Transition

Transition...

In North Carolina, the process of transitioning a homeowner's association (HOA) from developer control to homeowner control involves several key steps and legal requirements to ensure a smooth handover. This process generally happens as the community becomes established, and more homeowners buy properties. The developer HOA’s governing documents (such as the CC&Rs or the HOA bylaws) typically specify the exact percentage and timeline for this transition. Some developments may have additional triggers, like a certain number of years since the development began.

At this stage, the developer run HOA organizes elections for a board made up of homeowner representatives. This process was completed September 30, 2024 and the new Triangle Trace Board of Directors were elected.

Bill Berry - President

Joe Brown - Vice President

Tonya Morse - Treasurer

Following these appointments, the new Board met with the HOA management company in the weeks to follow to better understand current state, immediate needs, and handle all the legal steps necessary as new Board members.

The First 180 days

What community member hasn’t looked at the Board of Directors of a HOA and wondered what the members are doing all day. Surveys demonstrate that over half of HOA community members admit to understanding “not at all” or “only slightly” what a HOA Board member actually does. A majority believe that their main role is to walk around the neighborhood looking for homes out of compliance with community guidelines and administering fines.

Being a new community, having a brand new Board of Directors and a very unique cost-sharing agreement with the neighboring community...that is far from what the focus and goals are! What the Board is really striving for is to lay an exceptional foundation to build on for many years to come. This requires a wide range of efforts from all Board members and to execute necessary steps to establish a strong, efficient, value-driven community! The current board members experience and drive were recently conveyed in a newsletter posted in our community Facebook group (will address that in a later blog). Allow me repost it here:

Gordon Ramsey (Master Chef) – his personality is often described as a unique blend of intensity, passion and high standards. He is known for his no-nonsense, often intense approach to cooking and management. His expectations stem from his commitment to excellence though attention to details. Ramsey doesn’t sugarcoat feedback, which makes him seem tough and unyielding but his directness often has the goal of helping since he recognizes the importance of details in every matter.

Jessica Pearson (Law Firm Partner from TV show Suits) – her personality is a powerful mix of intelligence, loyalty and resilience. She is unafraid to make hard decisions and her unwavering loyalty to her friends and colleagues make her a compelling figure. She is highly analytical, always thinking several steps ahead in the complex legal world and uses her connections to verify she is always on the right track. She will not settle for mediocrity in the pursuit of excellence.

John Nash (person portrayed in the movie A Beautiful Mind) – his personality can be described as resilient, intellectual and often intense. He displays a passion and curiosity for problem-solving that defines much of his life. His mind is relentlessly analytical, always searching for innovative solutions and new ways of thinking. He is a brilliant mathematician, ambitious thinker who regularly emerges with a sense of humility. His story is one of both genius and endurance, inspiring in its portrayal of the complexity of the human mind.

Our Commitment

As your newly elected Board of Directors, we are honored to serve and represent our vibrant community. We appreciate the trust you have placed in us, and we are excited to work together to create a harmonious and thriving neighborhood. This blog is our opportunity to introduce ourselves and share our vision for the future of our homeowners association (HOA).

We understand the responsibility entrusted to us, and we are committed to working tirelessly to serve the best interests of our community. As we begin our term, our primary focus is on establishing the integral parts of our HOA that will ensure long-term benefits for all homeowners. These foundational efforts may not always yield immediate results, but they are crucial for fostering a stable, secure, and enjoyable living environment.

Building the Foundation for Success

Here are some of the key areas we are prioritizing:

1. Transparency and Communication: We believe open communication is essential for building trust. Regular updates, meetings, and opportunities for homeowner feedback will be a cornerstone of our governance.

2. Financial Stewardship: Managing the association’s finances responsibly is critical. We are conducting a thorough review of our budget and reserves to ensure we can maintain and enhance community assets while planning for future needs.

3. Community Standards and Enhancements: We are reviewing existing policies to ensure they reflect the values of our community while maintaining property values. Additionally, we are exploring ways to improve shared amenities and community spaces.

4. Emergency Preparedness and Safety: Protecting our neighborhood is a top priority. We aim to develop and implement plans to address unforeseen challenges and ensure the safety of all residents.

5. Resident Engagement: Your input is vital. We encourage participation in HOA meetings, committees, and events to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.

How You Can Help

The success of our HOA depends on active involvement from all homeowners. Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Attend HOA meetings to stay informed and share your perspectives.

• Volunteer for committees or projects that align with your interests.

• Respect community guidelines to help maintain a pleasant environment for everyone.

• Communicate openly with us; your feedback is invaluable.

Looking Ahead

We are optimistic about the future of our community and confident that by working together, we can achieve our goals. While some changes and initiatives may take time to materialize, please know that every decision we make is with the long-term prosperity of our neighborhood in mind.

We thank you for your patience and support as we embark on this journey. Let’s work together to make our community a place we are all proud to call home.