HOA's are an important part of homeownership in Arizona; much of our lives are predicated by how successfully they are managed. When Burt and Susan Sweetow entered the realm of educating real estate professionals in Arizona, they also experienced the many sides of HOA boards. A general reality is that most people don't know what they don't know! This book is an accumulation of many years insight into HOA leadership, management relations, and communication. It is designed to be easy to read, understand and stay informed through the Arizona State Statutes regarding homeowner's associations. The ideal reader for "HOAs and All That Jazz" is any homeowner or resident currently serving on the board of directors of their Homeowner's Association (HOA)... is thinking about serving or just wants to be better informed of the issues faced by every HOA. The goal of the authors is to provide readers with the cumulative expertise, wisdom, and education to shorten the learning curve and provide tools to effectively manage an HOA. There are critical factors involved: guidance with establishing a sound system, communication, and education with regard to governance, oversight and management planning. By the end of the book, readers will be able to express credible responses to any issue encountered by their HOA.HOA Boards are rarely something to which homeowners flock; they are rife with tension and stress, and not something people would find an enjoyable or rewarding experience. "HOAs and All That Jazz" explores various elements to transform a crisis-driven environment into a group of people focused on clear goals and direction. Written by industry experts, Burt and Susan Sweetow, homeowners, board members and the professional services that support HOAs will benefit from shortcuts to wisdom without costly mistakes. In this informational guidebook written by Burt and Susan Sweetow, readers are privy to decades of experience, education, and knowledge about homeowner associations. They couple their wisdom with information direct from the Arizona Statutes - making sure readers know not only where to access the rulings, but to increase their knowledge of the laws stated therein. The authors examine a wide range of HOA-related topics, including the history, variables information, responsibilities of the Board of Directors, established committees and their responsibilities, and a plethora of other information outlined in the rulings set forth in the laws of the State of Arizona, as well as other resources, important to the management of any homeowners association. Are HOAs in Crisis in America? Need we pay closer attention to the controversies arising from the negative feelings of living in Homeowners Associations? In "HOAs and All That Jazz," Burt and Susan Sweetow addresses the question of why some local, state, national government and police are reticent to interfere in HOA dealings There are myriad documented atrocities perpetrated by HOAs, including stress-induced illness, neighbor and family problems, financial abuse, foreclosures and general strong-arm tactics geared at controlling homeowners... education and advocacy for homeowners are essential.
About the Author: AS A COUPLE, highly qualified to write a key resource on Homeowners Associations (HOAs), Burt and Susan Sweetow are an amazing collective of wisdom, education, and expertise in myriad factors of homeownership. As a team, passionate about HOAs, they are unstoppable! They have worked with Homeowners Associations for decades-working with homeowners, associations, and property management companies-each experience adding another layer to their belief it is possible to maximize the benefit of HOAs to ensure peaceful and pleasant communities-if only people will use the knowledge available for them. HOAs are not simple, and most people are not aware of the various laws and rulings that regulate them and often don't know where to look. The couple wants to raise awareness and provide a one-stop resource for HOA information and rulings that makes the process of gaining valuable information less difficult for every person who needs it. Their education and experience are lengthy and impressive: President/Owner/Instructor of the Southwestern School of Real Estate since 1989; Realtors, speakers, trainers and lecturers. Their accolades range from honorary collegiate awards to Realtor Emeritus-always being recognized as the "go-to" for latest trends and issues in the housing industry. Susan and Burt add an additional layer to homeowner association issues with their background and experience as approved mediators for Justice Court and Superior Court-well known for their experience in talking with people in stressful situations to reach positive conclusions. Burt adds to the couple's mix high-level experience in property and business management for homeowners associations, with a broad skill-set on budgeting, financial planning, operations management, advertising and marketing programs, as well as consulting for apartment building-condominium conversions. The couple has graced Arizona with their professionalism since 1976, and continues as local residents to share their time and talent with its communities. Susan, a mixed media artist creates work of art that was shown in local galleries, and donated for silent auctions as part of the couple's philanthropic spirit. Burt donated his time to updating Taliesin's archives to computer several years ago. He also computerized cancer records for Scottsdale Health Care as a volunteer. For eight years the couple delivered meals to homebound residents... brightening their day with a cold lunch and hot dinner.