Volunteer in NoVa

The Washington Post provided a list of volunteer opportunities in the Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax area. Click here to check them out!

Realty Times: HOA Website Information

A helpful article posted on Realty Times maps out tips for HOA websites. The tips include:

• Contact information for management or the Board
• Committees and volunteers
• Photos to help neighbors identify association leadership
• Rules
• Budgets
• Reserve Study

The article correctly points out that this access to information around the clock helps owners and potential buyers alike. 

FHA Backs Away From Management Company Insurance Mandate

Community Association Institute provided this report:

Thanks to pressure from CAI members across the country, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) indicated that it will revise a controversial regulatory mandate that would require management companies to carry a fidelity bond if they managed a condominium association. In June, FHA released new guidelines for its condominium mortgage insurance program. The guidelines set standards that condominium associations must meet in order for any potential buyer to qualify for a FHA-backed mortgage. As FHA accounts for nearly one in three condominium mortgages, the guidelines have a significant impact on the marketability of condominiums.

The new guidance issued by FHA mandated that all condominium associations carry fidelity insurance to cover board members and association employees. FHA also mandated that if a condominium association was professionally managed, the association had to compel the management company to carry a fidelity bond in an amount equal to the association’s budget and reserves. CAI members had three concerns with this requirement. First, FHA imposed the insurance mandate without any notice or ability by affected companies to comment on the impact of requiring a fidelity bond. Second, CAI insurance company members noted that fidelity insurance and fidelity bonds are not synonymous and the bond requirement imposed by FHA is not generally commercially available. Finally, CAI noted in several states, including Maryland, Virginia and Florida, state law requires an association to carry fidelity insurance that covers the management company. Thus, FHA’s requirement was costly, difficult if not impossible to obtain and in conflict with state law.

At a September training session on the new condominium guidelines, FHA representatives indicated FHA would back off this requirement in favor of allowing an association to obtain a policy that covered the management company. Thanks to the efforts of CAI members, this reversal by FHA will save management companies and homeowners money and allow more condominium associations to meet FHA mortgage requirements.

CMS Services, Inc. and Sentry Management Inc. Announce Merger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2011

Contact: Thomas S. Patti, CMCA®, AMS®
703-642-3246 ext. 208

Alexandria, VA- CMS Services, Inc., a condominium and homeowner association management company based in Northern Virginia, and Sentry Management, Inc., a national leader in community association management, announced their merger effective September 1, 2011.

In the 27th year of operating, CMS Services will continue to serve their clientele with the same superior customer service and association management, and expand Sentry’s national presence to the Washington DC metropolitan region.

Sentry Management, with local offices spanning across ten states and servicing thousands of unit owners, provides additional resources to expand the innovative and efficient services on which CMS Services’ customers rely. Sentry has one of the highest operating and financial standards in the industry.

Both CMS Services and Sentry Management understand that personal attention and a committed focus create a long-term relationship that builds better communities.

“Together we plan to continue providing consistent management, innovative services and expertise value to the owners in the communities that we serve,” stated Thomas S. Patti, President of CMS Services, and Regional Vice President of Sentry Management. “Please continue to call the same local number and deal with our local staff. With this merger, we look forward to the continued opportunity to serve you and to supply all of your management and accounting needs.”

Earthquake in Northern Virginia

There was an earthquake in Northern Virginia, affecting areas into DC and Maryland. It is reported to have been 5.8- 6.0 in magnitude. Small damages have been reported. If you have damages to report, please contact your community manager or email info@cmsserv.com. Community managers are taking assessments of the communities as well.

Thank you,
Cristin Harber, CMCA
Vice President- Operations
CMS Services, Inc.
General Manager
CMS Services, Inc.
6395 Little River Turnpike
Alexandria, VA 22312
703-642-3246 Ext. 211
703-891-2378 Fax
Visit our website at www.cmsserv.com
Visit our blog at www.cmsserv.blogspot.com

Keep Your Backyard Bug-Free...Naturally

Summer is the time for barbecue parties and sleeping under the stars, but bothersome bugs can ruin outdoor fun. Many people spray themselves and their lawns with chemical repellants to get rid of these pests, but there are natural alternatives that are environmentally friendly to your home and our association. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a bug-free summer.

Get growing. Planting a simple garden can do wonders in keeping the bug count down. Plants like garlic, radishes, marigolds, nasturtium, oregano, sage, rosemary, cilantro and mint are easy to cultivate and can make the area in and around your garden uninviting to the creepy crawlers, as they act as natural bug repellants. Pest-control never looked or tasted so good!

Wet and wild. Eliminate stagnate or standing water in your yard; it provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Emptying used kiddy pools and fountains and refilling them with fresh water, cleaning gutters of leaves and other rain-blocking debris and filling in puddles with dirt are just some of the ways to reduce the buzzing bugs in your yard.

Going to the birds. Setting up a few bird houses in your yard is not only a great way to enjoy the beauty of our feathered friends, but it also mitigates bug problems, since many birds love to dine on dragonflies, dung beetles and the ilk.

Candle in the wind. When outdoors, ignite an all-natural bug repellant candle nearby to keep the bugs at bay, and enjoy the sweet smell of citronella, lavender, mint and other aromas that pests find repugnant. Brands such as BioSensory, Solay, Melo and Yankee Candle have jumped onto the debugging bandwagon and offer eco-conscious candles.

Light up the night. Many high-flying insects are drawn to light like a moth to the…you get the idea. So, why not install an elevated yellow bug light on your back porch or deck to attract those critters up and away from the ground (and you!) when you spend an evening outdoors. Of course, be sure to review your CC&Rs or talk with to an association representative to make sure your bug lights are in compliance with our rules.

Tax Relief from Mortgage Forgiveness

Usually, when a homeowner receives “mortgage forgiveness,” either through mortgage restructuring or foreclosure, the proceeds from the forgiven debt are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service. However, according to the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, homeowners who have had their mortgages reduced, restructured or eliminated altogether during the period from 2007 through 2012 may be able to exclude the proceeds from the forgiven debt—up to $1 million per person or $2 million per married couple—from their taxable income.

