Community Association Management

10/08/2026

A budget is more than a spreadsheet, it's the foundation of an association's financial management, its defense against special assessments, and one of the clearest ways boards fulfill their fiduciary duty to homeowners. Even when budget development is delegated to a professional manager or accountant, the responsibility for the association's finances stays with the board.

CAI breaks down what a budget is, why it matters, and how operating and reserve funds work together to support long-term stability: https://hoaresources.caionline.org/getting-started-with-hoa-budget-basics/

10/05/2026

"Philip Hanson has been an incredible asset to our community. He is consistently communicative, responsive, and timely in addressing requests and concerns. His professionalism and dedication have made a noticeable difference in how our community is managed." - S.B. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

09/30/2026

Rising costs have made annual budgeting a more complex, higher-stakes conversation for community associations. Without a clear financial picture, communities risk underfunded reserves, deferred repairs, or sudden assessment increases.

CAI shares how boards and managers can shift from reactive budgeting to proactive financial leadership through education, trusted professional guidance, and multiyear forecasting: https://hoaresources.caionline.org/navigating-rising-costs-in-hoas/

Rising costs have taken on new urgency in community associations across the country. Here's how to navigate a complex discussion.

09/28/2026

"I'm a real estate appraiser, and they always answer any questions I have in a quick and friendly manner. I would highly recommend using them." T.L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

09/24/2026

Sustainable landscaping isn't just an environmental decision; it's a financial one. Native and drought-tolerant plantings typically require less irrigation, less fertilizer, and less frequent maintenance than traditional turf-heavy landscaping, which can meaningfully reduce long-term common area costs.

Boards considering a shift toward more sustainable landscaping should start small: identify high-water-use areas that could be converted, consult with a landscape professional familiar with regional native plants, and phase changes in over time rather than overhauling common areas all at once.

Residents are often more supportive of these changes when they understand the cost savings and lower maintenance burden behind them.

09/21/2026

Community association board members no longer need to report personal information to the federal government under the Corporate Transparency Act.

FinCEN's final rule permanently removes beneficial ownership reporting requirements for U.S. companies and individuals, a change that follows years of advocacy from CAI on behalf of volunteer board leaders.

It's important to note the underlying law hasn't been repealed, only how it's applied. Boards should stay informed as related legislation continues to move through Congress. Read more here: https://hoaresources.caionline.org/corporate-transparency-act-requirements-end/

Community association board members no longer must report personal information to the government under the Corporate Transparency Act.

09/17/2026

"Setting up a new account for Woodbridge and Sergine Fall was extremely helpful via chat to get the account set up, Great job Sergine!" - D.H. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

09/14/2026

A reserve study is more than a number on a budget line, it's a roadmap for your community's long-term financial health. "Percent funded" tells you how prepared the association is for major repairs, but it isn't a one-size-fits-all target.

A community with a shorter component list or lower-risk assets may operate safely at a different funding level than a high-rise with elevators and structural systems to plan for.

Boards should look beyond the summary percentage and review projected replacement timelines, cost estimates, and how recently those figures were updated. A reserve study that hasn't been refreshed in several years can be just as misleading as one that was never done at all.

09/10/2026

Self-managed doesn't have to mean managing everything alone. Our eManageSuite™ platform gives self-managed boards across North and South Carolina the same accounting, collections, and homeowner service support that larger, professionally managed communities rely on, while your board keeps full decision-making control.

See how eManageSuite can support your board:
https://communityassociationmanagement.com/self-managed-solutions/emanage-suite/

09/08/2026

Buying into a community association means buying into its financial structure, its physical condition, and its culture, not just the home itself.

Governing documents, financials, reserve studies, meeting minutes, and insurance coverage each tell a different part of the story, and no single document gives you the full picture on its own.

CAI shares the five sets of documents every prospective buyer should request before closing: https://hoaresources.caionline.org/hoa-homebuying-5-documents-to-review/

HOA homebuyers should request five sets of documents before they buy. They will give you the clearest picture of what you’re stepping into.