How to Handle Homeowner Association Disputes

June 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing advice on how to handle homeowner association disputes.  If you decided to buy a house in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, it is very possible that at some point you and the HOA will end up butting heads. However, using these tips will help you handle these disputes and return to living your everyday life.

 

home owner association disputes

 

 

 

Tips to handle homeowner association disputes:

 

Think about the Dispute

The majority of HOA disputes arise from not paying HOA fees.  But, if the complaint comes from elsewhere you should carefully consider the nature of the dispute. Is it a noise complaint?  And, therefore likely originating from one of your neighbors? Is it a complaint about your yard or other cosmetic complaint?  This type of complaint is likely to originate from the HOA itself?

There are many different kinds of disputes that can cause your homeowner’s association to issue warnings or fines. The most common is for nonpayment of fees or nonpayment of a fine.  When those aren’t the case the dispute can become less clear cut and more muddled. Thinking about the dispute and its origin will help you decide how to handle homeowner’s association disputes.

 

Talk to the HOA

Often your homeowner’s association will be happy to talk to you about the dispute. This can help clarify whether it was one of your neighbors who made the complaint or if it was the HOA itself that decided to take action. In addition, you can often have them clarify the steps that could be taken beyond official reprimand or fines. Talking with your HOA is one of the first things you should do.  Having a conversation can easily stop the entire situation from escalating into legal action.

 

Learn your Rights

If talking with your homeowner’s association doesn’t result in clearing up the misunderstanding, you may have grounds for legal action. Therefore, the next step is to learn your rights under your jurisdiction. The majority of states have laws on the books that can protect homeowners if their HOA is going against their contract. Look up the laws in your state.  And, if further clarification is needed seek legal help.  Seeking legal help will you understand what your rights are and whether legal action is advisable for your circumstances.

 

 

 

File a Dispute

Essentially, a more official version of step number one is to file a dispute.  This will help to establish both a  paper trail and to give your HOA one last chance to resolve the issue without outside help. Your homeowner’s association will have a way to officially file a dispute. If you are lucky, they will address your concerns through the dispute.  And, if you aren’t so lucky you will have a paper trail that will help in any future actions you feel necessary.

 

Find Legal Representation

According to the Attorney Referral Service, an HOA attorney in Los Angeles, “If you feel your HOA is applying inappropriate restrictions or failing to act in the best interest of your community, it may be time to seek legal help from a real estate attorney.” When you find the right legal representative, you will be able to make a legal claim against the HOA. Hopefully, they will make them take notice and possibly comply. If they do not comply, your lawyer will be able to guide you through the court system.  This option can become expensive, but if you are in a dispute with your homeowner’s association that involves repeated or expensive fines it can be worth the money.

If you are in the middle of a dispute with your homeowner’s association, the bureaucratic process can be stressful and unclear. If you follow these tips, however, you should be able to resolve your dispute with the HOA satisfactorily and with a minimum of fuss.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

3 Tips on Home Buying to Consider

March 14, 2020 by 1 Comment

Today, I’m sharing on tips on home buying. Purchasing a house is a big step in everyone’s lives.  Especially,  if you’re about to start or recently started a family. It’s essential that you buy a place that makes you feel inspired.  Make sure it’s a place were you can see yourself hanging around for a long time.  And, where your kids can grow up without any issues.

Buying a house is an important decision.  There are many decisions to make and ensure everything is in order before  making your purchase.  After you purchase your home, you can make it feel like a home by adapting it to your taste and liking.

 

home buying tips

 

Structure 

Your tips on home buying is the  construction of the house you want to purchase. Especially, if it’s an old home.  Asking questions is imperative.  For example, which renovations were made and when?  When was the last time a new roof was added?  Is the structure capable of withstanding a natural disaster hit, and more.

The roof is important because an old one can cause health problems or your family and damage to the resistance of the house. Dominion Roofing Company states that keeping the roof in a good shape is essential for maintaining the entire structure of a house.

If you see that the home has issues, it’s best to keep looking around to find a better fit for you.

 

Security

The streets are not as safe as most of us think.  Dangerous things sometimes happen, even when you feel secure in your neighborhood.

Take a look around the neighborhood before deciding on buying a home.  Observe the behavior of the people living there. A good sign of safety is watching the people outside their homes and the kids playing on the front porches or yards.

If a place is unsafe people will be weary.  They may wonder who you are and why you’re looking for a place in that neighborhood.  Just remember, many neighborhoods are gated communities with their own security gates and private streets.  So, check those neighborhoods too.

Also, an important aspect to check is the security system installed in the house. Do your homework and be knowledgeable of how many camera should be in a house.  Having this information will help you determine if more cameras will need to be installed, and if it’s worth purchasing the home.

