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Huge Efficiencies Gained with Phase Predictor Tool
Our success with the project in this case study was so significant that the home building company extended our methodology to another project, and we’ve been working together for many years.

Red Flags that Signal Potential Problems with Your Reserve Fund
As a homeowner, board member, developer, or community manager, you bear a significant responsibility of ensuring that your community is always in top-notch condition, well-maintained, and prepared for any unexpected situations. One of your primary duties is managing your community’s reserve fund, which serves as a financial buffer to cover any unforeseen expenses or significant repairs.

Making Your HOA more attractive for Insurance Companies
There are fewer insurance companies willing to write policies for HOAs due to perceived risk. In the events that have taken place in 2022, such as floods and fires, there is a massive deficit in insurance for HOAs. Community association insurance plays a significant role in budgeting for HOAs. Insurance premiums are a necessary expense that HOAs must include in their budget to ensure that the community is protected.

Why Customer Confidence Always Comes First
By: Scott Ford for Entrepreneur Magazine
Using the recent banking crisis as the leading example, we should all step back and remember that customer confidence is the first and foremost thing that matters to us. How we do what we do comes secondary.

Community Associations and Inflation: Strategies for Resilience and Financial Stability
Inflation is a persistent issue that wreaks havoc on the financial health of community associations. From project delays to regular assessment increases and impact on reserve funds, the effects of inflation can be far-reaching and challenging to manage. Community association boards must be proactive in mitigating the impact of inflation to ensure that they can continue to provide necessary services to their members while also planning for future capital projects.

Breaking Ground: How California’s SB-330 Law is Tackling the State’s Housing Crisis
For years, California has been grappling with a pressing issue – a severe housing shortage that particularly impacts low- and moderate-income households who struggle to find affordable homes. To address this issue, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill No. 330

Your Go-To for DRE Public Report Processing
If you are a real estate developer in California, obtaining a public report from the Department of Real Estate (DRE) is a crucial step in your project’s success. The public report discloses important information about the development to prospective buyers, such as an overview of the community, the developer’s financial stability, the project’s legal status, the association’s monthly assessments (if any), and the estimated completion date.

Innovations and Advances in California Homeowner’s Associations: A Look into the Future
Homeowner’s associations (HOAs) are constantly evolving and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of residents. As California’s real estate market continues to grow and change, what can we expect to see as the next big thing in HOAs in the state?

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