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	<title>Home Lifestyle &#8211; HOA ALLIANCE</title>
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	<title>Home Lifestyle &#8211; HOA ALLIANCE</title>
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		<title>Tyler Perry Donates $2.75 Million To Help Older Atlanta Homeowners</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/tyler-perry-donates-2-75-million-to-help-older-atlanta-homeowners/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 17:28:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Lifestyle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=323173</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Tyler Perry continues to give back in tremendous ways. The movie mogul recently teamed up with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to provide assistance to older homeowners in the city.  With the deal, Perry is donating $2.5 million for older residents on fixed residents to help them stay in their homes. Over the past decade, Atlanta’s growth has coincided with rising property taxes. Perry’s contributions will  cover city, county, and school taxes.  He will also cover any increases in property taxes for the next two decades. Perry has already donated $750,000 for the first year and will pledge $500,000 over the next four years.  The entire donations will cover 100 low-income residents and will be administered by Invest Atlanta.  “I knew that the success of my studio would affect all the property values around it,” Perry said in an interview with AJC. “But make no mistake the seniors on fixed incomes around the studio will not lose their homes because of past due or rising taxes… no sir!! We ain’t doing that to our legacy. Thank you Mayor Dickens and Invest Atlanta for caring about our folks. God bless.” The post Tyler Perry Donates $2.75 Million To Help Older Atlanta Homeowners appeared first on Atlanta Daily World. Written by A.R. Shaw &#124; View the original article published by Atlanta Daily World]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>Successful Aging: Have a downsizing conversation even if you plan to stay in your home</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/successful-aging-have-a-downsizing-conversation-even-if-you-plan-to-stay-in-your-home/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2023 18:03:45 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Lifestyle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=323164</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Q. I am a healthy and active widow in my late 70s. My intention is to stay in my home forever. That is until a good friend visited and said, “You should be moving; the house is much too big with too many stairs. Move before you have to.” That jolted me since I love where I live and love my home and community. It’s where my late husband and I raised our three children. After 40 years, what should I reluctantly be thinking about?  Many thanks.   D.M. A. Thank you for your question which has at least two parts. The emotional part may be the more difficult one. Home is full of memories and memorabilia. It’s where children are raised, holidays are celebrated and special dinners are shared. Our home is part of our routine, it is familiar and within our comfort zone.  We may have a beautiful flower garden, fruit-bearing trees, a bird feeder or maybe even a pool. And then there is the ocean. We may have neighbors who have become friends and stores, markets, movies, restaurants, doctors, hospitals or houses of worship that are familiar to us. Our home gives us a sense of stability and certainty.  If just a few of the attributes mentioned are part of our lives, it’s a lot to give up – for the unknown. Now to the practical part… You are not alone in wanting to stay in your home. A 2022 Michigan University survey found that 88 percent, or almost nine out of ten, of adults age 50 and older want to age in place. A 2021 AARP survey similarly noted that 77 percent or almost three out of four want to do the same. AARP respondents identified their priorities in making a move. A majority would consider living in an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to be close to someone while maintaining their own private space. An ADU is a small home built on the same land as a larger home. They would want to live in a community that has in-home high-speed Internet, clean water, safe trails for walking, running or biking and well-lit community parks. They would consider moving if they could live independently, have a lower cost of living and more affordable housing choices. Here’s the rub. Most adults are not prepared to age in place. Sara Zeff Geber, author of “ Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers” (2018, Mango Publishing) noted in a recent conversation that “ aging in place is haphazard. You may think neighbors and friends will help, but that’s not a contract. They have agreed to nothing.” Her final comment, “Solo agers have no business to age in place; that’s not a plan.” Not all older adults want to downsize. The pandemic served as a motivator for many to rethink their lifestyle and what is important. Family ranked high. Even before the pandemic, fewer empty