There are some restrictions, however. The proceeds must be used for the purchase, construction or substantial improvement of the homeowners’ principle residence and must be secured by that residence. Proceeds from debt forgiveness on second homes, rental property or businesses do not qualify for this tax exemption. Also, proceeds used to pay off credit cards or other similar types of loans do not qualify.

If your debt is reduced or eliminated, make sure you receive Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, from your lender. For additional details, see Ten Facts for Mortgage Debt Forgiveness at http://www.irs.gov/.

Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

As the summer heats up, many of you will escape the daily grind and head out on a well-deserved vacation. But before you hit the road, take a few precautions so your home isn’t enticing to thieves or susceptible to fire and other disasters. Not only is having your home vandalized or burnt to the ground a highly unpleasant way to return from a trip, but it also puts the rest of the association at risk, as these problems have the potential to spread quickly throughout the neighborhood. So, before you take off, consider implementing these safety tips to keep your home and our community secure.

Call on friends for help. If you’re going to be away a week or more, ask a trusted friend to check on your house every day or two—or better yet, housesit—while you’re gone. Not only will they make sure nothing happens to your home, but you might also ask them to bring in your mail and newspapers, water plants or even feed Fluffy. Of course, it’s a good idea to let your neighbors know a friend is monitoring your property so they don’t call the police to thwart a perceived “break-in.”

Set your lights on a timer. Leaving your house unlit for days on end is a sure sign to burglars that it’s empty, but so is keeping the lights on 24-7. A good way to handle the lights on/off conundrum is to set them on a timer that’s scheduled to simulate your regular routine. Of course, if the lights seem a bit too simulated, that can be another telltale sign, so it’s a good idea to set the timers in individual rooms on staggered schedules to make the light coming from your home seem more natural.

Stop your mail and newspaper. Nothing screams “nobody’s home!” like a pile of newspapers strewn about your doorstep or an overflowing mailbox. So, if you can’t get a friend or neighbor to collect them for you, it’s best to have your mail and paper stopped if you’re going to be out of town for awhile.

Don’t leave the spare house key lying around. That fake rock where you keep the extra house key isn’t as discrete as you think. Whether you keep a spare under your welcome mat, above the door frame or in a hide-a-key contraption, chances are it will take the nefarious types five minutes flat to find it and gain easy entry to your house. So take it with you, let a friend hold onto it or put it in a safe place inside your house, even if you’re worried about losing your other keys. Because when it comes down to it, calling a locksmith is less traumatic than calling the police.

Make a last-minute checklist. Are all the windows and doors locked? Stove and oven turned off? How about all the faucets? Are the electronics unplugged and valuables secured? Take five minutes before you leave to ensure your house is vacation-ready. Another run-through of the house may seem unnecessary if you did it earlier in the day, but knowing you’ve left your house as safe as possible will help you kick back and have a great vacation.

Critical Component: Insurance—Ours and Yours

Of the many things association assessments pays for, insurance is one of the most important. Association governing documents and state law require the association board to purchase adequate insurance as part of a comprehensive risk-management program.

Associations generally have two types of commercial insurance coverage—property and liability.

Property insurance covers loss of or damage to any common structures or physical property caused by fire, flood, storms or other natural events. For instance, if high winds uproot a tree that damages a common roof, the association’s property insurance would cover the cost of repairs. Property insurance may also cover what we call “human perils” (such as theft) and “economic perils” (such as stock market fluctuations) that might impact our association’s investments.

Liability insurance covers losses that would result if someone took legal action against the association for an injury, financial loss or other type of damage. For example, one important type of liability insurance, called Directors’ and Officers’ insurance, covers volunteers like board and committee members so they’re not jeopardizing their personal assets to serve the association.

The association’s insurance does not cover owners or residents, their homes or belongings. Each member should have his or her own insurance policy. If you need information about homeowners insurance, talk to a licensed insurance agent who specializes in homeowners associations. Or you may want to talk to the association’s insurance provider; this person will know exactly where the association’s master policy coverage ends and where yours should begin. This prevents you from over or under insuring yourself.

Stay Safe in the Water

Swimming is one of the many joys of summer, and we hope you're able to make good use of the association's pool. While we want to make sure all our residents and guests have fun in and around the water, our top priority is safety. Please take note of the association pool rules, and follow them to help keep everyone safe.

Pool rules promote safety, but safety is largely up to you: it's important to take precautions and be prepared for emergencies.

 Make sure you, your family and your guests know how to swim properly. If you don't, there are plenty of swimming classes for people of all ages.

 Always supervise children while they're around the pool, no matter how well they can swim. It only takes one misstep for someone to get hurt.

 Take note where the reach pole, emergency phone and life preservers are located in the pool area.

 Most importantly, consider learning CPR if you haven't already. This simple life-saving technique could save a life should an accident occur.

There's plenty of fun to be had at the pool, and knowing how to stay safe in the water will help make this a great summer. For more safety tips, go to www.poolsafely.gov.

Saving Energy to Stay Cool

Energy bills—like the temperature—always rise in the summer. But don’t fret: While there are big fixes* you can incorporate to make your home more energy-efficient, there are also many inexpensive energy solutions, as well as some simple and free steps that you can take to cut down on costs and save money.

Turn it up. Set your thermostat as high as possible. Start with 78 degrees when at home and 85 degrees when away. For each degree above 72 you set the thermostat, you save between 1-3 percent. Be sure to take into consideration your health and comfort, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Circulate air. Use fans to create cool breezes and keep the air moving in your home. Ceiling fans, in particular, can create enough air movement to make it cooler by at least four degrees. This could translate into a significantly lower monthly electric bill, as ceiling fans only use about as much energy as a 100-watt light bulb.

Shut the shades. Windows allow a lot of heat into your home. Keep drapes and shades closed during the day to keep the temperature down.

Open nights. At night, if it’s cooler outside than in, open your windows! Not only will this bring some fresh air into your home, it will give you a chance to turn off that AC. Also, be sure to close your windows in the morning to keep the cooler air in longer.

