If you are a member of a planned community or an HOA, the following information may be of interest to you. Often a professional property management company manages a Homeowner Association. If that is the case, it is always wise prior to entering into a contract, for property owners to do some research on the company, ask specific questions concerning their fees and what services they provide. Always ask for references and follow through on researching the company's performance - after all, they are managing your money and helping maintain your lifestyle.
For owners who wish to manage their own HOA, there are a number of helpful books on Planned Communities and Homeower Associations.
Some that you may wish to refer to are:
- The Official HOA Handbook Oregon (currently being updated; with new 2007 laws) produced and distributed by Northwest HOA Law Center: A. Richard Vial, Editor. Available from: http://vf-law.com/
- Homeowners Associations: A How-To-Guide for Leadership and Effective Participation by John Paul Hanna, John P. Hanna and Grace Morioka
- Robert's Rules of Order Revised, (10th Edition) by Henry M. Robert III, William J. Evans, Daniel H. Honemann and Thomas J. Balch
Additional links that are very informative and provide sources
for needed information are:
- http://www.vf-law.com/ Northwest HOA Law Center - Vial-Fortheringham LLP - Portland, OR. Provides information on educational HOA law forums.
- http://www.regenesis.net/ Homeowner Association management strategies and resources.
- http://realtytimes.com/ Realty Times (Search on HOA)
- http://www.communityassociations.net/ Community Associations Network
-
http://www.caionline.org/
Community Associates
Institute - $95.00 subscription
- 2007 HOA Legislation Changes: House Bill 2665 - go to www.vf-law.com for details.
Barker Martin, P. S. is a law firm specializing in contruction defects and homeowner associations; they conduct educational seminars: details about their offerings can be found at www.barkermartin.com/pdf/bend.pdf
