The Retreat Homeowners Assoc

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

How to Clean Silver Jewelry So It Shines

To make your silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces sparkle, here's how to clean silver jewelry the right way. Plus, how to store silver jewelry to prevent tarnish.

How to Avoid Dining at a Tourist Trap

How to Carry Concealed In a Purse (If You Must)

Many self-defense experts eschew off-body carry. But that's not always practical.

Why Fertility Treatments Aren’t Covered for Veterans

The U.S. government will help active-duty soldiers with the cost of IVF, but those who have left the military don’t have the same benefit—even when combat injuries make it impossible to have kids otherwise.

How Police Are Watching You on Social Media

How does law enforcement use Twitter, Facebook, and other forms of social media to keep tabs on people? Documents from Chicago's Cook County Sheriff’s Office reveal a few of their surveillance techniques.

10 Things Food Banks Need But Won't Ask For

Some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. Because they aren't essentials, the staff doesn't publicly ask for them.

How to Run a Homeowners' Association

A homeowners' association (HOA) is a group of elected residents who own homes in the same development/community. This group is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations agreed upon by the residents, and they exercise some...

Is a Homeowner's Association Right for You?

This article talks about what the homeowner's association is, what it means to be a part of it, and what the benefits are being part of the HOA.

The Benefits of Living in a Homeowners Association

A homeowners association should add value to your neighborhood that goes beyond what's written in the management contract

Homeowners associations: The pros and cons

What are the benefits and drawbacks of joining a homeowners association? Homeowners associations can be either wonderful or painful, depending your personality and experience. Do enough reading on the topic and you'll immerse yourself in the various legal issues, possible abuses of authority and financial risk for the owners. Management companies The most important thing to remember is that you at one point legally agreed to…

Pros & Cons of Living in a Homeowners Association

It's important to weigh the pros and cons of any large purchase, especially when it comes to moving into and living in a homeowners association.

Part of a Homeowners’ Association or Community Association?

Why Supplemental Loss Assessment coverage is important to you. Homeowners’ Associations, Community Associations, and gated communities all operate with the same concept of property held in co…

What's the difference between a neighborhood association and homeowners’ association?

The most notable difference between a neighborhood association, or NA, and a homeowners association, or HOA, is that NAs are voluntary.

All Homeowners Associations Have These 3 Things in Common

If you're part of a homeowners association, you can expect to be a member, abide by the governing documents, and pay assessments.

What Is an HOA? How Homeowners Associations Work

Homeowners associations, or HOAs, govern a community and provide amenities. Residents are required to pay HOA fees.

Can I Be Forced to Join a Homeowner's Association?

Homeowners associations, commonly referred to as HOAs, govern communities like townhouses, condominiums and subdivisions. They collect dues, maintain common areas and enforce rules such as quiet hours or consistency in home appearance. HOAs outline their rules in a covenant, which all homeowners sign onto. However, ...

Homeowners Associations: Love ‘em or Hate ‘em?

Homeowners associations provoke strong emotions. Depending on who you ask, they are viewed as either the neighborhood’s protector of home values or, in some cases, a small group of residents who take community rule enforcement to the extreme. What is an HOA and why do they exist? Simply put, an HOA is a private regulatory organization for a neighborhood development. Buying a home in a neighborhood…

Has Your Homeowner’s Association Driven You Nuts?

Are you fed up with your homeowner's association? Are you sick of them telling you what you can and cannot do? Well one person really went to the extreme to put