Wash and dry wisely. Run only full loads when using your dishwasher or washing machine. Whenever possible, run those appliances during off-peak hours or when your air conditioner is turned off or barely running, which typically is during the evening, to save energy. Use the clothes dryers’ moisture-sensing automatic drying setting if it has one, and clean your clothes dryers’ lint trap after each use.

Unplug. Electronics—such as TVs, DVDs, chargers, computers, printers and other devices—use electricity even when they are turned off. By unplugging these devices when you’re not using them, you only save a few watts, but they quickly add up to bigger savings over time. Use a power strip for multiple devices, and switch it off before you go to bed. Also, turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.

Plan pool time. If you have a pool, shorten the operating time if possible. Switch the pool filter and sweeper operations to off-peak hours and during nighttime if the pool has automatic cleaning settings.

*As always, be sure to consult with the association to get approval for any major renovations on your home.

About the Association’s Investment Policy

Just like homeowners, the association saves money to cover large future expenses—like new roofs. Because the association represents many homeowners, our savings are significant. We take advantage of that—up to a point—by investing the savings to earn a little extra money for the association. However, to protect the homeowners’ money, the association has an investment policy that guides the board in managing those investments.
Protecting the principle is the core of our association’s investment policy, and that requires the board to be conservative with the association’s resources. This protects the members from well-meaning board members who may have a high tolerance for risk or who believe themselves to be capable fund managers. In fact, the policy only allows the association deal with insured, licensed and bonded agents.
The investment policy requires the board to place all association funds in government-insured accounts or similarly protected investments, and it prohibits putting more money in one account than the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will insure.
And finally, the investment policy provides continuity from one board to the next, which ensures that association funds are managed consistently over time.

Curb Appeal Counts

Cleaning out and sprucing up your yard are good low-cost alternatives to major home improvement. Whether you hire a professional or have the skills and tools to do it yourself, here are some tips to improve your lawn and landscape:
 Weeding, edging, planting beds and mulching go a long way toward improving a yard’s look.
 Planting colorful annuals in beds or pots around the house and patio, in hanging plant holders or in flower boxes makes a house look cared for and cozy.
 To solve problems or add interest, plant new trees and shrubs to create focus areas, or to camouflage foundations and old fencing, or block unsightly views.
 Have your trees and shrubs professionally pruned, fix brown spots in the lawn and remove and replace diseased plants.
Homeowners who want help with their yard should seek an evaluation by a professional lawn or landscape firm. A professional can assess the health of the lawn, plants, trees and shrubs and offer recommendations for improvements.
For more information, visit www.landcarenetwork.org/findaprofessional.

What is a Board Resolution?

A board resolution is a motion that follows a set format and is formally adopted by the board. Resolutions may enact rules and regulations or formalize other types of board decisions. There are four types of resolutions for a community association:
1. Policy Resolutions affect owners’ rights and obligations such as rules for the use of common areas and recreational facilities, architectural guidelines and enforcement procedures.
2. Administrative Resolutions address the internal operations of the community association. Examples include operating procedures, collection procedures and where board meetings will be held.
3. Special Resolutions document board decisions that apply a policy or rule to an individual situation, such as a decision about an alleged rule violation.
4. General Resolutions involve routine events, such as adopting the annual budget and approving a contract.

Free Safety Information for Homeowners

The Institute for Business & Home Safety has published a series of free brochures for protecting property from hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, hail and freezing weather, water damage and floods, earthquakes and other disasters. A section on protecting your home has numerous publications on water intrusion, oil tank safety, tree pruning, leak alert systems, washing machine hose failure, home inspection checklists and more. Copies can be downloaded free at www.ibhs.org/publications.

What Do Residents Think?

You are among the more than 60 million Americans who live in homeowners associations and condominium communities. We think most residents are happy living in our community—and we certainly hope you are among them—but how do these 60 million residents feel about their own associations? Are they happy with their elected boards? How do they feel about the rules?
The Foundation for Community Association Research, an affiliate of Community Associations Institute (CAI), sponsored a national public opinion survey to answer these and other questions.
The research, conducted by Zogby International, shows that more than seven in 10 community association residents say they are satisfied with their community association experience. Only 9 percent express dissatisfaction, and 19 percent are neutral on the question.
Here are more findings from the November 2007 survey:
 88 percent of community association residents believe their association board members strive to serve the best interests of the community.
 73 percent say their professional managers provide value to their communities.
 77 percent say they get a good return for their assessments, while 20 percent expressed some level of dissatisfaction.
 74 percent believe their community association rules "protect and enhance" property values. Only 3 percent say rules harm property values, while about 22 percent see no difference.
According to Zogby, 86 percent of respondents said they knew they were moving into an association when they decided to purchase or rent a home in their community. For 61 percent, the existence of an association had no impact on their decision, but 30 percent said the association made them more likely to buy or rent. Only 9 percent said they were hesitant to join an association community. This finding should tell sellers and realtors that the existence of a well-run association can and should be part of the sales pitch.
While these findings are positive, we’d like to think that we would do even better than the national averages. If you don’t think that’s the case, we encourage you to bring your concerns to our manager or the board.
More survey results are available online at www.caionline.org/about/survey.cfm.

Protective Actions for Heat

List provided by the City of Alexandria:
1. Wear loose fitting, lighter colored clothing. Take a ride on the metro or bus which are air conditioned
2. If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public libraries, museums, movie theatres, or other public spaces that are cool.
3. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
4. Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes. Avoid drinks containing alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar as these can increase dehydration.
5. Remember that the elderly, infants and those with chronic illnesses can dehydrate more easily and are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Observe for signs of heat-related illness such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
6. Observe infants for signs of heat related illness such as not producing tears when crying or fewer diaper changes.
7. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too. Give them plenty of water.

The Wall Street Journal: Condo Associations Get Tough on Fees

Click here to be directed to a WSJ article on how some condo associations are handling rising deliquency and foreclosures.

What is this Thing Called Fiduciary Duty?

