Hillcrest - HOA Management Blog

HOA Insurance

HOA Insurance: Types, Coverage And FAQs

Every community needs HOA insurance. Insurance serves as an association's first line of defense in the event of property damage, liability, or a natural disaster. With insurance, an association can protect its finances and get back on the right track without losing too much. Understanding the types of insurance and what they entail is essential.   What is HOA Insurance? Homeowners association insurance, also known as a master policy, is a type of coverage that protects a homeowners association from…
Azalea
July 21, 2018
HOA Deliquency

What’s The Right Way To Deal With HOA Delinquency?

Having a high HOA delinquency rate can negatively impact association finances. Board members should know how to deal with delinquent accounts, while homeowners should do their best to minimize delinquencies. In doing so, they can maintain high property values and ensure their investments are safe.   What is HOA Delinquency? In homeowners associations, delinquency refers to a failure to pay outstanding dues. Homeowners in HOA communities are obligated to pay regular fees. The HOA then uses these fees to cover…
Azalea
July 15, 2018
HOA Rentals

Is An HOA Rental Cap A Good Or Bad Thing?

It's normal to come across HOA rental caps in homeowners associations. These communities enforce these caps to control rentals within their neighborhoods and maintain high property values. For both homeowners and board members, it's essential to understand what rental caps are, whether they're allowed, and how they affect the HOA.   What are HOA Rental Caps? Many homeowners associations enforce rental restrictions to combat the negative effects of rentals, particularly short-term rentals, on the community. One of the restrictions HOAs…
Azalea
June 16, 2018
HOA Board MeetingHOA Meetings

HOA Meeting: What Goes On From Start To Finish

An HOA meeting is a critical tool in ensuring the continuous and successful operations of a homeowners association. Not all members understand what goes on in a board meeting, often missing essential items and details. Fortunately, this will serve as a guide for both homeowners and board directors.   What is an HOA Meeting? A homeowners association meeting can refer to any meeting that takes place in an HOA community. More often than not, it pertains to a board meeting,…
Azalea
May 6, 2018
HOA Annual Meeting

HOA Annual Meeting: A Board And Homeowner’s Guide

The HOA annual meeting is an important yearly gathering where major events and presentations take place. Homeowners and board members alike should attend this meeting, as it plays a crucial role in decision-making and keeping everyone informed. This is a guide to the annual meeting of a homeowners' association (HOA).   What is the HOA Annual Meeting? The homeowners' association annual meeting is a meeting for all members of an HOA. It includes both board members and homeowners. As its…
Azalea
April 29, 2018
HOA Security

Condo Security: Protecting Residents And Property

Condo security is a top priority for both residents and condo associations. With a more secure environment, residents can feel more at ease in their community. Moreover, condo associations can build trust and ensure peace of mind.   The Importance of Condo Security Condo associations have more unique challenges than their single-family home counterparts. This is because, in condo communities, residents live close together and use common spaces daily. There are also more shared areas within the premises. These shared…
Azalea
April 21, 2018
Home Maintenance

Why Is Humidity Low In My House? Can I Fix It?

Why is the humidity so low in my house? If your home has low humidity levels, you may find yourself with dry and itchy skin, or experiencing small electric shocks between you and family members. Humidity levels that are too low can cause damage to your furniture, your home, and your health.   What Does Low Humidity Mean? High humidity means there is excess moisture in the air. Low humidity is the opposite of that. It is when there is…
Azalea
March 27, 2018
News

Hillcrest Excels at Chicago’s 2018 IREM Premier Awards

We recently attended the IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) Premier Awards at The Drake in Chicago, IL. We are very proud to announce that two of our very own Hillcrest employees had the distinct honor of receiving IREM's Chicagoland property management awards. We would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Ms. Celina M. Bright and Mr. Thomas J. Purrazzo! (more…)
Azalea
March 5, 2018
News

What to Expect with a National Management Company Merger

We have seen a lot of changes in Illinois property management as smaller, local management companies get purchased by, or merge with, national management companies. This happened again most recently with another Chicagoland property management company in the south suburbs. It’s important to know what you can expect if your current smaller, local property management company has merged with a national management company. (more…)
Azalea
February 7, 2018