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3 Things I Learned in the First 3 Months of Starting My Company
Starting a new business comes with financial, technical and employee-related hurdles that one may not think to plan for ahead of time. Scott Ford shares his experiences.
One-Stop-Shop
We were approached by a developer who had been working with three different consultants for 18 exasperating months, to obtain a Public Report on a
Technical Knowledge
Another Client had several vacant land parcels in a rural unincorporated area. They had been working with a consultant to obtain a Public Report for several
Timing is everything.
One of our clients, who had owned a “shelf” (rental) Condominium project for several years, decided to renew the existing Public Report and sell all
A Guide to the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Reserve Study
A Homeowners Association (HOA) Reserve Study is an important tool that helps an HOA plan and manage its assets, maintain its financial health, and ensure
When to Get a Disclosure Report to Sell Lots in a Subdivision
Which Subdivision Projects Do Not Need a Disclosure Report? There are a couple of subdivision projects that do not require a Disclosure Report. This includes
5 Tips to Help You Create a Balanced Annual HOA Budget
An annual HOA budget is a financial plan that outlines the estimated income and expenses for a homeowners association (HOA) for a given period, usually
2023 CACM Vision Award Nominee: Scott Ford
The values of education, excellence, and innovation are fundamental to California Builder Services President Scott Ford. Scott has traveled throughout California, providing valuable information to
The Rules Regarding Splitting a Land Parcel in California
By the time our clients work with us, they’ve already subdivided the land and have started a project. Even though we don’t offer engineering or
Reserve Study: What Is It and What Information Does It Provide?
If you are a homeowner in a community with a homeowners association, you may have come across the term “Reserve Study” at board meetings or
Tips for Creating a Long-Term Financial Plan for Your HOA
Homeowners Association (HOA) budgeting is an important part of the successful management of a community. Budgeting is an essential tool for an HOA manager to
Growing Your Business Without Growing It To Death
Why do at least 50% of businesses fail within the first five years? Why do companies that make millions go out of business? Business owners seem to
6 Budgeting Best Practices for HOAs – A Financial Guide
You’ve just joined your first homeowners association (HOA), or maybe you’re thinking about it. In either case, you’re probably wondering what an HOA is and
The 4 Steps of the Eviction Process in California
To evict a tenant in California, landlords must follow a specific process that can take anywhere from two weeks to four months. The time frame
Should You Update Your Reserve Study?: What You Should Know
The weather has a big influence on how often an Association has to repair and replace things around the community. Things like snow, rain, and
Understanding the Types of Real Estate Public Reports
Most Americans’ most significant investments during their careers are real estate purchases. According to ICLG, while offering new properties for sale, subdividers must adhere to
Why You Need a Land Development Consultant
As a land owner who needs help with the development of your land, you should seriously consider getting the help of a land development consultant.
Why Reserve Funds Matter and How They Can Save Your House
Whenever the term “reserve funds” is brought up, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is extra money saved for a rainy day.
5 Common Budgeting Mistakes HOAs Make and How To Avoid Them
Budgeting is one of the most important aspects of running a successful HOA (Homeowners’ Association). Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most difficult. There are
15 Leaders Share How They Fixed Their Biggest Employee Issue
Leaders can prepare for many challenges, but specific problems with individual employees are bound to crop up unexpectedly. Maybe one employee starts showing up late
What Are the Different Residential Subdivision Types?
A lot or parcel of land is split into two or more lots, sites, or other divisions of property, known as a residential subdivision, to
What to Know When Building a Responsible HOA Management Budget
Building a responsible HOA management budget is crucial to the long-term success of any homeowners association. By being mindful of both income and expenses, the
Ways to Write a Concise and Accurate Committee Report
A committee report is a document that contains the findings and recommendations of a committee. It is usually the result of an investigation or inquiry
HOA Budget Planning: Practices Board Members Should Know
One of the essential duties of the HOA Board is to approve an annual operating budget that will cover the costs of running the community.