From time to time you may hear that the board of the association operates in a fiduciary capacity for the homeowners. Or you may read about the board’s fiduciary responsibility in the governing documents. Just exactly what does this mean?

Fiduciary duty simply means the board has an ethical and legal obligation to make decisions in the best interests of the entire association. That’s a small explanation for a very big responsibility.

Fiduciary duty includes a duty of loyalty to the association, which means that board members should never use their position to take advantage of the association. They should never make decisions for the association that benefit themselves at the expense of the association and its members.

Fiduciary duty also includes the duty to exercise ordinary care. This means board members must perform their duties in good faith and in a manner they believe to be in the best interest of the association, with such care as an ordinary prudent person in a similar position under similar circumstances would use.

In short, boards must act in the best interests of the association and act reasonably.
Board members fulfill their fiduciary duty by:
 Developing and using a formal budgeting process
 Establishing and adhering to budgetary guidelines
 Making sure the budgeting process reflects the wishes of the association members
 Promoting understanding and acceptance of the reserve accounts among the members
 Collecting sufficient fees to adequately operate the association
 Soliciting bids and negotiating appropriate contracts
 Authorizing expenditures

Preparing for, Recovering from Fires

Everyone in our community should prepare themselves for the risk of fire (not just wildfires). Drought conditions persist across the country and many of our homes are in or near woodland settings. Wildfires in California and other places across the country and single home fires remind us to be prepared.

The association urges all residents to create an emergency contact system so you have a place where you or your family members can call or log into remotely for information. Plan multiple escape routes from your home and out of the community in case one way is blocked. Make sure your insurance coverage is adequate; take a detailed inventory of your home.

There may also be simple steps you can take to make your home less vulnerable. Check with our local fire department to see what you can do. Simple things such as keeping trees and bushes far enough away from your home, ensuring shrubs near your home are regularly watered and installing dual-paned or tempered glass windows can help.

If our association ever experiences such a disaster, it will face tough times and difficult decisions just like you. It’s the responsibility of the association manager and board members to make sure community standards are upheld when rebuilding, which will require adhering to the community’s governing documents. We may bring in a third-party architect and attorney to help you rebuild in accordance with those documents.

Check for more tips on fire safety from the U.S. Fire Administration and other government organizations at www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/index.shtm and www.firesafety.gov/.

Register for Bike to Work Day 2011! May 20, 2011

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections invites you to join thousands of area commuters for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work! Meet up with your neighbors at one of 49 regional pit stops, ride to work with an experienced commuter convoy and wear your FREE Bike to Work Day t-shirt at work with pride. Help the Washington region become a better place to ride. Bike to Work Day is a FREE event and open to all area commuters. There will be a raffle prizes, food, drink and more at all pit stops throughout the region.

Click here to register!

Excuses, Excuses

Association members who pay their assessments late or not at all come up with some very interesting excuses. Here’s half a dozen of the most common, and why it’s smart not to use them.

Excuse #1: “I didn’t get what I paid for.”

“My building hasn’t been painted in five years! I’m not paying another cent until some basic maintenance gets done.”

“The power was out for three days during the storm. I’m withholding a pro-rated amount from my assessment check.”

You have a right to require the association to perform its duties, and various legal channels exist to accomplish this. Withholding assessments is not one of them. Your obligation to pay assessments has nothing to do with the association’s obligations to provide maintenance and service. If you withhold your check or pay a reduced amount, you’ll become delinquent, and that leads to late fees, and actually makes your situation worse.

Excuse #2: “You didn’t bill me.”

“I didn’t get an invoice.”

“You didn’t tell me I was behind in my payments.”

Many association governing documents neither require the association to send invoices nor provide advance notice of payments due or past due. However, associations are required to send the approved budget to each owner annually and we do just that. When the association approves and sends the budget each year to our members, it contains notice of the amount you must pay annually. If you’re ever unsure about the amount or the due dates, just call the management office.

Excuse #3: “You can’t do that!”

“These people have no right to make me pay for neighborhood upkeep.”

“If they think I’m paying those outrageous late fees and interest, they’re crazy.”

Actually, the association not only has the authority, it has a duty to all owners to collect assessments. This authority is established in the governing documents and the state’s common interest ownership statutes. When you moved into a community association, you agreed to abide by those documents—and that includes paying assessments.

Excuse #4: “I never use the recreational facilities.”

“I don’t play golf, and it’s an expensive game. I shouldn’t have to pay to maintain the course.”

“I’ve never been in the fitness center, and I don’t plan to ever use it. Why can’t you pro-rate my assessments accordingly?”

Admittedly, recreational facilities are expensive to operate and—for some associations—represent a good chunk of the budget. Nevertheless, most declarations specify that even if you don’t use the association’s amenities you’re still obligated to pay for their upkeep.
Many of our residents moved into this community specifically for the recreational amenities; they’re willing to pay for them because they take full advantage of the opportunities they provide. Even if you’re not using some of the amenities, they make the community more desirable and the homes in the community more valuable. If you’re not using the facilities, perhaps you should consider whether this community is the best fit for you and your needs.

Excuse #5: “I paid in full.”

Sometimes the association receives a check that says “paid in full” in the memo section—but it isn’t. Or the check will arrive with a letter or note, stating the check is “payment in full,” or it covers all charges through a certain date. Nice try. If you still have an outstanding balance, we’re not going to cash your check. We’re going to return it to you. This will put you further behind in your payments and just cause more late fees.

Excuse #6: “The fees are too high.”

Assessments reflect the actual cost of maintaining all common elements in the community. If you owned your home outside the association, you would have to pay individually for all the same expenses your assessments cover—trash removal, water, landscaping, and so on. In fact, you’re actually spending less on assessments because the association has bulk buying power, and you’re getting more because the common areas provide amenities that you likely could not afford on your own.

Legitimate Reasons, not Excuses

When association members lose their jobs or become injured or ill, the association board understands that arrangements need to be worked out for paying assessments. If you have a legitimate reason for falling behind and you need to work out a payment plan, please call the manager. The board considers each situation individually, and will to try to accommodate you special circumstances.

