Bluestone and Hockley Real Estate Services

Challenge:

It’s the age-old challenge faced by every community association and property owner: past due accounts and inconsistent collection processes.

Solution:

First, we conduct an in-depth review of the Collections Resolution process to ensure that past due accounts are being collected in accordance with resolution guidelines. We then provide universal, pre-built templates that make the collection process extremely straightforward. When it becomes necessary to draw upon them, we have excellent working relationships with local attorneys, which can further ease the collection and lien process.

Results:

With this system in place, accounts are primarily current and, governing documents for property owners and homeowner associations are being followed, creating less homeowner and Board of Director confusion.

Challenge:

The Board of Directors needed a way to incorporate the association budget and reserve study figures into one common spreadsheet.

Solution:

Utilizing advanced accounting software, our experienced staff was able to produce one easy-to-read spreadsheet that incorporated all necessary data. The result was a standard chart of accounts that is applicable to all homeowner associations and is still in use at this time.

Result:

We now have a system that can be easily updated year after year, that encompasses budget and reserve study figures in an easy-to-view format. Since not all Board members are familiar with financing terminology or spreadsheets, having an easy-to-use format allows for easier comprehension and better-informed decision making.

Challenge:

It was Christmas Eve, when the owner of a multi-level condominium unit called to report a water leak from the unit above. Due to the holiday, the owner of the upstairs unit was away. No duplicate keys were available and immediate access was required.

Solution:

With approval by the association President, we sent our “on-call” maintenance person along with a locksmith to enter the upper unit. Due to cold weather, pipes had broken, causing a major leak. Water was everywhere including the units below. The water was quickly turned off and repairs were made. A carpet restoration professional was called in to suction the 4+ inches of water saturating the floor, thus further damage was avoided, and the lower unit was cleaned.

Result:

By the day after Christmas, things were back to normal. The owner of the damaged unit was notified. He thanked us for our timely response and was overjoyed that his life could resume as before. If we had not responded so promptly, the damage could have been irreversible, with a greater expense of time and money to all involved.

Challenge:

Upon inspection of a newly managed Homeowners’ Association, it was discovered that many homes did not comply with Architectural Guidelines. Several homeowners failed to gain approval for their architectural modifications and therefore, were in violation of the CC&Rs.

Solution:

We encouraged the association to form an Architectural Review Committee. This committee was staffed by board and community members. The Community Association Manager adds thorough knowledge of the Architectural Guidelines and management innovations such as spreadsheets to help organize the review process and respond to homeowners in a timely manner.

Result:

Standard procedures are now in place for every ARC application. Applications are now being processed in a timely manner and enforcement of the CC&Rs is consistent.

Challenge:

A routine quarterly inspection revealed that several homeowners were not maintaining their lawns in accordance with governing documents. This was affecting curb appeal and the overall desirability of the community.

Solution:

We established a Landscape Committee to provide homeowners with the information and resources necessary to maintain their lawns to desired standards.

Result:

The community is now being maintained as expected, with lush, beautiful lawns that are enjoyable to all.