 

 

home buying tips

 

Entertainment 

Buying a “forever home” requires you to look at the home and the neighborhood and surrounding area where your kids will spend most of their childhood.  Having a park nearby is a great plus for every home.  Movie theaters, sport facilities, etc. should be considered.

We all know that kids love to play with technology, but as parents, need to make an effort to have them enjoy their childhood as we used to. Going to parks, getting dirty, and building memories is essential for their development.

 

Final Thoughts

Finally, purchasing a home is never a simple decision.  Especially, if you’re going to raise your kids there. You have to check for a lot of things, especially the neighbors, security systems, the structure of the home, and places for your kids to play and enjoy their childhood.

You may also like Tips for Buying the Perfect Home.

 

Filed Under: Financial Tips, Shopping Tips Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Buying the Perfect Family Home

February 14, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing shopping tips on buying the perfect family home can be exciting, but it can also be daunting task.  It’s a huge investment, so you will want to get right. Searching for the right home for you and your family requires research and a lot of compromises. Be prepared for your budget not to fulfill all of your hopes and dreams.

 

 

home buying tips

 

 

You should spend some time with your husband or significant other and decide what’s a deal-breaker for your family when viewing properties.  You can eliminate wasting time on visiting properties that aren’t the right fit for your family.  Maybe you’re a family that enjoys the outdoors instead of a large living room area.  Or, perhaps you enjoy watching your children play while cooking.  So, you would like to have an open floor plan.  Put your thoughts down on paper.  You can check off your priority checklist when buying the perfect family home.

 

 

Buying the perfect family home:

 

Location 

Location is one of the first things you need to decide on when buying any home.  A family home should not only be close to high standard schools, but also be in an area where you can access local amenities.

Shops, doctors, dentists, hairdressers, and family activities should all be on the top of your location scout.  If you’re a family that enjoys the outdoors, then a compromise needs to be made to find the perfect location near open spaces.  But, one that’s also accessible to local amenities.

Do a quick internet search about the local area you’re interested in moving to. The majority of real estate agents in the area will produce a rundown of what the area has to offer for potential buyers. For example, Msyorkville.com mentions the importance of properties that are only 45 minutes from downtown Toronto and 20 minutes from the airport.

 

Size and Layout 

The next step to finding your perfect property is deciding what size is suitable for your family.  The number of bedrooms will be determined by how many children you have or plan to have and if you have frequent visitors. Whereas the size of your kitchen will depend on how much time you spend in there cooking.

The layout is also another crucial aspect to decide on. A closed plan property gives your rooms privacy and allows you to shut doors on mess and keep pets out of certain areas of the home. On the other hand, a popular option for families is an open plan concept where you can see different areas of the house from the kitchen or living room, for example.

An open plan allows you to keep an eye on your children as they play, and you can easily communicate between spaces. The concept you choose may depend greatly on the age of your children.

 

 

home buying tips

 

Outdoor Space 

Outdoor space is often a budget breaker. For most, it’s crucial to have some outdoor space attached to your property.  It gives your children a secure area to play in. Your garden is an extension of your property.  And, it’s a great place to spend time with your family and friends.

How much outdoor space you need is your preference. A large grass lawn, for example, is perfect for hours of endless fun and space for all sorts of play equipment but is a nightmare to maintain. In comparison, a smaller paved yard is simple to keep tidy, but it can be challenging to spend time with young children in a tight area.

The perfect garden for the average family is often one that’s comprised of sections. A sectioned garden gives children a place to play, but also an area for adult relaxation.

 

Security 

Security should also be considered.  Your potential home should have secure windows and doors.  A  fenced-in outdoor space is desirable as well as a safe neighborhood.

Make sure when you view any property that you check the locking systems and bonus points if it already has an alarm or CCTV system in place. Remember, once you have bought the property change the locks for added peace of mind.

 

Find a House You Can Call a Home 

By following these tips you will be on your way to buying the perfect home.  Most importantly, you will cut down on the worries and stress during your home buying experience.  Don’t be disheartened if you view a property and it isn’t right for you.  So, try not to rush the process and make the wrong decision.  Doing so will lead you to the house that fits your family!

 

You may also like How to Make Your House a Home.

 

Filed Under: Financial Tips, Shopping Tips Tagged With: , ,

How to Make Your House a Home

December 6, 2019 by 2 Comments

It’s what you do inside your house that makes it a home.  Are you struggling to make your house a home?  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on how to make your house a home.  It’s more than just a roof over your heads.  It’s the place you will make memories and spend time together. It should be set up for you to make the most of family life.

There are many factors to consider when making your house a home for your family.  It needs space, but home decor is important too. Perhaps the most useful skills are recognizing the potential and being able to work with what you have.  All it takes is a little imagination and some effort, but the benefits are more than worth it.

