August 29, 2023 Education
When unexpected expenses arise, leaving the HOA boards in a bind, they may turn to reserve funds as a solution. But can the HOA board borrow money from the reserves? And can they borrow money from the reserves without following a formal process? Discover the essential information you need to know to manage your HOA funds responsibly and safeguard your community's interests.
August 1, 2023 Education, Homeowner Tips
Homeowner's groups are very interested and worried about whether or not HOA board members can meet in secret. In this article, we'll discuss details of secret HOA board meetings and the legal and moral questions that need to be considered. Even though private talks can be helpful, keeping things open and following government agreements and local rules is important to protect the community's best interests. The short answer is YES but with a few exceptions.
July 10, 2023
Droughts, earthquakes, and wildfires have plagued Californians for decades. Insurance companies are cutting homeowner coverage due to the state's recent wildfire season. According to the 2020-2021 U.S. National and State Statistical Review, released by the Foundation for Community Association Research, this might affect 14 million Californians residing in over 49,000 community associations.
July 10, 2023 PrendivilleAgency.com Education, Safety
In 1994, the damages from the Northridge Earthquake set off a major property insurance crisis that threatened the Insurance and Real Estate market while simultaneously decimating the pocketbooks of many California consumers. Today, we face an even bigger crisis, triggered by wildfires and other weather-related claims. How we got here, the dynamics at play and what the future might hold can help us in dealing with this crisis.
April 1, 2023 Margo Crummack CEO/Principal Education
It’s easy to get confused about Bylaws and CC&Rs. They are both rules, so to speak, by which the HOA Board and Corporation of your community govern itself. But a clear difference is who the rules are governed for and how they are applied.
March 26, 2023 Patrick Prendiville, Prendiville Insurance Agency Homeowner Tips
Let’s face it. Reviewing your insurance does not rank high up on the list of pleasurable experiences. We get that. However, an insurance policy that does not cover you properly can be a considerable expense and sometimes a financial catastrophe. Add in to this equation an Association having a large or minor affect on the decision process of what to buy and there can be some confusion. Hopefully, this short list of considerations for condo unit owners, single family residence owners and landlords, will make the process easier.
March 15, 2023 Education
Joining a board can be a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact. Just as businesses invest in employee training to help them adjust to their new roles, associations should do the same for their board members. Board members need basic skills and knowledge to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. Providing HOA board member training for new members to have a thriving community is essential. By providing governance, finances, and risk management training, associations can help ensure that their boards are prepared to make informed decisions and effectively carry out their duties.
March 1, 2023 Education
Many homeowners' associations (HOAs) rely on their board of directors to keep the community running smoothly. Although these individuals are volunteers and not paid for their services, it is essential that they receive proper training to ensure they can fulfill their roles effectively. New members need to have the information and skills required from day one - here's a look at how to ensure that happens.
February 1, 2023 CH Site Administrator Education
HOA board meetings should be positive and productive and in most cases, conducted in two hours or less. Below are some tips for running an effective board meeting and get back on track toward achieving your mission.
January 31, 2023 Legislative Update
Homeowners associations (HOAs) and community management companies are expected to become more familiar with a new law in California, Civil Code §4739. This section of the civil code invalidates any association governing document provision that prohibits the rental of a “portion” of any separate interest lot or unit as long as the owner also occupies a portion of that lot or unit. To better understand California’s new law, here is a helpful explanation breaking down all aspects of the rental process.
January 17, 2023
There are a few strategies that HOAs can follow to mitigate these issues and keep communities thriving even as short-term rentals (STRs) become more popular.
November 4, 2022 Education
Creating a thriving community requires a great vision and an experienced community management team to bring it to life. That's why many home builders and developers partner with a professional community management team during the planning phase to ensure that the operational goals of the association are thoughtfully vetted and strategically planned to execute the builder's vision.
October 3, 2022 Education
One of the primary responsibilities of every homeowner’s association (HOA) is to manage the finances responsibly and efficiently; this is not limited to collecting dues and fees from residents and then using that money to improve the community. What should be included in managing the finances but is often not because it can be less clear is providing residents with a good return on their investment.
June 3, 2022 Education
The good news is that selecting the right community management company will make your job as an HOA Board Member a lot easier. On the other hand, there are a lot of property management companies to choose from, so finding the ideal fit for your community association will take some time.
March 14, 2022 Press Release, Crummack Huseby News, Community Spotlight
LAKE FOREST, Calif., Crummack Huseby Property Management Inc., a leading community association management company that provides management services to associations throughout Southern California, proudly announces they have been designated to manage The Metro Heights Community Association, a new 1200 unit luxury master community built by Toll Brothers and Lennar Homes in Montebello, CA.
May 7, 2021 Education, Homeowner Tips, Lifestyle
If the board of directors at your community association is considering hiring a community manager, it can be tough to establish which company is right for you. This process may seem confusing, but when it comes to hiring the right management company for your association, you should pay attention to the basics.
May 7, 2021 Education, Homeowner Tips, Lifestyle
Changing HOA management companies can be a stressful process but is often necessary. When an association management company engages in improper behavior or fails to see your association's vision, the board of directors should terminate the contract and go shopping for a new community manager.
October 9, 2019 Crummack Huseby News, Community Spotlight
Crummack Huseby is excited to announce that we have partnered with Lennar Homes for their brand new neighborhood in Tustin, called Levity at Tustin. Levity at Tustin, which had their grand opening on September 28th, is ideally situated in central Orange County, just minutes from Metrolink, the John Wayne Airport, several main interstates and highways, and major employment centers such as the Irvine Business Complex.
September 19, 2019 MARGO CRUMMACK, CCAM, PCAM CO-FOUNDER, CO-PRINCIPAL, CEO Education
Are you adequately meeting your operating expenses, or are you cutting corners to AVOID raising assessments? This is an important question to ask because the board of directors has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure they have adopted an efficient budget that will meet their actual operating expenses.
August 29, 2019 By Rachael Elizabeth Homeowner Tips, Lifestyle
Cleaning up and preserving your neighborhood goes beyond remembering to toss glass and plastic into a recycling bin. That's especially true in Southern California communities. When it comes to sustaining the planet, everyone must do their part.