nesters were downsizing according to Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights for the National Association of Realtors as quoted in Forbes (July 17, 2022). Rather than less space, many older adults indicated they wanted extra space , particularly for their children and grandchildren who come home for the holidays . That extra space would have been useful for the many adult children who moved in with parents and grandparents in the early months of the pandemic. Zillow research reports that number was three million, an all-time high. If downsizing and relocation is a consideration, the first question to ask is, “Why do I want to do this?” Is the current space too much to maintain? Is it just too big for one or two people? Are the costs for home ownership too high considering taxes, insurance, heating and general maintenance? Have friends and neighbors moved or died? Do I want to be closer to children and grandchildren? Am I lonely? Is transportation an issue particularly if one is no longer driving? Is it pressure from peers and adult children? Do I want to use the equity in my home to travel? Do I feel the need to be closer to medical services? Then there is something called pre-downsizing. Ellen Ryan, in an article for the online publication Next Avenue, offers several reasons to pre-downsize: You can work at your own pace without pressures or deadlines; you are physically up to the task; your loved ones will have less to do; you may be so happy with a decluttered environment that you may decide to stay in your home longer. Most experts in the field suggest planning early in deciding whether or not to downsize and relocate. Given that the average home has 300,000 items , it’s never too early to sift and sort, regardless of the decision. D.M. Thank you for your important question. In this holiday season and all seasons, know kindness is everything. Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com .  Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity Written by Helen Dennis &#124; View the original article published by OC Register]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Backyard pizza ovens are still a hot item for home cooks</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/backyard-pizza-ovens-are-still-a-hot-item-for-home-cooks/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2022 20:43:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Lifestyle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=322241</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Like a lot of pizza enthusiasts, Chris and Caran Hayes have always loved authentic wood-fired pies. But they never thought much about recreating them at home until, in 2017, they took a hands-on cooking class while on vacation with friends in Napa, Calif. It was so much fun that, when they were planning a remodel of their Ben Avon kitchen and patio a little while later, they included an Italian-made Mugnaini pizza oven in the design. Actually, it was his idea to have the $10,000, pre-assembled import freighted all the way from California to his backyard. His wife had to be talked into it. “I thought, ‘What an extravagance! Are you kidding me? We’re not of that caliber,”” she says with a laugh. “But he was persistent.” While their budget was a little higher than many, the couple were actually ahead of an increasingly hot trend in home cooking. Pizza ovens, especially portable ones such as the popular Ooni, Solo Stove Pi and Gozney Roccbox, only continue to grow in popularity as home cooks look to stretch their culinary skills while differentiating their outdoor cooking spaces. Last year, the outdoor pizza market was valued at $310 million. Thanks to a renewed interest in home cooking spurred by the pandemic, it’s expected to reach $402 million by 2027, according to industry reports. Ooni, which is now available in 90 countries, reported a 264% year-over-year increase in revenue for 2021. Made of sturdy steel, with a stucco finish and decorative brick eyebrow arch, the 3,500-pound oven in Ben Avon is certainly a pizza powerhouse worth swooning over. While it took a few tries to perfect his technique, Hayes can now make as many as four 12-inch pies at a time on its 43-inch cooking surface — something he does every other weekend in summer and into December — using a mix of oak and cherry wood. It takes 2-2 1/2 minutes, depending on how hot the floor is; he aims for 650 degrees, though the oven reaches more than 1,000 degrees. The couple also has roasted a turkey and holiday sides in the oven, and desserts such as apple crisp, Tuscan apple cake and chocolate chip cookies for ice cream sandwiches, once it cools down after pizza-making to 400 degrees. Hayes is quick to point out his wife is the true master of operations. She stretches the dough they purchase from Aviva Brick Oven in Warrendale and concocts the toppings (Buffalo chicken and shiitake mushroom topped with fresh arugula are favorites). He gets the praise because he’s the one everyone sees putting the pies in the oven, “even though I don’t do all the work.” “There’s very clear lines of delineation,” she agrees. Buying options Price is obviously a factor when choosing a pizza oven, and the budget-minded beginner will