Leading Your HOA


Book Description

I wrote this book to serve as a "primer" on the basics of what you can do to: - Make your personal time on the board more satisfying - Produce value for the homeowners in your HOA - Encourage other homeowners to volunteer to make their HOA a better place to live. This is a "foundation" book. I want you, as a volunteer board member, to have a foundation of knowledge in what a homeowners association is and how it should work. I have seen too many homeowners associations in which new board members have no basic knowledge in association best practices and they get caught up in the emotions of making decisions for their neighbors. Their volunteer time turns in to a frustrating experience and the existing problems persist with the association. With a good foundation, I believe you will be able to learn more about community associations and the common issues that confront them. With this book, you will have an outline that will help you organize your thoughts, build on a solid framework and make your volunteer time valuable to you and to your neighbors.




Hoa Boards


Book Description

This HOA book provides an understanding of the hierarchy of state laws, their relationship to the Homeowner Associations' CC&R's, and how those relationships affect a board members ability to serve and make educated decisions. It is a study guide for learning how an HOA operates and how directors of the HOA should be conducting the business.




A Framework for HOA Management


Book Description

A Framework for HOA Management is a comprehensive look at the many issues which face current and prospective board members of a typical homeowner association. On completion, the reader will have the necessary tools and understanding to manage their HOA and the ability to confront even the most unexpected situations effectively.--




The Humane Gardener


Book Description

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.




Privatopia


Book Description

A study of political and social issues posed by the rise of CIDs (common interest housing developments) in the US. The work explores the consequences of CIDs on government and argues that private, residential government has serious implications for civil liberties.




Be Reasonable!


Book Description

Community associations enforce rules and restrictions to ensure a high quality of life for residents and to preserve property values--not to harass residents. Rules are there to prevent homeowners from painting their houses pink or storing washing machines in their yards--but those same rules should not become overzealous or inflexible. "Be Reasonable" shows you how to write and enforce rules that won't get your association in trouble and won't cause residents to hold recall elections. "Be Reasonable" is a compendium of expert opinions from over 30 leading community association attorneys, managers, and directors. You'll learn effective strategies for drafting and enacting reasonable rules, identifying unreasonable rules and restrictions, and working with residents. You'll also find out more about reasonable enforcement procedures--from making exceptions to providing due process. Practical applications are illustrations through discussion of court cases and real-life controversies. Some of the topics include: Writing Reasonable Rules, Understanding Rules and Restrictions, Reasonable Enforcement Strategies, Mediating Disputes, Levying Fines, Controversial Rules and Restrictions, Children, Holiday Decorations, Satellite Dishes, Vehicles, and Eliminating Unreasonable Rules.




Joan Garry's Guide to Nonprofit Leadership


Book Description

Nonprofit leadership is messy Nonprofits leaders are optimistic by nature. They believe with time, energy, smarts, strategy and sheer will, they can change the world. But as staff or board leader, you know nonprofits present unique challenges. Too many cooks, not enough money, an abundance of passion. It’s enough to make you feel overwhelmed and alone. The people you help need you to be successful. But there are so many obstacles: a micromanaging board that doesn’t understand its true role; insufficient fundraising and donors who make unreasonable demands; unclear and inconsistent messaging and marketing; a leader who’s a star in her sector but a difficult boss… And yet, many nonprofits do thrive. Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership will show you how to do just that. Funny, honest, intensely actionable, and based on her decades of experience, this is the book Joan Garry wishes she had when she led GLAAD out of a financial crisis in 1997. Joan will teach you how to: Build a powerhouse board Create an impressive and sustainable fundraising program Become seen as a ‘workplace of choice’ Be a compelling public face of your nonprofit This book will renew your passion for your mission and organization, and help you make a bigger difference in the world.




Prioritizing Web Usability


Book Description

In 2000, Jakob Nielsen, the world’s leading expert on Web usability, published a book that changed how people think about the Web— Designing Web Usability (New Riders). Many applauded. A few jeered. But everyone listened. The best-selling usability guru is back and has revisited his classic guide, joined forces with Web usability consultant Hoa Loranger, and created an updated companion book that covers the essential changes to the Web and usability today. Prioritizing Web Usability is the guide for anyone who wants to take their Web site(s) to next level and make usability a priority! Through the authors’ wisdom, experience, and hundreds of real-world user tests and contemporary Web site critiques, you’ll learn about site design, user experience and usability testing, navigation and search capabilities, old guidelines and prioritizing usability issues, page design and layout, content design, and more!




In the Common Interest


Book Description

Across America, community associations are flourishing. As a growing number of residents have discovered, these communities offer a new way of living together--one that protects and enhances property values, allows people to support their mutual interests, and promotes harmony and cooperation. In the Common Interest reveals the phenomenal growth of this lifestyle, and explains how the modern community association benefits not only residents but also the country at large. Author John Carona outlines the pros and cons of these communities, plus prescriptive advice for how we can make them even better. To bring his points to life, Carona weaves throughout the book the fictional story of David and Sandra, a couple whose experiences bust many myths about community living. Whether you're considering living in a community association or whether you currently reside or govern in one, you'll be enriched and empowered by the wealth of knowledge contained in this book--and inspired by Carona's vision of how we can continue to build the new American community.




How to Succeed With Your Homeowners Association


Book Description

A comprehensive handbook for community living, with information on rights, responsibilities, resolving disputes, and more. How to Succeed with Your Homeowner’s Association is the all-inclusive handbook to help new homeowners transition into peaceful community living. This comprehensive guide explains the ins and outs of an HOA, from the structure and responsibilities to resolving disputes. Author and veteran HOA recording secretary Linda Perret doesn’t take sides—the association against the homeowner or vice versa—but rather explains how both sides are really working toward the same ultimate goal: a beautiful and enjoyable neighborhood. This book answers frequently asked questions like: What is an HOA? What are the responsibilities of the homeowner? Who is the board and what do they do? What can I expect from management? How can I handle disputes with the board, management, and neighbors? Perret draws over twenty years of experience working for and with various property management companies and HOA members in this complete guidebook for new homeowners and HOA members alike.