SELLING YOUR HOME? BUYING A HOME IN SNOWDENS MILL?

Homeowner Associations are governed by a series of documents that detail the responsibilities of the homeowner and the community to provide services. Anyone purchasing a home in a community is entitled to have those documents prior to the purchase of their home. The resale package is the method selected by the Maryland legislature to assure that new homebuyers are aware of their obligations and status of the community. A resale package is a packet of vital information provided to those purchasing a condominium or a home in an association. The package includes a complete set of recorded documents that govern the community such as the Articles of Incorporation, Declaration, By-laws and in most cases, the rules, regulations, and architectural guidelines of the community. This package also contains a disclosure certificate that gives the buyer information regarding any special assessments or other fees applicable to the property as well as information on any pending litigation matters, known physical problems with the property and any architectural compliance issues. Also included is a master insurance certificate, current budget and a profit & loss statement for the community. Because there is a 3 – 7 day contingency on the home sale for the buyer to review the documents it is an important and time sensitive issue (must be done prior to closing).

In Maryland, the state requires that the seller provide the buyer with this information. You, as the seller, will have much of the information on hand already, such as governing documents, rules and regulations and bylaws. You can share that with the buyer ahead of the contract being signed, if you feel comfortable doing so (keep in mind that some HOA rules and regulations may have changed since your original home purchase). But, you are still legally obligated to order the complete and current resale package. To learn more about resale packages and certificates, be in touch with your local realtor expert, community association manager, or attorney.  

FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Check exterior for inexpensive maintenance issues like areas that need caulking, gutters that need debris removed or vegetation that needs trimming. Check roof for loose or missing shingles. Fixing small issues before they cause expensive problems is key.

Inspect for fall safety. Inspect your supports and railing for decks, patios and entry ways. Be sure handrails can support someone who may have slipped in snow or ice.

Cold weather brings critters seeking refuge in the warmth of an accessible basement or attic. To prevent infestation, caulk small holes and cover large holes with hardware cloth. While you’re at it, check your attic’s insulation. Past critters could have harmed insulation which can cause ice damage to your roof.

Each season has different irrigation requirements to keep property looking its best and protect the functionality of the sprinkler system. Sprinklers with timers can often be reset, as season rain will hydrate foliage. As winter approaches, follow manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing sprinkler and irrigation systems.

Yearly maintenance is critical. Now is a great time to take care of those yearly inspections. Remove debris from the chimney, and ensure that your tenants’ smoke alarms are being maintained. HVAC systems should be serviced and cleaned once a year to prevent major damage.

Board of Directors:

Snowdens Mill HOA is managed by:

Community Association, Inc.

15742 Crabbs Branch Way

Rockville, MD 20855

Contact:

Charles Lasky

301-258-7711, ext. 160