OBJECTIVE OF THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS INC.

HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION DATA & STATISTICS

WHAT IS OUR OBJECTIVE:

In California, there are an estimated 50,000 + HOA’s comprising condominiums, townhomes and single-family associations. 

According to some statistics:

• There are an estimated 50,000+ HOA’s in California.
• Roughly 14.07 million people live in HOA communities.
• Each HOA has an average 286 residents.
• 35.6% of the state’s population lives in HOA communities.
• 64.9% of homeowners are part of HOA’s.
• An estimated 4.68 million homes are part of HOA communities.
• Homeownership statewide is 54.9%.

Actually, no one really knows the magnitude of this industry, we can only be certain the industry is massive, it is enormous, it is growing, and it is here to stay. We also know that some associations are burdened and affected with incompetent managers and ineffectual Board Members. Oh yes, this is true – we talk to them every day.

We are concerned, however, that during the past recession the value of condominiums and townhomes decreased in value at a faster rate and recovered at a slower rate than other single-family homes and therefore, the loan on your property may be greater today than the appraised value.

NO LICENSE REQUIRED FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS:

Did you know that the State of California Department of Real Estate does not require property managers to obtain a license of any kind to management community property?

The California Association of Homeowners Associations is committed to correct these matters. We have sponsored legislation to address these issues and have assembled an impressive organization to accomplish our objectives. But we cannot succeed without your help. There is tremendous strength in numbers of the magnitude involved with this industry.

And we will assist in changing the concept of community living, we will increase the value of property and decrease expenses. United we will change communities for the benefit of all condominium and townhome owners.

SAVING MONEY – SOLVING PROBLEMS:

The California Association of Homeowners Associations Incorporated, can help homeowner associations in solving financial and other problems. By joining together and utilizing the strength of our great numbers, community associations can significantly reduce costs of major items. Items such as insurance, painting, roofing, slurry sealing and tree trimming, and other large ticket items. Moreover, vendors such as contractors, plumbers and electricians will offer discounts when providing services on a group basis. Work provided is often better performed when the vendor is aware the quality of service will be known to other homeowners. There are many functions performed by vendors that are common to most Homeowners Associations where group rates could result in substantial savings for Homeowner Associations.

INSURANCE:

The cost of HOA insurance has recently dramatically increased. We can help reduce this cost, hopefully, when associations adopt appropriate policies on an industry wide basis to manage their insurance coverage and work together to mitigate claims and losses. At the same time, we will also convey a message to primary insurance companies and reinsurance companies that there is enormous strength, order and direction in the community association industry that will affect future insurance rates and regulations at state and federal levels.

HOME FOR THE DURATION:

Problems affecting community associations, however, are not solely financial. Often problems that have financial consequences originate with other matters. For example, some associations may have financial problems because many of their owners consider their residence in a condominium or townhome as a temporary stay, the step between an apartment and a single-family home. Consequently, dues and reserves may be kept unreasonably low and may explain the lack of owner interest in being involved or participating in association’s decisions and business. Many owners may truly believe they will only reside in their condominium for two or three years, so why not defer the reserves, maintenance and other problems to someone else. Many of these same homeowners, however, often end up extending the intended short duration to many years. Moreover, many community associations may not have developed sound policies or practices for dealing with people problems, especially difficult people or major expense items.