Blog - Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO)

The Value of Consensus and Respect in an HOA Board

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, July 2013 Do you think you can put a price tag on respect among board members? On the value of striving for consensus when unanimous […]

The Ticking Time Bomb of HOA Reserve Accounts

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, July 2013 Board members of HOA’s may be finally sighing relief now that the housing crisis seems to be abating. However, the recovery of the […]

Choosing a Vendor

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, August 2013 The board has voted to move ahead on a project; now what? Should you hire the second cousin of a member, who is […]

The Painful Death of Volunteerism

Educational Topics

Many communities, if not most communities, suffer from a lack of volunteers. People are busier than ever, and their time is precious. After a full day’s work, it seems like […]

How Simple Jobs Can Get Out Of Control: Lessons from the Field

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, August 2013 Occasionally, the simplest undertaking can turn into an exasperating experience, especially when clear communication between parties involved has not been established. The dynamics […]

Twenty Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Construction Manager

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, October 2013 Prior to retaining a construction manager or consultant, you should satisfy yourself that the firm you are considering is the best for your […]

Small Association – The Big Picture – Compliance: Part II

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, October 2013 Are You Slowly Sinking In The Sea Of California Compliance Requirements? After Bailing, It is Get Your Coxswain and Crew in Place and […]

Questions to ask your Banker

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, October 2013 The selection of a banking relationship for your association is just as important, (if not the most important), as the selection of any […]

Your Time Is Up! Time Restrictions during Homeowners’ Forum

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, September 2013 Meetings of the Board of Directors are always important to the function of a homeowners association. Board meetings not only provide an opportunity […]

Small Association – The Big Picture – Compliance: Part I

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, September 2013 Are You Slowly Sinking In The Sea Of California Compliance Requirements? Better Start Bailing! We bale hay and bail a boat. The government […]

Oh No, Not in my Neighbor’s Back Yard!

Educational Topics

Architectural review is serious business for an association board. One of the important attributes of any type of planned unit development is its high standard for uniform construction, design and […]

Causes and Cures of “Hot Spots” in Turf

Educational Topics

Published in the ECHO Journal, September 2013 Indian Summer is here! With warm weather comes the delicate balance of maintaining a beautiful landscape, while still conserving water. One negative side […]