Homeowners associations (HOAs) are organizations responsible for maintaining a neighborhood’s common areas and establishing standards of conduct for the community. Although all HOAs share a common purpose, their level of activity and specific characteristics vary based on the community, governing documents, and applicable state and local laws.

HOAs are most commonly found in single-family, condominium, and townhouse communities, but they also exist in cooperatives and master-planned developments, often involving a mix of housing types. An HOA may be incorporated and hold direct ownership of the common property, or it may manage the property on behalf of a developer or another owner. If the HOA owns the property, it often contracts a management firm (like Advanced Realty) to oversee maintenance, and dues are paid to the firm on the association’s behalf.

The first step in understanding your HOA is determining if it is incorporated. If so, the Articles of Incorporation are usually the paramount governing document. While these articles establish the HOA’s existence, the specific operational details—including election procedures for the governing Board—are typically defined in the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) and the Bylaws. These documents clearly outline the Board’s independent authority, actions requiring homeowner approval, and the duties delegated to any third-party management firm.

The primary duties involve maintaining common property, which can include tasks like landscaping, snow removal, street repaving, and debris clean-up. The HOA may also oversee utility services such as trash collection, water, and sewer. For communities with shared amenities, management includes the upkeep of clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and similar facilities. Condominium residents often pay the HOA for structural and mechanical maintenance, such as elevator service.

The scope of the HOA’s activity is often determined by the size and complexity of its common areas. Beyond maintenance, the HOA is responsible for enforcing community regulations, such as rules concerning pets, exterior modifications, and architectural standards.

The exact scope of an HOA’s authority is detailed in its governing documents: the Articles of Incorporation, CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), and Bylaws. While some sections detail the HOA’s structure, the majority outline its regulatory powers over individual properties and homeowners.

The HOA’s authority generally covers the maintenance and upkeep standards that owners must adhere to. By joining the community, residents agree to keep their homes, lawns, and property in good condition. Regulations often require residents to seek prior approval for new construction or exterior changes, such as installing a swimming pool, erecting a fence, or building an addition. These standards ensure consistency across driveways, landscaping, and other exterior property aspects.

HOA rules and regulations, while subject to state and local laws, are legally enforceable. Membership in an HOA is considered entering into a legally binding contract. Provided the HOA acts within its authority and its governing documents comply with the law, courts typically uphold its actions. While rules are set in the governing documents, homeowners have recourse, as many restrictions and bylaws can be changed through a member vote or a similar established procedure.

Disciplinary actions usually take the form of fines, but more serious violations can result in a lien on the property. Depending on the severity of the offense and the HOA’s specific rules, foreclosure may even be possible. If a fine is assessed, even if incorrectly, it is often advisable to pay it first and then formally contest the matter to avoid accumulating late fees or further penalties.

A professional management company, such as Advanced Realty, offers several crucial benefits: expert knowledge of association operations and governing statutes, ensuring continuity in management, providing accurate accounting, specialized expertise in both condominium and homeowner association management, and **enhanced negotiating power** with vendors, contractors, and insurance providers.

Once you decide to retain Advanced Realty, our team will visit the property or your current management office to thoroughly review and inventory all association records. We then enter all owner names and account balances into our secure database and generate and mail official notification letters and current statements to all owners. The entire process typically takes **two days to four weeks**, depending on the size and complexity of the association’s records.

Advanced Realty will issue written notification to every existing vendor. This notification will clearly explain our role as the new management agent and provide the vendor with all updated contact information and remitting addresses for the association.

No. The Board retains its full capacity as the association’s ultimate administrator. Professionals, such as the association’s legal counsel and landscaping contractors, will continue to report to the Board. The Board maintains complete control over the management company’s actions. Advanced Realty’s role is to execute **Board directives**, offer **experienced recommendations**, establish **documented operating procedures**, and maintain a high standard of **record keeping** for the association.

While the Board retains the final authority and responsibility for the association’s operation, Advanced Realty significantly reduces the time commitment required. We assist in decision-making by providing monthly management reports, handling the coordination of vendors, developing non-technical bid specifications, and managing detailed accounting. These functions combine to **relieve the Board of the daily operational burden** of managing the HOA or condo.

Typically, a community association manager can handle the vast majority of day-to-day management needs. Specialized services, however, such as legal counsel, general contracting, engineering, or other services requiring “professional designations,” may still require external consultants. In such cases, Advanced Realty will work directly with your Board to coordinate all necessary third-party services.

No. Advanced Realty is retained as the association’s **”Agent”**. As your Agent, we serve as a professional partner. While we are paid for our services, we encourage Boards to fully utilize our knowledge, training, and industry expertise. Many volunteer Board members often lack prior experience in operating a not-for-profit corporation or HOA. Advanced Realty’s role is to act as your Agent, ensuring the proper and legal operation of both the association and its not-for-profit corporate status.

Advanced Realty offers a diverse range of services, from simple account administration and one-time consulting to comprehensive, full-service association management. Therefore, our **fees are highly customized based on the level of service the association requires**. Since every association is unique in its structure and needs, management pricing is flexible. We finalize our fee structure only after we have thoroughly reviewed and defined the specific services your association is seeking.