Tracking Down Air Leaks

Air leaks are one of the biggest saboteurs of your energy bill. They cause your heating and air conditioning units to work overtime. But, you can increase the efficient use of energy by tracking down and eliminating sources of air leaks in your home.

How to Check for Indoor Air Leaks

Close your unit as tightly as possible—shutting doors, windows, flues, anything that vents to the outside. (Leave inside doors open.) Turn on the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. This pulls air out of the house or unit and draws outside air in through the leaks. A common way to identify air movements is to hold a lighted incense stick near a suspect area. The smallest movement of air will cause the smoke to move. Another method is to simply hold your damp hand near potential leak sites. Air movement will feel cool.

Where to Check for Air Leaks

Any place one surface joins another (even if it appears closed) is a potential place for air to move in or out of your home—for example, where floor and walls come together, such as around baseboards or carpet edges.

Small spaces don’t allow much air leakage individually, but collectively they can eat up a significant amount of energy. Check all spaces where any type of opening exists such as electrical outlets and switch plates, fireplace dampers, around pipes, attic hatches, mounted air conditioners and mail slots.

Also, be sure to check caulked edges. Don’t assume they’re still air tight. Caulk dries over time and shrinks. Another application might be needed.

Doors and windows are in a category of their own. If they rattle or if you can see daylight around them, they leak. Fortunately, they’re easy to fix with caulking or weather stripping.

Making the Fix

Weather stripping is the simplest and least expensive means to eliminate air leaks around doors. Foam insulation is a variation on caulking that is available as an aerosol spray. It’s well suited for filling large gaps like the holes where pipes or wires enter your home. (Use with caution, however; it expands significantly and can be unsightly if overdone.) For just about everything else, standard caulking is all you need. Once the job is done, test again to make sure you stopped the leak completely.

Celebrate Arbor Day Today

Send a customized e-card to your friends and family for your local Arbor Day.

Clutter No More

Do you have piles of clothes, papers and “stuff” collecting in your home? You’re not alone. It’s time to clean up that clutter and make your abode a more enjoyable and relaxing place to live.

• Create a schedule. Depending on how high those piles are, you may not be able to accomplish the task in a single weekend. So, try tackling one room at a time. It may seem like a daunting project, but it will be less scary if you break it down into segments.
• Practice a one item in, one item out rule. When you buy an item of clothing, for example, throw out one item of clothing. Not only will it keep down the clutter, but it will also make you rethink whether you really want to buy that new item.
• Create a stress-free environment in the bedroom. That means no piles of toys and no mounds of clothes. It should be a place where you can rest without worry.
• Make cleaning up fun for kids by turning it into a game. Kids are often the clutter culprits; involve them in the process to make things neater and more organized.
• Know your vision for the room. What do you want from a room? Is it a place where you work, a space where you unwind, a playroom for the little ones or something else? If you can answer that question, you’ll be able to decide what items stay and what items go.
• Try to make decluttering a part of your everyday life. If you do it at the same time every day—like before you go to bed—the piles won’t accumulate and you won’t have to set aside a block of time to do a major cleaning.

Association Playgrounds

Click here for a great resource for association's considering children's playgrounds.

Highlights include:
-Concerns/liability
-Cushioning & material
-Age appropriateness of equipment
-Durability

Complaining Effectively

If you are unhappy with a product or service, do you know how to express your dissatisfaction effectively to achieve the best outcome? What information should you include in a complaint letter or e-mail? What tone should you use when stating your case? Should you ask for a repair, a replacement or a refund?

The Consumer Action Website of the Federal Citizen Information Center provides clear, step-by-step guidelines for resolving product and service disputes. From advice on escalating unanswered complaints to tips on what information and documentation you should include in correspondence with company representatives, the site empowers consumers to address problems effectively.

Visit www.consumeraction.gov for sample complaint letters and e-mails, information on where to file complaints—including contact information for corporate consumer affairs offices, Better Business Bureaus, state and local government offices and federal agencies—legal help and other useful resources to help get your complaints across more effectively.

Boot Camp for Board Members

Boot Camp for Board Members

Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute's Board Member Boot Camp is a one-day seminar designed to bring community board members up to speed quickly on the basics of community association leadership. After a single Saturday session, attendees emerge more than conversant in the basics of community association governance, financials, vendor management, communications and law, and feel confident in their position on a board of directors. Your boards will operate more efficiently and more work will get accomplished.

For this class, the registration fee has been cut by 60 percent from $115 to $50 for CAI members and from $165 to $55 for nonmembers. For that fee, your board members will receive breakfast, lunch and eight hours of face-to-face time with professionals who will teach them the basics of community association leadership. In addition, the attendees will be given a 142-page manual to assist them in implementing the techniques and skills that they learned during the seminar.


Where & When
Saturday, April 30
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Thompson Center
6090 Kingstowne Village Parkway
Alexandria, VA 22315

Click here to register online.

Free Trees for Arbor Day

As Arbor Day fast approaches on April 29, it’s time to take stock of the trees around us. It’s no secret that trees are an invaluable resource to the earth—they provide oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, help lower temperatures, act as wind and sound barriers, help prevent soil erosion, add natural beauty to the landscape and much more. Unfortunately, the more land is developed, the more we need these amazing plants.

One of the ways you can help protect the trees is to plant new ones, and Arbor Day is the perfect time to do just that. For those who want to be environmentally-friendly on the cheap, the Arbor Day Foundation is offering 10 free trees for each household that signs up for a new membership. Membership* is $10 for six months and $15 for the year, and they offer a wide variety of trees to choose from: flowering trees, oaks, white pines, autumn classics and more. Shipping is free, and the trees arrive at the time they should be planted.

Before you plant your trees, be sure to check with the association about the location—especially if you’re planting your trees on common areas. Also, check with the association before making your choice of trees to ensure they are compatible with the overall association landscaping plan.

