What Do I Get For My $175...

2005.02.13, 2009.04.08

Why do I belong to a Homeowners Association? Who is a Community Manager? What does the Board of Trustees really do? Why do I have to pay dues? This is the first of an on-going series of articles that will attempt to uncover the mystery around "Community Living"!!

First let's discuss why there is a Homeowners Association in the first place. When you decided to buy your home you decided to live in a "development" where there are a cluster of homes with architectural continuity. When a development is constructed there are certain Federal, state and local laws that must be adhered to regarding the environment, drainage, transportation, utilities, planning and zoning. Because the developer is only responsible for the initial construction phase of the development, an Association with Board Members is then formed to take responsibility for the care, maintenance and insurance of these necessary open space retention basins, for example, after the developer has finished and moved on to their next site.

Upon purchase of your home in Sawyer's Creek you immediately became a "Member" and are now responsible for annual dues and adherence to a set of rules called by-laws. Every Homeowners Association has a different set of rules and fees based on number of homes, shared facilities (a clubhouse for example), amount of open space and amenities. Neighboring communities such as Sheffield's Gate pay an annual fee of $325 where Surrey Lake pays $220 per year as compared to our fee of $175 for the same type of Association.

There are many benefits to living in a planned community such as Sawyer's Creek. Protecting individual and communal property interests, reducing nuisances and increased security will all help in the long run to maintain increasing property values and high quality of life for all residents. Additionally, the Association and the Board can help develop a sense of community through social activities.

Because of the need for care and maintenance of the open spaces, insurance on that space, maintaining necessary legal documents and the collection of fees, come many responsibilities that need managing. Since its inception our Association has opted to contract a management company (CMSG, Inc) to handle these fiscal, administrative and clerical duties. A Community Manager (Ann Driscoll-see bio) is assigned to us and essentially works for the Board and its Members. She is to implement the decisions of the Board, administer the policies set forth in the by-laws and fulfills the contractual agreement we have with CMSG, Inc. These duties are many and are best supported by a full-time professional company that can provide accurate legal and financial expertise.

In additional to having a full-time Community Manager our Association has an elected Board of Trustees that protects all Members (homeowners) best interests. Board Members have a two year term and rotate between titles of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and Member At-Large. This group of five volunteers their time and effort to advance the goals of the Association on your behalf. This year the Board hopes to complete a landscaping package including a sign, coordinate fun family activities, create a quarterly newsletter and website, and fulfill all board responsibilities as indicated in the by-laws.

Additionally, the Board formed Subcommittees to help focus on certain issues such as landscaping, association rules, development oversights, member communication and activities. All Members are encouraged to join a committee and get involved to further enhance your community living experience.

In closing, the $175 you pay gets you six additional advocates (the Board and Manager) for your biggest single investment your home and a chance to help create a neighborhood, both of which will help enhance your family's well being.

Next Issue "What are the Homeowners rights and responsibilities?"