HOA "Injustice"

There are many articles floating around on the internet that speak of the “injustices” that occur within homeowner associations.  Many homeowners feel that they do not have to answer to the association’s governing board, viewing the board as a group of bullies that trample on the rights of homeowners.  However, these homeowners forget that by living in a HOA community, they are agreeing to abide by the governing documents that apply to everyone living within the community.  These bylaws and governing documents try to serve the greater good that would benefit everyone in the most optimal way.  That does not mean that the board of directors will always make the right decision; they are also human beings and make mistakes.  It is not easy for anyone to exercise judgment over their neighbors. 

Homeowners may not always have their way in inevitable issues that turn up in HOA communities, but when the decisions they make about their property affect the home values or other costs of those who follow all the rules, who is really the victim?  A lawsuit between a homeowner and an association where the homeowner wins will likely result in an increased cost for everyone in the community as the association tries to pay for attorney fees.  When one person wins and everyone else in the community loses, is that really justice?

To read more about this topic, click on the following link:

http://constructionlawva.com/big-bad-hoa-not-actually-so-big-definitely-not-so-bad/

Columbia County Georgian Hot Spot for Retirees

As more retirees move into homes in Columbia County, Georgia, residents are pushing for the creation of a large scale active adult community.  Studies also indicated a steady 20 year growth in residents between the ages of 55-64 with continued growth in the future.  The area is also ranked in the top ten most affordable places to live.  Locals predict that the number of potential buyers will eventually attract the attention of Del Webb or other big builders. 

For more information, click here: http://newstimes.augusta.com/news/2013-03-20/study-indicates-county-poised-for-growth-in-retirees

Carolina Arbors

We are proud to announce that construction is under way in Carolina Arbors, a Del Webb community that will be managed by LandArc.  Residents will begin moving into the first completed homes early this summer.  When completed, there will be 1280 units.  LandArc offers a unique approach specialized towards managing active adult communities.   Our portfolio includes sites in Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina. 

We are striving to raise brand awareness. If you know someone who is the board member of an active adult community, please let them know about the services offered by LandArc.  Or, if you are a board member from an active adult community click on the following link to see how we can improve your active lifestyle: http://landarc.com/Portals/0/lapromo/01.html

Del Webb Home Supremacy

Del Webb is committed to constructing premier homes.  Through experience gathered through the construction of more than 50 active adult communities, Del Webb is prepared to offer a new standard in home environmental efficiency.  Whether it involves electrical wiring or the external architecture of a home in an active adult community, Del Webb is prepared to offer among the best quality available.

To find out more, click on the following link: http://www.delwebb.com/why-delwebb/home-quality.aspx.

Routine Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Simple tasks performed at regular intervals throughout the year can make or break a homeowner association.  We have included a checklist containing routine preventive maintenance focal points, which has been taken from this website. (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/111478)

Here are some things to keep in mind for routine preventive maintenance:

·         Roof:

o   Look for wear in asphalt shingles

o   Look for damage in clay tiles

o   Slate, while more durable, needs occasional inspection to look for damage.

o   Look for Corrosion in metal

o   Look for air circulation in wood shingles.

o   Look for leaks in built-up roofs/membrane roofs.

·         Roofing Elements:

o   Look for projections that may cause leaks.  Example of branches, loose joints, etc.

o   Look for corrosion caused by Galvanic Action, such as ferrous metals touching dissimilar metals.

o   Look for damaged cornice.

o   Inspect the underside of the roof for projection, including the eaves.

o   Inspect flashing for damage.  Flashing is installed on every protrusion through the roof and every joint where the vertical edge intersects with the roof.

o   Inspect gutters and leaders for clogged ice or other materials.

·         Exterior Wall Material:

o   Inspect mason and mortar for loose joints, stains, wet spots in the walls.

o   Look for loose stucco or plaster.

o   Inspect siding, shingles, and sheathing for damage (broken/missing boards, rotted or missing members, or signs of veins of dirt that indicate termite tunnels.

·         Exterior Finishes:

o   Inspect paint for cracks, damage.

o   Inspect any ornamental elements including cast iron and stone/terra cotta.

·         Fenestration (doors and windows):

o   Inspect doors for proper alignment and for any signs of deterioration.

o   Inspect windows for strength in joints and structural support.

·         Exterior Ceilings/Decks

o   Inspect porches for damage as a result of poor drainage.

o   Check wooden supports for damage.

o   Check for any insect infestations.