Understanding the Types of Real Estate Public Reports
Most Americans’ most significant investments during their careers are real estate purchases. According to ICLG, while offering new properties for sale, subdividers must adhere to
Why You Need a Land Development Consultant
As a land owner who needs help with the development of your land, you should seriously consider getting the help of a land development consultant.
Why Reserve Funds Matter and How They Can Save Your House
Whenever the term “reserve funds” is brought up, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is extra money saved for a rainy day.
5 Common Budgeting Mistakes HOAs Make and How To Avoid Them
Budgeting is one of the most important aspects of running a successful HOA (Homeowners’ Association). Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most difficult. There are
What Are the Different Residential Subdivision Types?
A lot or parcel of land is split into two or more lots, sites, or other divisions of property, known as a residential subdivision, to
What to Know When Building a Responsible HOA Management Budget
Building a responsible HOA management budget is crucial to the long-term success of any homeowners association. By being mindful of both income and expenses, the
Ways to Write a Concise and Accurate Committee Report
A committee report is a document that contains the findings and recommendations of a committee. It is usually the result of an investigation or inquiry
HOA Budget Planning: Practices Board Members Should Know
One of the essential duties of the HOA Board is to approve an annual operating budget that will cover the costs of running the community.
Some Things to Keep In Mind When Thinking about HOA Security
When it comes to security, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In our personal lives, we have all sorts of security solutions we use, from our password
How Does an HOA Reserve Study Help You Reserve Funds
An HOA reserve study is an essential tool that can help you plan for the future expenses of your HOA. By understanding the current condition
6 Vital Tips to Help You Properly Budget for Your HOA
As a homeowner, you know that budgeting is important to help keep your finances in order. But did you know that budgeting is also important
Everything You Need to Know About Subdivision Public Reports
Selling property can be rather tedious as there are a slew of different preparations that you need to make. Before selling any units in a
Community Association’s Budget: What Should Be Included?
As a community association, it is essential to have a clear and concise budget for different projects. It’s a roadmap that outlines how the association
HOA Reserve Funds and Studies—What You Need to Know
We’ve all been told to “save for a rainy day,” but what does it really mean? Well, when it comes to homeowner associations, saving for
How to Prepare Your HOA Comunity Budget
Each year businesses hold meetings to talk about their annual budget. In those meetings, they discuss the previous year and plan for the upcoming one.
What Is a Reserve Study: Everything You Need to Know?
Building your reserves to a larger number will help to protect against the effects of inflation. Reserves and reserve interest are both affected by inflation.
Reasons Why You Should Be Transparent with Your HOA Budget
Many communities have their own “homeowners association” or HOA wherein they conduct activities for the betterment of everyone in the community. While it is not
The Importance of a Reserve Study for Your Homeowners Association
You’ve undoubtedly heard the term “Reserve Study.” These words are uttered sometimes during board meetings if you reside in a community with a Homeowners Association
What You Need to Know About Real Estate Public Reports
There’s a lot of paperwork involved in real estate. And one important document buyers should be aware of is the public report. The public report
Homeowner’s Association’s Budgeting Best Practices
Managing a homeowner’s association (HOA) funds can be quite difficult. Failing to do this properly can lead to serious repercussions. Indeed, a budgetary shortfall can
A Quick Guide To California DRE Processing Times In 2022
California real estate agents are most likely familiar with the California Department of Real Estate, or CalBRE. CalBRE is responsible for overseeing the agents who
Legally Built: How to Subdivide Your Property per the Law
The large vacant lot you bought in California 20 years ago is now sitting in the middle of a real estate boom. That’s a lot
Recent 2021 and 2022 Hoa Laws Affecting San Diego Homeowners
Owning a home has its challenges, especially when it comes to familiarizing oneself with building and safety laws. Knowing what to expect can help homeowners
5 Common HOA Misconceptions That Need to Be Debunked
When you live in a private community, the chances are that the community has a home owner’s association or HOA. But people don’t really know