be happy to learn you don’t have to go into debt to test the waters. Vevor, for instance, offers a stainless 12-inch wood-fired oven with foldable legs on Amazon for under $200 — on the Vevor site, you’ll find most of it’s pizza ovens currently on deep discount — and a Big Horn pellet oven, which preheats in about 18 minutes, is similarly priced. Solo Stove’s dual-fuel Pi Pizza Oven is more of a splurge, costing $894.99 (currently on sale for $574.99). You also don’t have to go too far or spend hours on the web to find one. Jane Wright of McCandless got her Ooni Koda 16 at her workplace — Williams Sonoma — as a Mother’s Day gift. She was reluctant initially because the oven would be “just one more thing and I’m frugal.” After cooking in it a few times, however, she decided she’d gotten her money’s worth. Especially since she got an employee discount. She and her husband, Brian, make pizza at least once a week on their patio overlooking a wooded backyard, and it’s super fun creating unique pizzas inspired by those the couple see eating out, she says. One favorite combines roasted shiitake mushrooms with shredded fontina cheese and dollops of ricotta; another marries roasted garlic with cauliflower and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. They also use the oven to make steak and pita. If you’re seriously invested in pizza making, however, or plan on extending your hand at more than pies, you might want to dig a little deeper for a double-insulated oven built of heavy-gauge stainless steel. An integrated temperature gauge is another wanna-have upgrade. “If you spend money upfront, they will last quite a long time,” says Nick Hillebrand of Don’s Appliances, which carries Gozney’s Roccbox and Dome models along with several high-end models from luxury Italian retailer Alfa Outdoor and premium grill manufacturer Lynx. Chris Hayes prepares to put a buffalo chicken pizza in his pizza oven while his dog Charlie looks for any fallen pizza toppings on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Ben Avon, Pennsylvania. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS) Size is equally important, as in: What will you use it for? The problem with a small oven is that you can only do small things, says Hillebrand. Pizzaiolos who want to make medium- or large-sized pizzas will probably want an oven that can accommodate pies up to 16 inches. A larger oven will also allow for more varied cooking — say, an entire chicken, loaves of bread or a cast-iron skillet for steak or hamburgers. You also need to think about whether you want the ease of a propane-powered oven or prefer cooking with wood. Gas provides instant gratification, notes Hillebrand, but wood will give you more options when it comes to adding that great smoky flavor many associate with a Napoli-style pizza, despite taking longer to heat up and cool down. Other questions to ask: How often will you use it? Do you plan on cooking in cold weather? How much space do you have? A massive pizza oven requires a fairly large setup, while an Ooni or Solo Stove can sit on top of a table. Also, how important are aesthetics?]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>A Winter Preparation Guide for Your Home</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/a-winter-preparation-guide-for-your-home/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 20:52:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Lifestyle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=322198</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[While the winter months bring us festive holidays, a fresh start in the new year, and an excuse to invest in cozy sweaters and hot cocoa, it can also bring us burst pipes, ruined landscaping, and safety risks. To help ensure that you are prepared for the coldest season of the year, we’ve compiled several tips and tricks that will help you, your loved ones, and your home stay protected all season long. Prepare Ahead of Time Autumn isn’t just good for crisp weather, color-changing leaves, and an abundance of pumpkin spice – it’s also the best time of year to start preparing your home for winter. By planning ahead and addressing any needed repairs prior to start of winter, you can guarantee that you’ll have enough time for any potential delays or surprises. Inspect your chimney and fireplace. Nothing beats a warm, cozy fire once the temperatures get cooler. But, to ensure that you can snuggle by the fire safely, it’s important to ensure that your fireplace and chimney are cleaned and fire safe. It’s recommended to clean your chimney every 50 uses or once a year to avoid the buildup of soot and debris, which can be a fire hazard. Clean out ashes regularly but be careful to allow them proper time to cool before disposing. Only burn firewood and other materials that are safe for indoor burning. For a list of what materials are safe and which aren’t, we recommend checking out the guide here . Utilize a fireplace guard to avoid hot embers escaping. Ensure that your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order, replacing batteries as needed. Whether you use a fan in your living room or crack a window open, ensure that you have air circulating to help the heat disperse into your