Articles & Insights
Latest Articles

Forbes Feature: Why Leaders Should Encourage Socializing In The Workplace
Before 2020, questions such as, “What did you do this weekend?” and other small talk helped us learn more about our colleagues while we waited

Is Your HOA Prepared for Calamities and Other Emergencies?
Have you wondered how your HOA finances the construction of the playground, replacement of the pool pump, painting of community structure, and other projects? Unknown

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Land Development Consultant?
When buying a property, it is advisable to hire the services of a land development consultant. A land development consultant will help the company invest

Formal Public Reporting Processes: What You Need to Know
Community efforts are most successful when many people have a hand in them. No one person can work on a project from beginning to end,

8 of the Most Common Questions About DRE Processing Answered
Does a real estate agent need a broker in California? In California, an agent must undertake all licensed real estate operations under the supervision of

Budget for HOAs: What Is the Purpose for These Budgets?
An HOA budget can serve many purposes and help the HOA board to better manage the association on behalf of its clients. If you’re considering

How to Better Manage Your HOA Budget for Projects
In communities, homeowners associations (HOA) work hard to improve the lives of all their constituents. Several projects are undertaken with the help and cooperation of

A Guide To California DRE Processing Times In 2022
Those in real estate are likely very familiar with the California Department of Real Estate (known as either DRE or CalBRE). Established in 1917, the

5 Items HOAs need to stop (or, start) paying for in 2022
Now that the holidays are over, it’s time for us to get back to work—in our industry, that means budgets! Specifically, HOA budgets. If you’re

Why the Demand Continues for Gated Communities
Gated communities continue to gain in popularity in California and throughout the nation. This is due in large part to the fact that Buyers realize they

Forbes Feature: Lessons On Leadership Skills From The Marines
I volunteered for the Marine Corps right out of high school. I served for two and a half years until a training injury led to

Forbes Feature: Why It Pays To Put Effort Into Customer Service
Why does someone choose to stay at the Ritz Carlton over another hotel? It’s because they are paying for the customer service, not necessarily the

HOA Reserve Study Cost & Pricing Factors (2022)
A Reserve Study is an essential document for any Association-governed community that wishes to protect the integrity of their properties. A comprehensive Reserve Study assesses

CBS in the News: How to Prevent the Next Surfside
Our President Scott Ford was recently featured in the Residential Real Estate Council’s publication “The Residential Specialist.” Scott wrote a guest column on how to

12 Big Tech Challenges Remote Real Estate Companies Are Facing Right Now
We have a lot of technology and high-speed systems in place. Our company runs smoothly and quickly. But we still have a lot of “old

5 HOA Red Flags You Should Watch Out For
Look through the HOA’s reserve study to make sure that the reserves are properly funded. “Usually, if the HOA is 70 percent or more funded,

How to Transition Your HOA from Developer to Owner
We recommend developers retain professional management early in the sales process, to ensure a smooth transition. For these who opt to self-manage, the time always

Your Ultimate Guide To A Subdivision Bond In 2021
The lure of subdividing lands into separate titles holds many benefits for developers and owners, from improved marketability to increased profit potential. But, if you’ve

Forbes: Our President Scott Ford shares strategies for exceeding customer expectations
In a recent piece, Scott Ford provided insights alongside other experts on Forbes.com on how to meet and exceed customer expectations. This is an integral part of

Balcony Safety & Senate Bill 326: Is Your Balcony Safe?
On August 30, 2019, legislation was enacted that focuses on balcony safety, particularly balcony safety for common interest developments. Senate Bill 326 (SB 326) requires

Popular Markets to Invest In Real Estate In 2021
Our President Scott Ford was interviewed by Prudential Cal on the popular markets to invest in real estate in 2021. In case you missed the

California Builder Services Launches DREPublicReports.com
New website provides easy public access to nearly 600,000 Department of Real Estate subdivision and development public reports CLOVIS, CALIFORNIA — September 2021 — The California

Reserve Study: Professional or Do-It-Yourself?
Sound financial management is key to successfully managing property, whether it’s an HOA community or tenancy in common. In an HOA, the board of directors

CBS President Scott Ford’s Q&A on IdeaMensch
Our President Scott Ford was interviewed by entrepreneur-focused website IdeaMensch on his career and personal achievements throughout his life. In case you missed the article,