You also have the option to have the Arbor Day Foundation plant 10 trees in forests across the US in your honor. And as a member, you get discounts on all of their already low-priced trees as well as access to special member promotions, such as free trees with purchases. To become a member, go to www.arborday.org and click on the Membership section to join.

Also, for almost-free trees, search the web for companies selling cheap trees, such as www.1dollartrees.com, where all trees are only a dollar plus approximately $3.95 in shipping.

Trees give the earth so much, and it’s time for you to return the favor. Plant a tree today and make a difference that can last for years to come.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide, or CO2, is a poisonous gas that can be particularly dangerous because it is colorless and odorless. Headache, nausea, dizziness and even permanent brain damage or death can occur. Hundreds of people die each year from accidental CO2 poisoning, many of them while using portable generators during severe weather.

A byproduct of burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, kerosene, natural gas, oil, wood or coal, carbon monoxide is emitted from internal combustion made by engines, like those that power lawn mowers, portable generators, cars, power washers and many household appliances such as furnaces, ranges, fireplaces, water heaters and room heaters. To prevent CO2 poisoning in your home, be sure to take the following precautions:

• Educate your family about the causes of CO2 poisoning and how to prevent exposure to this deadly gas.
• Do not use portable generators indoors, including in garages, carports, storage sheds and the like, even with doors and windows open. CO2 can quickly build to lethal levels in even partially enclosed spaces.
• Do not place pressure washer engines indoors, and, when using pressure washers outdoors, keep engines away from open windows, doors or vents during use, as CO2 can seep inside through the openings.
• Hire qualified professionals to install new furnaces and appliances and to inspect and service your HVAC system, chimneys and flues.
• Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills and tools. Always refer to the owners’ manual when performing minor adjustments or performing maintenance on fuel-burning equipment.
• Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment or burn charcoal indoors.
• Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never use your gas oven or clothes dryer to heat your home.
• Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
• Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the air flow through the appliance and can produce CO2.
• Install CO2 detectors throughout your home, especially in hallways near sleeping areas, and follow the manufacturers’ instructions for testing and replacing. Keep detectors unobstructed by furniture or draperies.

For additional details about how to prevent CO2 poisoning, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html or the website for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/co/.

Urban Gardening Basics

As the bleak cold of winter finally breaks and signs of spring begin to pop up all around, thoughts of vibrant flowers and lush vegetables are on gardeners’ minds. For those green thumbs living in tiny quarters, an impressive garden may seem unattainable. However, many are turning toward urban gardening, bringing plant life into unique spaces and growing gardens in every nook and cranny. These miniature Edens bring great natural beauty and help reduce our carbon footprints. As more people move to urban areas, urban gardens are becoming more popular, and encouraging those who have never planted to go dig in the dirt to see what comes up. While urban gardening does have its challenges, we have a few tips on how to overcome them to bring your small garden into full bloom.

Know Your Plot
Before you go on a planting spree, take the time to plan out the logistics of your garden. Will it be in your back yard, on your porch, on the roof, on a window sill? Is your intended spot part of the association’s common ground? Check with the association before you start.

How much direct or partial sunlight does that area get, and is that the right amount of sunlight for your plants? Is your space large enough to house the plants when they’re full grown? And, if not, do you have a bigger space where you can relocate them? Will you be doing container gardening, or will you be planting in the ground? What steps do you need to take to get your soil ready for planting? Answering these questions is important before you begin gardening, as the different environments will affect your plant life. Having a plan can help you avoid unnecessary chaos.

Know Your Plants
All plants aren’t created equal, and knowing which will best suit your urban garden is a must for robust growth. Often, urban gardeners will be restricted by space or the need to plant only in containers. They will also need compact plants that can thrive in those conditions, such as herbs, tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, zinnias and the like. And be sure to know what your plants need, such as when and how deep to plant them, as well as how much light and water they need. Also, will they need to be started as seedlings under a grow light until they’re hearty enough to go outdoors, and what mixture of soil do they need to flourish? Being ready to address your plants’ needs is an important step in making sure they grow to their full potential.

Know When to Transplant
Container gardeners will need to be vigilant about making sure they transplant their plants into the right containers as they grow. If your plant is in a container that’s too small, the roots will become restricted, causing the soil to dry out quicker, so you’ll need to move your plant to a roomier home. Be careful, though, not to use too large a container, as the roots won’t be large enough to suck up all the moisture in the soil, which can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb in choosing the right size container is to make sure your plant is neither overflowing or dwarfed by the container, and that there’s a few inches of dirt that can be seen around the plant. So the next time your plants hit a growth spurt, make sure they have the right amount of space to live comfortably.

Get Creative
The best part about an urban garden is that you can set it up anywhere and make it anything you want. Your garden can be in places like your patio, your front door steps or anywhere else good sunlight hits—and the association permits.

While these tips just covered the basics, to learn more about urban garden, go to www.gardenguides.com. No matter what your living area is like, if you’ve got a bit of imagination you can make an urban garden that’s uniquely your own.

Born to be pack leader: Annandale civic association elects dog as president

Check out the Washington Post article about the dog elected President at a local homeowners association.

Promoting Your Cause in the Community Association

So you’ve found a great cause and are looking for a way to rally support for it—wonderful! Of course, as you’ve thought about the people who could help your charitable cause, your friends and neighbors in the community probably came to mind. The board encourages all residents in their altruistic endeavors and always welcomes any effort that fosters a philanthropic environment within the community. But before you start going door to door to fight cancer or whip up a bake sale to end hunger, please check with the manager or a member of the board not only to make sure you’re within the association’s fundraising policies, but also to see if there is any way the association can help.

If you’re looking to get the community association involved in your charity, such as holding an event in one of the association’s common areas, come to a board meeting and propose your idea to the board. We’ll let you know what’s possible, and how to go about it. Or we may recommend other places within the greater community that might be willing to work with you. Also, to help you get the word out, be sure to ask us about mentioning your event in our newsletter or on our website.

It’s caring people like you who make our community a great place to live, and we want to give you the support you need to make a difference—so keep fighting for your cause and don’t hesitate to see what we can do to help.