home. When turning on your ceiling fan, be sure to reverse the direction of the spin to help circulate warm air. Ensure your home is properly insulated. When it comes to regulating temperatures in your home, insulation is key. Without proper insulation, you may have a difficult time keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which could lead to high electric bills. Do a thorough inspection. If you’ve noticed inconsistent temperatures, drafts, or high electric bills in your home, it’s probably best to conduct a home energy assessment . These assessments can be performed by yourself or by a professional. Seal gaps around windows and doors . On a windy day, close all of your windows and doors and then feel around each to identify any areas where air is coming through. Then, use weather stripping or caulk to get a better seal. Test your heating system. There are several ways to heat a home, from forced air to furnaces and boilers to even solar energy. One thing all of these systems have in common is regular maintenance. Make a test run before temperatures fully drop to ensure that your heating system is functioning properly. Restock any fuel that is required for your heating system to run. Check vents to see if cleaning may be needed . Keep furnace exhaust vents clean and maintained. Replace any air filters. Check your cooling system, too! Since air conditioners are responsible for keeping us cool in the summer, one might assume that once an air conditioner is shut off in the fall, there’s no further steps to be taken until temperatures rise again. However, to ensure the longevity of your air conditioner, we suggest following these steps to winterize your air conditioner. Cut off power . To ensure that the air conditioner doesn’t accidentally turn on in the winter months, especially during frigid temperatures which could cause damage, ensure that power to the unit is completely shut off. Visual inspection . Once your air conditioner has been shut off, check for any debris that may need to be removed, like leaves, trash, and other materials that may accumulate throughout the warmer months. Keep it covered . To help keep moisture and debris out of the unit during dormant months, cover the unit using either plywood or a cover that is specially designed for covering your unit. When choosing how to cover your AC, be sure to keep in mind any rules your homeowners association may have when it comes to the exterior of your home. Prepare the exterior of your home. To avoid costly damage and to ensure safety all winter long, be sure to remember other tasks that may be pending on the exterior of your home. Swimming Pools : By the time winter rolls around, swimming pools should be winterized . This includes deep cleaning the pool, removing any lingering pool accessories, adjusting the water level and balancing the water as needed with chemicals, and covering it. Patio Furniture : If possible, bring patio furniture inside or cover it to prevent damage from frost and snow. Sprinkler Systems : To help prevent damage to your sprinkler system, it’s best to follow additional steps to winterize your system. Drain Gas –Powered Appliances : To avoid damage to your lawn mower, pressure washer, or other gas-powered appliance, drain any remaining gasoline to help prevent erosion. Don’t forget to winterize yourself, too. While you’re busy preparing your home for winter, it can be easy to forget that you also need to ensure that you and your loved ones are winter ready. Ensure you have plenty of clothing to help keep you warm throughout the season. Depending on where you live, this could include heavy winter coats and boots that are good for keeping warm and dry in frigid temperatures, or simply having enough items to layer up for warmth in warmer climates. Prepare ahead of time for the dry skin and chapped lips that winter can bring. Since heating systems are known for creating a low-humidity environment, utilizing a humidifier, especially in rooms where you sleep, can help you from drying out. Also, practice general good]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Here’s How Much It Costs to Install Hardwood Floors</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/heres-how-much-it-costs-to-install-hardwood-floors/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2022 17:42:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Lifestyle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=322056</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Many factors affect the cost to install new hardwood floors in your home. Here’s what to expect and how to budget accordingly. Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular flooring options for homeowners and was once a staple of stately homes. The vintage feel and overall durability make it a classic choice that is hard to beat. But hardwood flooring is also generally expensive. So before you begin your renovation, you’ll need to decide if the cost of hardwood floors matches the value. According to Thumbtack, the average cost to install solid wood floors is $5-$10 per square foot and, slightly less at $4-$9 per square foot to install engineered wood. The variance is based on the type of wood you use and the complexity of the installation process. The species, grade, cut, and quality of the wood plays a large part in determining the total installation costs. Consider the Species of Wood There are many species of wood to choose from, but common choices for hardwood are cherry, walnut, oak, maple, and hickory. Each varies in style and price. There is a measure of hardness called Janka to rank hardwood. The higher the Janka score, the more pounds of force (lbf) the wood can withstand. Hickory is one of the hardest American hardwoods with a Janka score of 1,820 lbf. Maple is between 1,450 and 1,500, and red oak is 1290. Walnut and cherry have a lower Janka score but are suitable for flooring. White oak, red oak, and maple are some of the most affordable domestic hardwoods. Walnut, cherry, and ash can cost more depending on availability. Imported or exotic varieties are the costliest hardwood species, with teak, mahogany, Tigerwood, and Brazilian Ebony among the popular varieties that are more expensive. Most years, you’ll want to start with your preference of wood species first, then find a supplier. But given supply chain shortages, you should start by measuring the amount of flooring you need, then looking for a wood variety that is available in the quantities needed. Wood varieties can be stained to match the natural color of another variety. This workaround might be appealing to keep costs low and ensure that you have enough wood available to complete the job. The rule of thumb is to order 5% to 10% more than you think you need. This will cover any loss from trimming or the occasional miscut. Types of Wood Flooring There are two wood flooring options available: solid wood planks and engineered hardwood planks. Solid wood planks are authentic pieces of wood. The average cost for solid wood planks is $3-$8 per square foot and installation costs roughly $5-$12 per square foot. If properly cared for, solid hardwood planks have a 100+ year life span. Engineered hardwood has two layers. The lower layer consists of crossed plywood made from less expensive wood. The top layer is a solid hardwood. Engineered wood costs $3-$8 per square foot and $5-$8 per square foot for installation. The lifespan is 30-50 years. Aside from the cost, the most common benefit of engineered hardwood is that it handles moisture well. These planks are ideal in bathrooms, kitchens, and other places that attract high humidity. Hardwood Floor Installation Considerations Hardwood installation typically starts with removing a home’s existing flooring. The cost for removal varies depending on the materials in place and the area covered. Carpet is easier to remove and costs around $1 per square foot, whereas glued-down flooring costs around $2-$4 per square foot to remove. The installation cost increases significantly if self-leveling concrete needs to be used to fix low spots in the concrete or if the subfloor needs to be replaced. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 for materials and labor to pour concrete to level the subfloor. The installation requirements for different types of hardwood, especially engineered hardwood, vary significantly. It is important to always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to learn if subflooring or other supports are recommended. Of course, these come with a price tag of their own. If there are many cuts and trims of hardwood needed to cover the floor, installation will take more time and could cost more money. This might be the case in a home with a non-traditional layout or lots of alcoves or angles. Also, installing hardwood on stairs is usually estimated separately because installation costs more for this time-consuming work. Of course, if you’re handy and patient, installing hardwood flooring yourself could shave hundreds off the total cost. But installation companies tend to bring large crews that can speedily get the job done, so your family can get back to living faster. DIY projects of this magnitude can be disruptive and lengthier than anticipated. Hardwood Flooring Finishes Less expensive finishes include water-based and oil-based polyurethane, which is DIY-friendly and easy to use. Pricier professional-quality finishes include acid-cured and penetrating oil finishes. Aluminum oxide is primarily available on factory-finished hardwood planks. The hardwood finish you choose impacts the cost, but finishes protect the wood so this is not the place to skimp on value. Choose the finish that’s best for the wood variety you have chosen. How to Save on Hardwood Flooring For savings, consider refinishing instead of replacing worn hardwood floors. Refinishing hardwood is generally less expensive than installing it new. You can also save by pulling up the existing flooring yourself. Carpets, in particular, tend to be easy to remove, making it an easy way to save. Lastly, shop around for different wood species. Note that the appearance of the wood grain can affect the price; the clearer the grade, the more expensive. And remember: staining a less expensive wood can generate the same aesthetic as buying a more expensive variety with the same hue. Written by Better Homes &#038; Gardens &#124; View the original article published by American Apartment Owners