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Membership
SERVICES AND BENEFITS
The benefits provided by the California Association of Homeowners
Associations Inc. (also referred to as "California Association")
are numerous.
The most important benefit is derived from the strength that
has been created by the unity of our Associations.
The time has come when we have a voice in our communities
and in Sacramento and the strength of our combined associations
is now being used to our financial advantage.
The purpose of the California Association of Homeowners Associations
Inc. is to provide Community Associations, Condominiums and
Common Interest Developments,' Boards of Directors and homeowners
with complete, and comprehensive and professional information
pertaining to this industry. We assist Boards of Directors
with solutions to association problems which they may not
be able to provide for themselves. It 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:
Costs of insurance, utilities, maintenance and other budget
items continue to increase; over the past few years there
has been 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
associations continue to get older which in turn requires
more maintenance and additional costs. 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 Inc.
provides 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 study, we have gathered a vast wealth of
information. We have become the center 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 site is hit an average of 1400 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 proper information
is provided to those that need it, the industry benefits,
property values increase and homeowners can enjoy their homes.
Our services are still developing, but we have come a long
way, 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 provide group rates.
Insurance for example, one of the most expensive budget line
items, has been examined and reviewed for content and 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 to days 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 at affordable prices is being created for
items such as CC&Rs, Bylaws, Rules & Regulations or
collection of dues. HOA responsibility vs. homeowner responsibility,
how to legally deal with difficult homeowners, coping with
vendors, foreclosure information and insurance claims is also
be reviewed.
! LEGISLATIVE INFLUENCE
The strength of the California Association has provided representation
and influence on a 'State of California' level enacting legislation
that will benefit all community homeowners. The California
Association has become involved in legislation that will help
to standardize community living on a higher plane, define
Association responsibilities from Homeowners responsibilities
and help professionalize community living.
Legislation is eminently needed in many other areas such
as building requirements, standards for preparing financial
reports and performing year end audits as well as property
taxes and reserve analysis. Regulations for Management Companies,
CPAs, Reserve Analysts and other service oriented organizations
would also greatly benefit this industry.
! 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 will be held periodically throughout the year to
accommodate new board members on subjects of finance, conducting
meetings, parliamentary procedure, and preparation of essential
records.
! GRIEVANCE ISSUES
The California Association will provide 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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