Blog - Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)

Guide to Solar-Reflective Paints for Energy-Efficient Homes

Educational Topics

The growing category of “green”, energy-efficient paints offers both financial and environmental benefits to consumers. By providing a high return on investment, these paints and roof coatings can greatly benefit […]

Fine Policies in HOAs – How to Be Reasonable and Follow California Law

Educational Topics

Why Do Associations Fine? Almost all associations use fines to curb violations of their governing documents. Some associations use them extensively, others only rarely. Few boards have actually considered the […]

Association and Management Company Found Liable in Workers’ Compensation Case

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, May 2008 A recent California Court of Appeals case, Heiman v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, has shed new light on the potential liability that associations […]

Convert Your HOA to Solar Power with These Four Steps

Educational Topics

HOAs face many options and obstacles when considering whether or not it makes sense to go switch to solar. Condominiums vary by size, shape, zoning, and other factors that determine […]

Consequences of Employee Misclassification

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, June 2008 Many associations are tempted to classify a worker as an independent contractor so as to avoid payroll taxes, health benefits, and workers’ compensation […]

Are Water Costs Draining Your Association Dry?

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, June 2008 Water is one of our most precious commodities. Thus water shortages and the threat of mandatory cuts of water usage are large concerns […]

The Duty To Inspect

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, June 2008 You and the other board members have been nursing the roof along, hoping for maybe two or three more years use. This past […]

Lender Backlash?

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, June 2008 Will New Rules Make Condos Harder to Sell? Let us consider the question: “Will the sub-prime crisis impact community associations?” It is pretty […]

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Homeowners Insurance

Educational Topics

For many people, their home is their greatest asset, yet studies show that 59% of today’s homes are underinsured. Homeowners should update their insurance regularly to include improvements, major purchases […]

Ask The Maintenance Experts: Roofing Materials Prices Increasing

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, July 2008 This column addresses specific maintenance concerns that most associations face. Our panel of experts is here to help answer questions you might have. […]

The History of an HO-6 Policy

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, July 2008 George’s Great Adventure “What a wonderful day” thought George. He and his wife were finally getting out of the renting market and could […]

Ask The Maintenance Experts: Proper Property Maintenance

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, August 2008 Question: We are a four-member board of directors. All of us are professionals and this is our first home. What is considered “proper” […]