Finding The Right BrokerFinding The Right Broker


About Me

Finding The Right Broker

If you are in the market for a new home, but you don't have time to comb through long lists of properties, you might be tempted to work with a broker. In addition to visiting potential properties in real life and carefully evaluating their features, the right real estate agent can also take care of all of the negotiations in your behalf. Last but not least, brokers are also responsible for helping you to complete the vital paperwork that will seal the deal. This blog is all about finding a broker that you can trust and that won't leave you in a bind, so that you can enjoy the process.

Latest Posts

Is It A Good Idea To Buy Property Off The Plan?
17 August 2023

Buying a property off the plan means purchasing a

4 Myths About Life In A 55+ Community To Ignore
16 February 2023

There are plenty of myths about life in a 55+ adul

3 Reasons To Sell Your Home For Cash
22 November 2022

Do you have a home that you want to sell? Perhaps

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Mountain Property
19 July 2022

When you're looking to buy mountain property, it i

Office Tenant Reps: Why They Are Worth It
14 March 2022

Does your organization have offices? If it doesn't

Understanding Assessments In A Homeowners Association

One of the greatest advantages of purchasing a home, townhouse, or condominium in a Homeowners Association (HOA) is that it relieves the real estate buyer of exterior maintenance and repairs. However, in order to maintain the appearance of a well-kept community, HOAs impose assessment fees. There are two types of expenses budgeted within the assessment fee with an occasional special assessment when needed.

The Annual Budget Determines the Monthly Assessment Fee

Each year, the Board of Directors is responsible for creating an annual budget in the operation and anticipated future expense of the association.  Because HOAs are not-for-profit corporations, all funds received from the homeowners must pay association expenses. For this purpose, there is an evaluation of assessments each year to determine if there is an increase or decrease. The budget encompasses funding the mandatory reserves and operational costs of the HOA.  The process of dividing the annual cost by twelve months results in the monthly assessment.

Operating Budget and Expenses

An operating budget is comparable to a monthly budget paying the common expenses of running the association in its day to day operation.  These recurring costs are responsible for maintaining the property--the curb appeal.  The homeowners association uses the funds received from homeowners in the monthly assessment.  Typically, they can include:

  • Landscaping
  • Tree trimming
  • Pool cleaning & permits
  • Utilities
  • Irrigation
  • Insurance premiums
  • Janitorial Supplies

Basically, the maintenance of the common area comes out of the operating account.

Reserve Budget and Expenses

Equally important, within the annual budget of an association, there is a designated transfer of funds from the Operating Account into the Reserve Account.  As a result, reserve fund expenditures are exclusive for major elements, such as:

  • Alleyways

  • Sidewalks

  • Clubhouse

  • Pool resurfacing

  • Tennis court

  • Exterior paint

  • Property walls

While all of the above-allocated expenditures are within the monthly assessment fee, it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to ensure an adequately funded reserve account.   

A Special Assessment is Based on the Reserve Study

A requirement of a HOA is to hire an outside accountant to render a reserve study for the property. A real estate agent can obtain this study. It entails the current age and condition of major common elements with the long-term projected cost of repairs, replacement and restoration. The conclusion of the study will reveal if the association has adequate funding with the necessary contribution over the following years. If the study reveals a deficient, it may obligate the homeowners in the form of a special assessment.  This would be a one-time charge with the option of making partial payments.  

For a real estate buyer, contact a company such as Ebh Properties Inc.