been organized
to strengthen the real estate investment of our members, establish
distinguished professional standards and codes of ethics dedicated
to: "Strength In Unity, and the Value and Enjoyment of
Property", and provide a "Standard of Professionalism"
for Homeowners Associations, Management Companies and Boards
of Directors.
The needs of "Community Associations" are unique:
cost of insurance, utilities, maintenance and other budget
items continue to increase. In recent years this has resulted
in a substantial increase in association dues. Dues go up,
costs go up, but for many associations, reserves are not able
to keep up with the demand and in the meantime, our community
associations continue to get older which in turn requires
more maintenance and additional costs and the cycle continues.
Conversely, many homeowners such as, those on fixed incomes,
first time buyers and homeowners concerned with selling their
units are interested in keeping dues as low as possible.
The California Association of Homeowners Associations provides
homeowners with many additional benefits and services for
its members. Community Associations’ needs are evaluated
on a daily basis. With members throughout California contacting
us and through our comprehensive research, we have gathered
a vast wealth of information. We are the foundation for collecting
important community association information and a resource
for providing solutions to association’s problems. We
distribute our information freely to all associations, homeowners,
property managers, local governments and to anyone that may
have a need for it. Our Internet Web Site is hit an average
of 18,000 times a day. Many e-mails and phone calls are received
daily. Board members and homeowners now have a place to discuss
their problems and seek answers to their questions. The industry
is changing and by providing appropriate information and keeping
Boards of Directors and homeowners informed, we are playing
a significant part in the direction it is headed. When appropriate,
accurate information is provided to those that need it, the
industry benefits, property values increase and homeowners
can enjoy their homes. Our services continue to expand and
the benefits we provide, in addition to those mentioned above,
include but are not limited to the following:
COST SAVINGS THROUGH STRENGTH IN NUMBERS AND UNITY
Community Associations can realize substantial savings
by using the strength of our vast numbers to obtain group
purchasing rates. Insurance for example, one of the most expensive
budget line items has been examined and reviewed for content.
Suggestions have been made to the insurance companies outlining
ways by which the insurance may be less expensive but not
sacrifice important coverage.
When associations combine their strength and knowledge, costs
for attorneys and other professionals can be greatly reduced
or perhaps, in certain cases, eliminated.
Selected vendors, with a proven record of service, who are
bonded, insured, and licensed are being registered with the
California Association to provide services at group volume
rates throughout California. There are many functions performed
by vendors that are common to most Homeowner Associations
where savings can easily be realized. cost savings for items
such as roofing, painting, security fences, gates, intercom
systems, plumbers, electricians, contractors, security patrol,
billing for dues accounting & finance, tree trimming and
landscaping etc.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
In today’s complex society legal council can be essential
to resolving complex association issues. Attorneys trained
and experienced in association matters is critical to achieving
the desired association results and can avoid costly litigation.
Legal assistance is available at affordable prices for items
such as CC&Rs, Bylaws, Rules & Regulations or collection
of dues. HOA responsibility vs. homeowner responsibility,
how to legally resolve difficult homeowner issues, coping
with vendors, foreclosure information and insurance claims.
LEGISLATIVE INFLUENCE
The strength of the California Association has provided representation
and influence at the “State of California” level
enacting legislation that will benefit all community homeowners.
The California Association has become involved in legislation
that will help standardize community living on a higher plane,
define Association responsibilities from Homeowners responsibilities
and help professionalize community living.
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL REPORTING
Financial planning and reporting is essential to
the success of any organization. There is an extraordinary
need to standardize and improve the accounting and financial
reporting of many community associations. The California Association
also provides financial consulting services for accounts receivable,
accounts payable, budget preparation, preparing and understanding
cash flow reports and reserve analysis studies to self managed
associations.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
The California Association has established a standard
by which to measure the qualifications, efficiency and effectiveness
of property managers.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
The California Association provides education and training
for Board Members and consultation for management companies.
Seminars are being scheduled throughout the year to accommodate
new board members on subjects of finance, conducting meetings,
parliamentary procedure, and preparation of essential records
et.
GRIEVANCE ISSUES
The California Association provides a forum to help
resolve problems between the association and homeowners or
management companies.
RULES & REGULATIONS
The California Association will provide guidelines
and standards for association "Rules & Regulations"
that will assist associations in preparing or updating their
Rules and Regulations.
SALES & REFINANCING
Lenders have often been critical of associations
because of the difficulty in obtaining necessary information
when trying to close an escrow. Escrow information will be
readily available to lenders upon request.
Your membership, support and suggestions will assist
us in providing the quality of service this industry deserves.
Destined to be the housing of the future, it is important
that the industry proved a solid foundation for future generations.
We appreciate your membership.
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