Association]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>5 Best Activities to Celebrate Thanksgiving in your HOA</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/5-best-activities-to-celebrate-thanksgiving-in-your-hoa/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2022 22:22:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Lifestyle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=322048</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is the perfect time to bring your community together. There are so many activities that the board or social committee can organize to increase the sense of community and unity in your association, and that residents should really enjoy. Below are our top 5 ideas for how you can celebrate Thanksgiving in your HOA:  Charitable drive Thanksgiving in your HOA is the time to give thanks and help those in need.  Volunteering and community service are great ways to nurture togetherness and interaction for a good cause. You can use a variety of communication tools such as emails, text messages, and your newsletter, to ask residents to participate in the drive. It will only be successful if you organize your HOA members to be part of it. Homeowners can donate clothes, non-perishable foods, and toys that you could donate to a non-profit organization. Be sure to create a sign-up sheet after contacting the organization, to coordinate how many people will volunteer and donate. Potluck party  One of many people’s favorite aspects of Thanksgiving is the food, and a potluck is a great way to help residents get to know each other. Ask homeowners to each bring a Thanksgiving dish to share with the community. Then, have them all meet in the community’s clubhouse, or any common area available, to share a delicious meal. This is an amazing way to connect as a community, share a meal, and get to know your neighbors. Outdoor games If you have a lot of children in your HOA, the board or social committee could organize outdoor games that kids will definitely enjoy. Playing games and having activities is great for children to burn some energy and socialize, and helps parents out as well. Some ideas include:  Scavenger hunt: You could hide Thanksgiving related items such as a pinecone, football, scarecrow, red apple, etc., and whoever is able to find the most items, could be awarded with a small prize.  Potato sack race: Gather enough potato sacks for the estimated number of players participating. If your community doesn’t have potato sacks, laundry bags will suffice. Set up a finishing line and have a referee to track who arrived first. You can create teams where all the players line up and take turns going to the finish line and back – the first team where all the members finished this rotation first will be the winner.  Scarecrow building competition: You can set your own guidelines for this activity. For example, you can set a certain due date and time that the participants will have to build the scarecrow, as well as any materials rules/restrictions. To create a scarecrow one would typically need stakes, clothes, pillowcase, and dried grass. If you want more details on how to create a scarecrow click here . American Football game: If you have a large area in your community, you can prepare an american football game! Click here to check out the rules. You can even elaborate an entire event with food, music, activity booths, and games, for the entire community to engage with each other and have a great time! Fun activities Apart from the outdoor games, there are many indoor activities that your association can organize. These can include a trivia night, with Thanksgiving questions. Bingo is a fun game for all ages. You could organize a house decorating contest, making sure to share your HOA’s decoration rules so that the competition doesn’t cause violations. Then appoint judges, who could be committee members, volunteers or board members and decide what the prizes would be. These can be low-budget and fun ideas that residents will enjoy!  Showing thanks The main purpose of Thanksgiving in your HOA is to show and give thanks to those you cherish. Board members, volunteers, and residents all deserve acknowledgment for what they do for the community. You can give appreciation cards to all employees and active members of the association, and even awards or gift cards for those who stood out in the community.  The importance of Thanksgiving in your HOA Having a unified HOA, that has a community feel, is one of the key factors towards a thriving, active association. Thanksgiving in your HOA is a perfect time to encourage residents to interact with each other, and organize events. Having community events fosters community feeling and involvement. Not only this, but it is a great way to help those in need, and show appreciation and acknowledgment for others who made their mark in the community.  