 

 

Make Your House a Home

 

 

 

Here are a few tips to make your home warm, comfortable and fun:

 

Your Property

If you’re purchasing your family home, it’s a good idea to think of what you need and what features are ‘must haves’ rather than ‘nice to have’. Property experts, like msyorkville.com, say that “there is a good chance that what you believe you are searching for and what you need will be two different things.”

Expert advice could help you bridge the gap between what you are looking for, and what is available on the market.

If you want to upgrade your property to help it fulfill its potential, it’s easiest to focus on one aspect at a time. It could be creating a new family bathroom, or extending to have more multi-purpose space that helps you achieve the lifestyle you want. This could be a study or a family music room.

 

Spaces to Get Together

If your short on a budget then it helps to narrow down your focus. One of the changes you can make that will have the most impact is looking at the places that you spend time together. Although there are places that are common with every family, it works best if you make it personal for you.

That means if you are a family that loves cooking and eating together, you should think about making some small changes to create a spacious kitchen or homey breakfast nook.  Adding an island to your kitchen, or just opening up space for more seating, could be a great way to bring you all closer together.

Alternatively, if you all come together at the end of a long day to watch TV, focus on creating a den where you can all relax.

 

making your house a home

 

Make it Fun 

Fun and laughter are said to be a key element of a family home, which certainly makes sense. There are two ways to bring fun into your family home while working on it at the same time. The first way is to make it a family project.

Turn the activities into fun things that everyone can get involved in at some level. Feeling part of it will be a nice reminder every time you see your changes, and the results will benefit everyone.

The second way to keep it fun without too many precious things. You’re an adult and a parent, so balancing the two can be hard. Create a space for nice things that are just for you, but don’t fill the house with expensive breakables if you have young kids. They will feel like they can’t run around, and you’ll get upset when things get broken.

 

It’s the Little Things

You don’t need to carry out a big DIY or renovation project to get your house feeling like a home. Some small touches can really make an impact. Accessories don’t need to be expensive to help you transform your space. Take your time over finding the right pieces to finish your room, or get crafty to create the ambience you are looking for.

Plants can be an effective way to bring life to a room.  Alternatively, take a look at your room and decide what it’s lacking.  If it needs warmth consider adding a rug or changing blinds to curtains. However, if it’s a bit gloomy add mirrors and a change of lighting could really impact how you feel in the space.

 

The Finishing Touches  

The most important part of making your house a home is planning your design and decor around family moments. If the changes you make will help you carry out activities, get together more often, and have fun with each other, then you will make your house feel like home.

Having enough space to take some quiet moments is essential. So, before you make everything open plan, consider keeping a few spots secluded so that you can have some you time or some one on one moments.

 

Filed Under: Holidays Tagged With: , ,

Home Buying Tips for Families

September 11, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Searching for a new home can be something of a stressful thing to do. But, when you have a family it is even more troubling and challenging to get it right.  So, today we’re sharing parenting information on home buying tips for families.  When you are purchasing a family home, you will need to know how.  You must have a good sense of the things you want in terms of quality,  price range or budget, and the location in which you want to live.

And, you’ll need to make sure that you are considering your entire family.  That’s something that you might find challenging.  However, you do need to work on it if you really want to find the ideal home for your family.  Here are a few other things to consider:

 

home buying tips

 

Size

Our home buying tips include considering the size of the home you are purchasing for your family.  In fact, it is going to be one of the most important things that you will need to consider.  If you don’t have a large enough home it is unlikely that you and your family are going to really enjoy living in it.  So, if you plan to expand your family consider it when you look at homes.  Or, you can focus on finding a home with a decent amount of space for everyone now and purchase another home if your family grows.  Bear in mind, you will want to provide your family with enough room  to spread out.  But, you shouldn’t go over budget massively just to ensure that your children have huge rooms.  In some cases you might find that just an apartment is going to be ideal.  And, in others you may need to think about something considerably larger.

 

 

home buying tips

 

Location

Another one of our home buying tips includes considering the location of the home.   So, when you are searching for a new family home think about it.  Consider schools, safety of the neighborhood, distance from the kid’s activities and shopping.  It’s important to pay attention to the crime statistics in the area you are considering.  Use your common sense and keep your wits about you when you are exploring the area in question.

In addition to safety, you’ll also want to think about good schools.  Hopefully schools which are not too overcrowded.  It’s definitely worth researching the schools in the local area just to make sure that you know what your options are.  Otherwise, you might be in for a surprise in regards to your children’s education.

 

Safety In The Home

Although all homes on the market should be safe enough to sell, you might find that some lend themselves better to childproofing than others.  So, consider childproofing options when you are looking.  Obviously, you will want to keep your family safe.  Especially, if you have small children.   Ask yourself how much childproofing needs to be done and is possible to do it. You might be surprised at just how simple a process will be to install safety measures.  But if you overlook it, it can be troubling down the road.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Financial Tips Tagged With: , ,