Tips to Prepare your HOA for Fall
Fall is a great time of year in North Texas. The heat of summer is dying down with both milder days and cooler nights. The leaves start to change and those who stayed inside with their A/C venture to outdoor activates. A nice little push before the unpredictable winter descends upon North Texas. A general sigh of relief can be heard in your community during this time.
While Autumn can be associated with many great things it is often some of the busiest times for an HOA. This is when HOA boards and Property Managers look to the general maintenance of the HOA and plan for the eventual cold months. Here we will discuss some of the recommended steps your HOA should be taking during this time.
Budgeting and Annual Meetings
Typically during it is during the fourth quarter when the HOA board, with the help of their property manager, prepare the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Now the end fiscal year of your HOA could be the end of the calendar year or some other time of the year. This is all based on your communities governing documents and/or resolutions set by the board. The same can also be said of the HOA's annual meeting.
Simply put in regards to budget and HOA, the HOA Board reviews the prepared and actual budget of the current year, discuss any projects they are wanting to do for the next year as well as the rising costs of goods to help them prepare the budget. The need to take into account the assessments of the community as well as how much they are continually putting into reserves. A healthy HOA is constantly putting money into their reserves. The annual meeting is when the budget is presented and voted on, board elections take place and community votes on issues occur. It is genuinely a good idea to go to the annual meeting if you are a homeowner.
Closing the Pool
Often the most costly amenity of an HOA is the pool and fall is the time for maintenance, upkeep and eventually the seasonal closure of the pool especially in North Texas. The pool needs to go a full inspection where documentation occurs for necessary repairs, updates and purchases. If budgeted for some of the updates and repairs could occur before the end of the year. It is also vital the pool pipes and pump are drained properly for the season so there are little to no chances of pipes bursting during the winter months.
Playground Maintenance
More and more HOAs have playgrounds. It is a wise decision to have the playground inspected every season but also in the fall as most children play on the playground equipment in the summer and early fall. Make sure the inspection is documented, not only for the safety of the children who play on it but to also protect the HOA from any legal liability.
Changing your Landscape
Early Autumn is the perfect time to have your property manager reach out to your landscaper and talk about the right cold-tolerant plants for your cold zone which can establish roots in the fall and will add a beautiful change as the weather cools. This is also an idea time to make sure your greenspaces are well fertilized to give enough nutrients during the winter months. Have your property manager to your landscaper to see if aeration is also a good idea for your community's greenspaces.
Another good idea is to plan for tree care. Fall is the ideal time to make sure your trees are trimmed and to discard any dead or dyling limbs before winter. This not only makes the community look better but also contributes to the overall health of the tree.
Enjoy yourself
While this might be a busy time for the HOA board with both volunteer obligations and holidays it is important to lean on your community manager. Make sure you also enjoy yourself during this time. Sit and let the cool breeze envelope you, drink a warm cup of cider and enjoy the fall.
