|
We've compiled a list of some Frequently Asked Questions below. If you can't find the question/answer you are looking for on this page, select Search - we'll search the entire site for you. If you'd like to ask your own question, click Ask a Manager and we'll get back to you with an answer.
Q: What is a "management company," what do they do, and how do I reach them?
A: A management company is contracted by the Board of Directors to provide such services as: Collection of assessments, supervision of subcontractors, obtaining bids for subcontracted services, providing financial statements and collection reports, as well as a general clearing house for problem solving, communications with homeowners and the Board of Directors and to serve in an advisor capacity. The management company reports directly to the Board and all decisions are made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The management company may be reached online through the Management Office page on this website or by phone from the numbers listed on the Contacts page on this site.
Back to Top
Q: What is a homeowner's association?
A: It is a non-profit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: CC&R's, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.
Back to Top
Q: What are the CC&R'S?
A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&R's were recorded by the County recorder's office of the County in which the property is located and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&R's may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site.
Back to Top
Q: What are the Bylaws?
A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business. The Bylaws for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site.
Back to Top
Q: What is the Board of Directors?
A: The Homeowner's Association is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitation and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is outlined in the Association governing documents found within the Resource Center page of this site.
Back to Top
Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CC&R's and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets, trash bins, etc. In addition, your Association has Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include patio covers, decks, landscaping, exterior color changes, fences, etc. These guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and hopefully protect the market value of your investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Directors, which could include fines, and sometimes even liens against your property. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Board of Directors, or Architectural Committee, as applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic visit the Resource Center page of this site.
Back to Top
Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Guidelines, what can I do?
A: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, and you are willing to actively participate in the enforcement provided by the Policies and Guidelines, then we ask that you contact the Association Management group. Their information can be found on the Contacts portion of the website.
Back to Top
Q: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
A: Yes board meetings are open to the residents and the time and place can be accesed online on the Calendar page.
Back to Top
Q: If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active and how I can get involved?
A: The Contacts page of this website will inform you of the status of current committees organized and committee contact information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the committee chair or fill out the online "Ask a Manager" form found on the Management Office page of this site.
Back to Top
Q: What is an assessment?
A:The Board of Directors may issue assessments as needed from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Assessments are often times the only way to provide funding for improvements and necessary repairs. If an assessment is made by the Board of Directors, then they would be due at the end of January each year, just like the yearly homeowners dues.
Back to Top
Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?
A:The Board of Directors prepare an annual budget based upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, etc. The Board of Directors meet with the various committees to review their budgetary requests too. Secondly, the Board tries to build a reserve fund into the budget for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: lighting, entrance repairs, mailboxes, etc.
Back to Top
Q: Will my homeowner dues go up?
A:There is no concrete answer to this. The Northstone By-laws only allow for a maxium 10% increase in homeowner dues in any one year. The Board of Directors may approve an increased budget, thus having to raise dues by the 10%, but this could also mean a one time assessment to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.
Back to Top
Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment or homeowner dues?
A:The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the homeowner dues and assessments from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge as dues and assessments are due in January every year. In addition, the CC&R's allows the Association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.
Back to Top
Q: I've heard we lease the street lights in Northstone, is that true?
A:We have 154 street lights that are leased from the Town of Huntersville for $20.67 each. This is a monthly payment and we have a ten year contract. The contract ends in late 2006, and it is unclear if we own them at the end of the ten year term. The board President has met with the Town of Huntersville and both parties have agreed to meet again in early '05 to determine the outcome of the contract and hopefully a reduced rate. The HOA's relationship with the Town of Huntersville is being handled by a board member. He will be pursuing street lights issue, plans for road resurfacing, road signs in the community, procedures to get our streets cleared after winter storms, and other issues regarding their services that may arise. Northstone is Huntersville's largest community and we represent an estimated $1 million in tax revenue.
Back to Top | 