Want to know more ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in your HOA? Click here to know 5 more ways to celebrate this special holiday in your community. Written by Luiza Ribeiro &#124; View the original article published by Vinteum]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>7 Fun HOA Halloween Activities For The Family</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/7-fun-hoa-halloween-activities-for-the-family/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2022 16:57:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Lifestyle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=321915</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Homeowners associations are no strangers to social events. In fact, it is one of the best things about living in an HOA community. This October, plan for some fun HOA Halloween activities for families in your neighborhood.   HOA HALLOWEEN IDEAS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY For a lot of people, October is the best month of the year. It’s when the fall season starts to hit full swing, with gorgeous orange leaves, cool temperatures, and pumpkin spice everything. It’s also when Halloween comes around, and everyone seems to be in the mood for all things spooky. Homeowners associations are no different. While Halloween isn’t technically a holiday, it’s still a good time to break out that social events planner. After all, events are one of the ways communities can bring neighbors together. While the past 2 years have made events virtually impossible thanks to COVID-19, this year is different. If you’re on the lookout for some fun activities, here are the top ways to celebrate Halloween in your HOA. 1\. HOLD AN HOA HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS CONTEST Decorating is one of the best ways to show your spooky spirit this Halloween. On-theme decorations such as jack-o-lanterns, banners, and string lights are a great place to start. But, if you want to foster some friendly competition, why not hold a decorating contest? Make sure to announce the details of the contest ahead of time. This way, homeowners have enough time to plan and buy the things they need. You should also come up with criteria for judging. The criteria should be distributed to all owners as well so they know what to expect. If your community has decoration rules — which it likely does — see to it that you remind owners of these rules. Just because you’re having a Halloween decoration contest doesn’t mean everyone can get a pass. Generally, decorations that pose a nuisance should not be allowed. It’s typically hard to get owners in a community to participate in these types of events. To encourage participation, consider offering a prize to the winner. You can also choose to leave the judging up to the members instead of the board. Each household can vote on their favorite with a rule that they can’t vote for their own entry. 2\. ARRANGE A TRICK-OR-TREATING EVENT Halloween Trick-or-TreatingTrick-or-treating is a time-honored tradition in most areas, regardless of whether or not there is an HOA. Kids enjoy dressing up in costumes and knocking on every door on their street to ask for candy. You can leave this setup as is and only send out some safety tips to owners. On the other hand, you can arrange one big trick-or-treating event. To minimize the number of kids wandering the streets, reserve the community clubhouse and have everyone gather there instead. Kids can still dress up in costumes and get their candy from different booths. While this may not be traditional, it is a great way to gather everyone under one roof and have the kids interact with each other. 3\. ORGANIZE A MOVIE NIGHT For many people, Halloween is the time to binge-watch horror flicks. Homeowners associations can take inspiration from this and organize a movie night. Add some popcorn and comfy seating, and you’re good to go! Communities with kids, though, have to keep the film ratings in mind. Some of the best kid-friendly Halloween movies to show include: Hocus Pocus (1993) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Monster House (2006) Casper (1995) Spooky Buddies (2011) It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) Coco (2017) Coraline (2009) Toy Story of Terror (2014) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Spirited Away (2002) Paranorman (2012) Wallace &#038; Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) The Book of Life (2014) Halloweentown (2004) Corpse Bride (2005) Frankenweenie (2012) 4\. HOST A COSTUME PARTY halloween costume partyCostume parties may seem overdone at this point, but they are a classic for a reason. Kids and adults alike can come in their best Halloween costumes, participate in games, and scarf down some tasty treats. Add some music to dance to and some mood lighting, and you’ve got yourself a party. For some added fun, you can also crown a costume winner at the end of the night. Before voting, everyone in costume can strut their stuff down a makeshift runway with everyone cheering on. You can have a category for adults and a category for kids. Winners will then receive a prize (in cash or in kind, though the latter is recommended). 5\. PLAN A PUMPKIN CARVING DAY Jack-o-lanterns are a staple of the Halloween scene. While you can buy pre-made ones, nothing beats carving one out yourself. To get everyone in the community involved, consider planning a pumpkin carving day. You will need quite a large space to accommodate everyone, depending on how many people you expect to attend. Everyone can either bring their own pumpkins and carving tools or the HOA can provide them. Make sure to assign safety officers to monitor the activity and prepare first-aid kits, too. Children should also always be supervised by adults. 