·         Grounds

o   Check for cracks/damage in driveways and sidewalks.

o   Check for leaks in window wells.

o   Inspect any storm drains.

o   Inspect retaining walls for damage.

o   Check for proper draining around foundations

o   Inspect landscaping for dead bushes, diseased plants

·         Interior Inspection

o   Load bearing masonry wall.

§  Check for cracks, damage.

o   Check caste in place concrete walls for

§  Settlement.

§  Cracks.

§  Other damage.

o   Inspect wood joists and beams.

o   Inspect steel beams, concrete decks for sloping or other degradation.

o   Inspect

§  Concrete floors

§  Wood floors

§  Carpet

§  Ceramic tiles

§  Interior walls/Finishes

§  Ceiling finishes

§  Fireplaces

§  Interior decorative masonry

§  Metal surfaces

§  Stairs

§  Interior doors/windows wood trim

§  Kitchen cabinets/counters

·         Mechanical/Electrical:

o   Make sure there is sufficient power to run all appliances.

o   Look for any deterioration in plumbing/mechanical systems.

·         Attic:

o   Look for condensation that might cause damage.

For more information about routine preventive maintenance, click on the following link: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/111478

Del Webb Museum

The national active adult community developer, Del Webb, has created a museum to display the history of their very first community.  This Sun City Community museum describes how a community designed only for retirees succeeded at a time when very few thought it would.   Fifty three years later, Del Webb communities have spread all throughout the country, providing the active adult lifestyle to many retirees who are not all that tired yet.  To find out more about the Del Webb Sun City museum, click on the following link: 

http://arizona.newszap.com/westvalley/120592-114/del-webb-sun-cities-museum-where-history-comes-alive.

Del Webb Communities Recognized

Del Webb has had eight of their communities named among the top fifty places to retire in the United States.  As a strong leader in active adult communities, Del Webb has developed more than 50 active adult communities.  These communities include: Sun City Anthem, Sun City Festival, Sun City Shadow Hills, Del Webb Anthem Ranch, Del Webb Stone Creek and Sun City Peachtree.  To read more about Del Webb, click on the following link: http://www.delwebb.com/newsfeed/story.aspx?newsid=800531261.

Governing Board Duties Increasing

As many cities, including Detroit, experience financial difficulties, some homeowner associations have assumed control of various duties for the associations they serve.  The nature of HOA communities has shifted to include property maintenance, trash collection, and other duties that were once performed by local governments.  As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult for board members of HOA communities to take care of the day-to-day operational tasks of managing the communities they represent.  According to USA Today, 75%-85% of HOA communities perform their day-to-day activities with the assistance of an experienced property management company, while the other 15%-25% are still self managed.  

As the residual effects of the housing crises continue, governing board members of HOAs are required to take on more and more responsibilities.  This ranges from daily operations like dealing with contractors, bookkeeping duties like paying invoices, and collecting delinquent association fees from fellow members  These tasks can prove to be daunting without the assistance of a professional management company, such as LandArc.

Click on the following link to read more:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/03/03/hoas-pick-up-duties-left-by-struggling-cities/1960671/

Coyote Information

Southeast Michigan is having a growing problem with coyotes in neighborhoods.  This can be a problem when homeowners have small pets or young children. While coyotes rarely attack humans, all animals can behave in unexpected ways if they feel threatened. We have prepared some tips from the DNR for dealing with any coyotes that might be present in your neighborhood:

• Never approach or touch a coyote
• Never intentionally feed a coyote
• Eliminate all outside food sources, especially pet foods and bird feeders
• Put garbage out the morning of pickup day
• Clear out wood and brush piles; they are good habitat for rats and mice and may attract coyotes
• Do not allow pets to roam free when coyotes are present - consider keeping pets indoors or accompany them outside, especially at night
• If you see a coyote, yell, clap your hands, bang pots and pans, in general make a lot of noise to scare away the coyote and let it know that this is your space and you don’t want it there. By making yourself seem scary and threatening the coyote should retain its fear of people and easily scare away, this may not work if the coyote is being fed or if there are food sources like pet food or bird feeders in the area.

For more information about coyotes, please visit the following link:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_12145_12205-60378--,00.html.

Homeowners Identities Stolen

Thousands of homeowners served by a Florida Management Company have had their identities stolen.  This was because a computer server was stolen during a break-in.  The management company runs six associations in the Osceola Florida area.  There were no signs of forced entry, which indicated the thief may have had a key. 

LandArc has strict security measures and system redundancies to ensure that our information is always safe and secure.

For more information about the Florida Management company break-in, click here.