Cut Out the Catalogs- Less Trash in the Mail Room!

When you buy something from a mail-order catalog, your transaction is likely to be reported to Abacus, a company that compiles a cooperative database of catalog and publishing companies' customers. Your name is then sold to other mail-order companies that send you catalogs and offers. This explains why you are likely to receive several unsolicited catalogs after ordering anything by mail.

To opt out of the Abacus database, write to Abacus, P.O. Box 1478, Broomfield, CO 80038 or email abacusoptout@epsilon.com. Include your full name and current address (and previous address if you have moved recently). For more information, visit www.abacusoptout.com.

You’ll have to notify companies yourself that do not participate in the DMA and Abacus opt-out programs. Contact the customer service department and request that your name and address not be shared with other companies. Contact magazines, charities, nonprofit organizations and professional associations to which you have either donated money or joined.

Increase Your Home’s Value- Part 5

Finish Your Basement or Attic: Utilize every inch of your home by turning your unfinished basement or attic into extra living space. These areas are untapped gems that can be used as game rooms or extra bedrooms, or, with enough space and the right design, a home all on its own complete with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. Basements and attics have special characteristics that need to be addressed. For example, basements are prone to water infiltration and attics often have slanted ceilings. It’s a good idea to bring in the professionals to guide you through these obstacles and make sure all major components like pluming, electric, walls and floors are done correctly.

Increase Your Home’s Value- Part 4

Let There be Light: When a room doesn’t have enough light, it can feel very drab and enclosed. Bring in some much-needed brightness by adding new light fixtures to a dreary room. Don’t be afraid to use different types of fixtures to get the best results—for example, in a kitchen you could use a hanging pendant to spotlight a specific area (like the kitchen’s island), recessed light fixtures to spread the light over the entire room and track lighting under the cabinet to make the kitchen feel open and bright. If you’re not sure which types of lighting fixtures will work best for you, consult a residential lighting designer to find out how to light your room just right.

Increase Your Home’s Value- Part 3

Add a Home Office: People’s work and home lives are drastically merging as more and more workers telecommute from home. Because of this, turning an empty basement, attic or bedroom into a dedicated home office can give you a peaceful place to work and also be a real selling point for potential buyers.

A good home office will have enough space to comfortably work in and have easy access to the Internet, electrical outlets and cable and phone jacks. Touches like built-in bookcases and desks can add that extra something that makes your home office a productive place to work.

Social Security Offers Free Speakers

Social Security Offers Free Speakers

For adults-only communities and communities with a maturing membership base, Social Security is something worth learning more about. That’s why the representatives at Social Security are available to share news and information about the programs and how they work.


Social security offers free speakers on an array of topics, including:

*Retirement, and how to prepare
*Pre-retirement, and how to get an estimate of future retirement benefits
*Disability, how it can help, who is eligible, and how to apply
*Wage reporting for small businesses and employers
*Work incentives for people with disabilities who want to work
*How Social Security can provide extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs
*What Social Security means to every American

If you have a large meeting or event coming up at your community association, and you'd like to have a representative speak, you may submit your request to www.socialsecurity.gov/organizations. You'll find an easy-to-complete form that you can submit online. It will ask you about the type of talk you would like, and more information about the event. There is no fee for this service. Please note that all requests require 30 days advance notice to allow for scheduling arrangements.

Increase Your Home’s Value- Part 2

Update Your Kitchen and Bathrooms: If your kitchen or bathrooms look like they belong in an era long since passed, it might be time to update them. That can be as simple as retiling the floor and replacing faucets and cabinet hardware or as complex as completely remodeling the rooms. When you remodel, consider avoiding too-trendy decor and instead stick with classic looks that will stand the test of time–this will keep you from redecorating again in five years and also make your home all the more appealing to potential buyers.

National Association of Realtors Report: Most Metro Areas See Home Prices Stabilizing

Home sales rebounded in 49 states during the fourth quarter with 78 markets – just over half of the available metropolitan areas – experiencing price gains from a year ago, while most of the rest saw price weakness, according to the latest survey by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, jumped 15.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.8 million in the fourth quarter from 4.16 million in the third quarter, but were 19.5 percent below a surge to an unsustainable cyclical peak of 5.97 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, which was driven by the initial deadline for the first-time buyer tax credit.

In the fourth quarter, the median existing single-family home price rose in 78 out of 152 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) from the fourth quarter of 2009, including 10 with double-digit increases; three were unchanged and 71 areas had price declines. In the fourth quarter of 2009 a total of 67 MSAs experienced annual price gains.

The national median existing single-family price was $170,600 in the fourth quarter, up 0.2 percent from $170,300 in the fourth quarter of 2009. The median is where half sold for more and half sold for less. Distressed homes, typically sold at discount of 10 to 15 percent, accounted for 34 percent of fourth quarter sales, little changed from 32 percent a year earlier.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, is encouraged by the trend. “Home sales clearly recovered in the latter part of 2010 and are helping to absorb the inventory, including many distressed properties. Even with foreclosures continuing to enter the inventory pipeline, they’ve been selling well and housing supplies have trended down,” he said. “A recovery to normalcy requires steady trimming of the inventories.”

Yun added, “An improving housing market and job growth will go hand in hand. The housing recovery will mean faster job growth.” He projects about 150,000 to 200,000 jobs will be added to the economy this year from an anticipated 300,000 additional home sales in 2011.

Yun further noted, “Better than expected sales and/or strengthening in home values can have an even bigger job impact as consumer spending would naturally rise from a housing wealth recovery affecting a vast number of American families.”

NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I., said a very favorable affordability environment is a huge factor in the recovery. “Although job growth has been relatively modest and credit is tight, you can’t underestimate the impact of historically high housing affordability conditions,” he said.

“Mortgage interest rates recently hit record lows, median family income has edged up and prices in most areas have been stable following the correction from the housing boom. For people with good credit and long term plans, it’s hard to imagine a better opportunity than what we see today,” Phipps said. “Unfortunately the flow of credit is unnecessarily tight and is constraining the pace of the housing and job growth recoveries.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate on a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage was a record low 4.41 percent in the fourth quarter, down from 4.45 percent in the third quarter; it was 4.92 percent in the third quarter of 2009.