6\. ASSEMBLE A KID-FRIENDLY HAUNTED HOUSE haunted houseHaunted houses can be very fun when done well. If you have the time and resources for it, your social events committee can assemble a haunted house for everyone to enjoy. You can even charge a small fee for visitors. Of course, you should keep your demographic in mind. For communities with a lot of kids or seniors, a milder haunted house may be more suitable. You can also switch this out with some fun carnival rides instead. 7\. COMBINE ALL THE FUN If you want to make a splash this Halloween, why not combine all the ideas to make for a huge celebration? You can hold an HOA Halloween bonanza by hiring food trucks and carnival rides, planning games, organizing an arts &#038; crafts table, and perhaps even a concert. Attendees can come in their best Halloween costume with a winner crowned at the]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Fall Home Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Home in Top Condition</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/fall-home-maintenance-tips-for-keeping-your-home-in-top-condition/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:14:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Home Lifestyle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=321735</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Written by Carol Morgan Fall is here, and that means it is time for fall home maintenance. The arrival of fall brings much-needed relief from that Georgia heat and some of the most complimentary weather conditions of the year. Make sure to take advantage of the perfect weather to ensure that your Atlanta home is ready for the coming winter conditions. Here are some fall home maintenance tips for making your home a safe and cozy shelter from the cold: Exterior Home Maintenance To keep your home warm and mold-free, examine the foundation for cracks. Caulk where the masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house and around the windows and doorframes. This will keep heat in the house and water that could cause mold buildup out of the house. Protect your home against harsh winter storms by installing storm windows and doors and removing screens. Clean, repair and spray your screens with a protective coating before storing them in a dry place. Preserve siding by checking outside walls to see if any paint is blistering or peeling. Prevent water damage by having a licensed, certified professional check the condition of your roof. This is an important task because winter weather brings debris and other items to rest on the roof and weigh it down, including snow and ice. Avoid ice dams by cleaning the gutters and downspouts, flushing them with water, inspecting joints and tightening brackets. Make sure the pool cover is intact. To shut out drafts and small animals, weather-strip your garage door and tighten the seal between it and the ground. Clean cracks in the driveway and repair them with driveway filler and commercial sealer. Interior Home Maintenance Reduce your heating bill by looking for air leaks. Move your hand around windows and doorframes to find these. Seal them with weather-stripping and caulk. Have a professional heating contractor check the heating system to ensure it is running at top standards. Prepare for a power outage and prevent a house fire by having the chimney swept. It is easy to assume that since a fire hasn’t been lit in the last several years, it’s not a necessary precaution, but it would be regrettable should the need arise. Also, inspect the wood stove or fireplace and insert a door gasket for a tight seal. Clean and check the glass door for cracks. Change the ceiling fan’s direction to redistribute warm air. Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. Clean any humidifiers to filter fresh air into your home. Yard/Garden Clear and fertilize the lawn, reseed patchy areas, and plant spring bulbs. To thwart deer, cover plants with netting and chicken wire. Organize and store yard tools. Drain fuel from lawn mowers, leaf blowers and chain saws. Clean gardening tools and store them inside or in a protected area/container. Make sure shovels, roof rakes and snow blowers are organized and easily accessible. If possible, store them in the insulated garage where they will be safe from harsh elements. Drain garden hoses and turn off outdoor water valves to prevent frozen water damage. Porch and Deck Check that stairs, supports and railings are stable. Clean, cover and repair any outdoor furniture. Dump soil from pots and planters. Every home is different when it comes to preventative home maintenance, but we believe this list to be an excellent starting point to help keep your home in tip-top shape throughout the winter months. Read more Home Trends here. For information on homes for rent and new homes for sale in communities throughout the metro Atlanta area, visit this site often! View original article on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.]]></description>
		
		
		
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