If you are new to a community that has a homeowner’s association, you may have questions about what to expect. Listed below are some frequently asked questions from owners who have lived in one of our communities.
We encourage you to look here first for an answer to your question and if you can’t find it, reach out to us via the Contact Form or directly.
Q. Can I opt out of belonging to the Association?
A. No. Your deed indicates your property is part of a recorded Association within the county in which you live.
Q. Who is in “charge” of the Association?
A. An elected Board of Directors/Trustees governs the Association within the rules of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions and Reservations of Easements (CCRRs).
Initially in a developing community, the Association Board is made up of the developer(s) and their appointees. As the community builds out, the developer appointees are replaced by Owners via an election at the annual meeting.
Q. Can anyone be on the Board?
A. Yes anyone in good standing within the Association is eligible to run for a seat on the Board. The number of Board members and terms of office are outlined in the Association’s By-Laws.
Q. When and how do I pay my fees/assessments?
A. The frequency of when fees are charged is determined by the CCRRs. Some Associations charge fees annually, semi-annually, monthly or quarterly. The amount of the fees/assessments is determined by the Board when they complete the annual operating budget for the upcoming year.
Fees can be paid in a variety of ways including check, EFT (electronic funds trasfer), ACH or credit card. The management company will advise you on how to pay.
Q. I was told that I cannot make any changes to my house if I live in an Association. Is this true?
A. No. You can make changes to the exterior of your home or to your Lot within reason as outlined in your community CCRRs. Before considering any changes, you should review the restrictions within the CCRRs. For instance, some Associations do not allow above-ground swimming pools, or chain link fences, or solar panels.
The Board must approve all changes via approval of an Improvement Application that you fill out and send to the management company who will forward it to the Board for their review and decision.
Q. Does it cost to file an Improvement Application?
A. It depends on the Association; some do have a processing fee. This will be disclosed on the application.
Q. Is it true that the Association can foreclose on my house?
A. Yes, it is true, but foreclosure is a last resort in a long process. No Board takes any pleasure in foreclosing on an Owner, but the Board does have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the financial well-being of the Association. If an Owner is seriously delinquent in paying their fees/assessment and all attempts to collect the debt have been unsuccessful, then the Board will authorize the Association’s attorney to file foreclosure paperwork.
Q. Does the Board follow a written collection policy?
A. Yes, they do as outlined in the CCRRs. A copy of this policy is given to every owner and is available to download from the Community’s information page.
Q. Who do I call if the streetlight is not working?
A. With the exception of a private lighting district, streetlights are maintained by Duke Energy and not the Association. Anyone can go online and report a streetlight that is not working or is malfunctioning.
Q. I don’t want to be on the Board but I do want to be involved. Are there volunteer positions?
A. Each Association Board decides if they want to utilize volunteers to help with the community. You can reach out to a Board member or the management company for more information.