“The healthier local housing markets are also experiencing favorable local employment conditions,” Yun said. Job growth is a major factor in price appreciation in metro areas such as the Washington, D.C., region, where the median existing single-family home price of $331,100 in the fourth quarter is 8.1 percent higher than a year ago; the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy area, at $346,300, up 4.2 percent; and Austin-Round Rock, Texas, at $190,300, up 4.1 percent.

Smaller metro areas sometimes see larger swings in price measurement depending on the types of properties that are sold in a given period. In such markets, full year price data can provide additional context.

In the condo sector, metro area condominium and cooperative prices – covering changes in 57 metro areas – showed the national median existing-condo price was $164,200 in the fourth quarter, which is 6.4 percent below the fourth quarter of 2009. Twenty-two metros showed increases in the median condo price from a year ago and 35 areas had declines; only 11 metros saw annual price gains in fourth quarter of 2009.

“Consumers in the hard hit regions of Nevada, Arizona and Florida were able to scoop up condos at absolute bargain basement prices,” Yun said. Median condo/co-op prices in affected metro areas include Las Vegas-Paradise at $60,700, Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale with a fourth quarter median of $68,900, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach at $81,900.

Regionally, the median existing single-family home price in the Northeast increased 2.3 percent to $240,400 in the fourth quarter from a year earlier. Existing-home sales in the Northeast rose 15.0 percent in the fourth quarter to a level of 797,000 but are 22.8 percent below the surge in the fourth quarter of 2009.

In the Midwest, the median existing single-family home price rose 0.5 percent to $139,200 in the fourth quarter from the same period in 2009. Existing-home sales in the Midwest jumped 18.3 percent in the fourth quarter to a pace of 1.02 million but are 25.4 percent below the cyclical peak one year ago.

In the South, the median existing single-family home price edged up 0.3 percent to $152,400 in the fourth quarter from the fourth quarter of 2009. Existing-home sales in the region rose 11.4 percent in the fourth quarter to an annual rate of 1.82 million but remain 17.8 percent below the surge in the fourth quarter of last year.

The median existing single-family home price in the West declined 2.9 percent to $214,400 in the fourth quarter from a year ago. Existing-home sales in the West jumped 19.9 percent in the fourth quarter to a level of 1.17 million but are 14.2 percent below the cyclical peak in the fourth quarter of 2009.

“A good portion of the sales activity in the West has been driven by investors taking advantage of discounted foreclosures, with high levels of all-cash transactions,” Yun explained.

Source: NAR

Increase Your Home’s Value- Part 1

A house is one of the biggest purchases a person will ever make, and most want to keep their homes looking beautiful not only for themselves, but also to entice future buyers. From time to time, it’s a good idea to invest in some home remodeling to add to its appeal. Of course, before making any major changes to your home, you’ll want to be sure you go through the proper channels—such as the association architectural committee for approval and the city for the necessary permits—to make sure that you don’t run into any legal issues.

So when it comes time to give your house a facelift, consider these touch-ups and renovations that will not only make your home look better than ever but also help increase its value:

Re-paint Your Rooms: One of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to dramatically change the entire look of a room is to add a fresh coat of paint. Not only will it immediately make your walls look crisp and clean, but also, because wall color can greatly dictate the feel of a room, it’s a simple way to change the ambiance of your home. Since darker colors seem intense on walls and can make a room look smaller, it’s usually best to stick with lighter, warmer hues for your overall color to make your home feel open and welcoming. If you want to paint with darker colors, consider limiting them to an accent wall so that the color isn’t overwhelming and pops against the lighter colors.

If you’re doing the painting yourself, here are a few tips so your paint job looks professional:

• Apply a coat of primer first so that walls won’t soak up as much paint. Use two coats of paint to ensure a rich, even coverage.
• Use painters’ tape along the outside edge of the area you’re painting to get sharp, even lines.

Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting

The next CAC meeting will be on January 19, 2011 in the Helen Wilson Community Room located in the Lee District Government Center (6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312). The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. with a speaker. This presentation will conclude at 7:15 p.m. We will then have an intermission period/social time. At 7:30 p.m. we will start the normal CAC meeting.

The topic in January will be “What Homeowners should know before hiring a Contractor”. The speaker is Ann Rackas Pate. Ann has sixteen years of experience as a construction project manager, has been a construction lawyer for 11 years, and served a four year term as a member of the Virginia Board for Contractors. She will be providing information on contractor licensing laws, information resources on the internet, residential construction contract requirements, and remedies for dealing with unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors. Ann has gotten rave reviews for this presentation in the past.

Leadership Institute of Northern Virginia’s ON BOARD! workshop

The Leadership Institute of Northern Virginia’s ON BOARD! workshops are a nonprofit board training program, which aims to educate both nonprofit board members and prospective board members on the basic roles and responsibilities of serving on a nonprofit board. As a component of the Leadership Institute of Northern Virginia, the workshop’s mission is to create capacity amongst Northern Virginia nonprofits through the education and high-level professional training of nonprofit board members.

From understanding financial stewardship to setting strategic goals, a trained board member is an effective board member.

Program Specifics
ON BOARD! workshops are held twice-yearly, wherein individuals attend a one-day seminar that gives an in-depth overview of the roles and legal responsibilities of being a nonprofit board member. Over 40 participants gather for a day of learning aimed at deepening the participant’s understanding of how to increase one’s efficacy as a nonprofit board member. Since the workshop's inception in early 2009, 97% of participants at Leadership Arlington’s ON BOARD! workshops indicated that the seminar was “superior” or “excellent.” Past participants have said of the workshop, “It was great! A needed course for any board member – but especially for a new one such as myself!”

To learn about the January 2011 workshop, please click here.

To learn more about the workshop's learning objectives, click here.

To review a sample agenda for the ON BOARD! workshop, click here.