Grass to Gables: Improving Outdoor Spaces 96

PAVERS AND CONCRETE

Your outdoor space is probably a mix of grass and pavers or concrete. Whether you have a slab or individual pavers, these elements can help shape your outdoor spaces and provide a steady base for your basketball games or seating areas.

Here are some creative options:

Pavers: in any size and conguration, pavers can create patios, porches, walkways and garden accents. They may require expert installation and can be expensive as well as needing maintenance. However, many people love the luxe look and even choose to use pavers on their driveways. If installed and sealed correctly, they’ll last a long time and are far less likely to crack than a concrete slab.

Mosaic concrete: instead of a simple slab, you may choose to work with a company that can create concrete mosaics. These are arrangements of small concrete portions, sometimes lled in between with gravel. It looks modern and clean.

Stamped concrete: want to take it up a notch but not commit to the process of pavers? Stamped concrete may be your best bet. You can get well-designed and textured concrete that looks like stones.

Andre Eastman Eastman Realty

HOA AGREEMENTS

What are you really signing up for? There are some common aspects to an HOA agreement that you should know. Of course, it’s most important that you read an HOA agreement thoroughly to fully understand your specic terms. Typically, an HOA agreement will include things like:

Monthly or annual fees Election and terms for board members Bylaws, which will detail the HOA standards House color House maintenance Lawn maintenance Recreational facilities Other amenities Reserve fund and fund allocations Compliance and conict management Insurance responsibilities Public space maintenance

AN HOA AGREEMENT WILL ALSO DETAIL THE LEGAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL PARTIES. READ ON TO LEARN MORE.

Andre Eastman Eastman Realty

HOA LEGAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (P1)

HOA'S may have signicant legal rights. Depending on the agreement you sign, many HOA'S have the right to foreclose on your home if you don’t pay fees. Here are some common legal rights and responsibilities that are part of these legal relationships. Homeowners may have the following rights:

Right to inquiry Circumspect record-keeping Reasonable access to records and nancials Disclosure of proceedings Timely and fair notices if there is an intent to take disciplinary action Consistent treatment and enforcement of rules and regs Consistent treatment and enforcement of rules and regs Information about voting eligibility Right to vote

Andre Eastman Eastman Realty

HOA LEGAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (P2)

There will also be language about things such as:

Solar installations Vehicle parking/towing Modication for the access of disabled persons Ingress, egress, and support/access rights Notices

STATE AND EVEN FEDERAL LAWS CAN APPLY TO THE LEGAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOTH HOA'S AND LAWYERS. ENTIRE LEGAL FIRMS SPECIALIZE IN HOA LAW. IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT HOMEOWNERS MOVE INTO A COMMUNITY WITH AN HOA AND SIGN AN HOA CONTRACT WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES.

Andre Eastman Eastman Realty

HOA FAQS

HOA Boards are usually populated by elected members of the community who fulll various roles. An HOA board may include:

They hold meetings that should be recorded and also facilitate meetings with homeowners.

Some HOA members are paid and some are not. Most of the time, HOA'S are technically non-prot organizations whose members work on a voluntary basis.

President

Vice-President Treasurer

Secretary

BOARD MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING BOOKS, HANDLING EMERGENCIES, REPRESENTING HOMEOWNERS, AND ENFORCING RULES.

Andre Eastman Eastman Realty