If you’re a homeowner who has an HOA, there are a few things you can do to avoid unnecessary expenses and liability clauses in your CC&Rs. One of those things is to decorate for the season, and another is to make sure that you take down all decorations after Christmas.
Decorate for the season
The holiday season is a great time to spend with family and friends, so why not make the most of it? Decorating your home is no exception. In fact, it might be the best time to start a tradition that will last all year round. A sleigh bed is a good place to start, and a festive Christmas tree is a nice touch. With the aforementioned elements in place, you’re well on your way to a winter wonderland. You’ll be in a good mood to boot!
Of course, not all of us have access to a winter wonderland. A little creativity can go a long way. Even the aforementioned sleigh bed can be converted into a comfy couch. The trick is to find the right type of occupants to match. After all, it’s not every night that you’re cooped up with your favorite people. As such, an impromptu family get-together may be just the ticket.
Take down decorations at least two weeks after Christmas
If you have been enjoying the festive spirit of Christmas for a while, it might be time to take down decorations. But you don’t want to do it too late. This is because you don’t want to bring bad luck into your new year.
Taking down Christmas decorations is a tradition for many people. Some start the process on the day after Christmas, while others wait until the New Year. Whatever method you prefer, there are several traditions to help you decide when is the right time to take down your Christmas decorations.
For most Christians, the best time to take down decorations is on Twelfth Night. While Twelfth Night can fall on any date between January 5 and January 6, it is often considered the final day of the festive season.
However, some Christians may leave their decorations up until Epiphany. The Feast of the Epiphany is a feast day celebrated by western churches on January 6. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus.
On the other hand, some Eastern Orthodox churches have a more traditional date for this holiday. According to the Julian calendar, it falls on January 19. Although some people choose to take down their trees and decorations before this date, some continue to keep them up until Epiphany.
Another tradition is the 12 Days of Christmas. It begins on December 25, and ends on January 6. Each day, you are supposed to take down one of your Christmas decorations. These include your tree and your garland. You can also dispose of your wrapping paper and cardboard boxes.
Many cities have designated pick up days. Some cities also have drop-off locations for trees. You can find out the green waste recycling schedule online.
If you have a live tree, you should take it down before it dries out. Also, it’s important to water your tree regularly. Otherwise, it could catch fire. Alternatively, you can take it to a local recycling center.
It is not easy to decide when to take down your Christmas decorations. Whether you wait until the New Year or take down decorations as soon as possible, it is a great way to add cheer to your home.
Limit liability clauses in your CC&Rs
You probably don’t have to be a resident of the golden state to have a home owner association in your ghetto hood, but you better know your stuff. It’s your job to make sure your neighbors aren’t tainting the good ole boy that’s yours for the taking. Luckily there are a handful of options on tap, from a quick and easy fix to a full fledged trollproof savior. And the best part is you don’t have to do it alone! With the help of a reputable eagle eye attorney, you can make sure you get it right. Using a legal firm that specializes in HOAs is a no brainer. The best thing is the fee is usually covered by your HOA’s insurance policy. If not, it’s like you’re hiring a janitor to handle your errands.
Avoid unnecessary costs in your HOA budget
In order to keep your HOA finances in good shape, you need to make sure you avoid unnecessary costs. While you might think it’s difficult, there are ways to cut back. It’s important to follow the rules and regulations outlined in the governing documents. Keeping your costs low will help you save money and reduce assessments.
You can cut down on expenses by evaluating the equipment and services that you currently use. For instance, if you own a pool, you may have needed monthly cleaning or treatment. A simple inspection can prevent costly plumbing issues.
Another way to cut down on expenses is by reducing the amount of paper that you consume. Technology has made it easier to reduce the amount of paper used by organizations.
HOAs can also reduce their expenditures by installing energy-saving equipment. This can lower the amount of electricity and water usage. The use of solar technology can also help.
Before you begin preparing your HOA furniture budget, be sure to look at the current state of the economy. Your board should look at trends in utility rates.
Besides analyzing your current expenses, it’s also important to consider future costs. This includes maintenance of the common property, professional services, insurance, and utilities.
You should also evaluate contracts. Oftentimes, your HOA can reduce costs by negotiating with vendors. If you have a good relationship with your vendor, they might be willing to offer you a special discount or promotion.
Also, be sure to take into consideration the cost of delinquencies. You should have a contingency fund for these unexpected expenses. Typically, you will have to provide a notice of intent to transfer funds to a reserve account.
Lastly, a great time to review vendor contracts is during budget season. By doing so, you can more accurately allocate the funds.
Creating a budget can be difficult, but it’s possible if you plan ahead. Use your knowledge of the laws outlined in the governing documents and other resources to prepare a budget that will work for your community. Doing so will allow you to preserve the value of your investment and put the needs of your community first.