FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Weather you are a new homeowner or have been here for a long time, we all all have questions when it comes to an HOA! Here are some of the more frequently asked questions that might help you. If you have questions that aren't listed here please contact the Board of Directors.

What is a Homeowners Association?

A Homeowners Association is a non-profit organization that oversees the upkeep of a neighborhood's common areas and establishes general rules and standards for the community. HOAs are established with the intent of protecting community assets and establishing a code of conduct for owners and residents, while instituting proper and sound financial management practices.

What is the Board of Directors responsible for?

The Board of Directors is responsible for making most operating and enforcement decisions on behalf of the homeowners’ association. These decisions include but are not limited to: establishing budgets, preparing reserve studies and enforcing the collection of assessments; making sure contracts are in place for the maintenance of the common area and vendors are providing the work they were contracted for; having proper insurance for the association, and establishing and enforcing the rules and regulations.

Who makes decisions on behalf of the HOA?

Decisions concerning homeowner association operations are made by a Board of Directors, which is made up of volunteers elected by the community’s residents during the annual membership meeting.

What is my role as a homeowner?

All homeowners should assume responsibility to protect property values and secure a lifestyle that all residents can enjoy. As a member of your homeowners' association, your legal responsibilities include complying with the governing documents, rules and regulations, architectural guidelines, policies and procedures, and paying the monthly assessment necessary to operate the community.

Should you wish to influence the direction of the association it is advisable that you nominate yourself to serve on the Board of Directors when the annual meeting is held for that purpose.

Do I have to pay the monthly assessment?

Yes, all homeowners owning a townhome in Crosspointe automatically become a member of the homeowners’ association and are required to pay the monthly assessments. The assessment covers all of the operating costs of the association, including fees owed to Highland Creek, the Master Association.

What is the role of Hawthorne, our management company?

Hawthorne Management Company assists the HOA in establishing budgets, enforcing the collection of monthly assessments, providing monthly financial statements, making sure contracts are in place for the maintenance of the common area and vendors are providing the work they were contracted for, having proper insurance for the HOA, and handling maintenance requests from homeowners.

What does my monthly assessment pay for?

The assessment covers the operating expenses that the HOA is legally responsible for. Typical expenses include: roof and siding repairs, landscaping services, pest control, water and sewer, electricity, trash removal, and management fees.

The HOA also accumulates reserve funds to pay for future repair or replacement of major components for which the HOA is responsible.

How do I make a complaint to the HOA?

An owner can dispute actions by the board by attending meetings or by writing letters to Hawthorne Management.

A request form can be found under the documents section.

What type of homeowner's insurance do I need?

Crosspointe residents need an HO3 or an HE7-21 policy, which cover both townhomes and individual homes. The HE7-21 policy is a step up from HO3, although both contain the same types of coverage: dwelling, other structures,personal property, loss of use, and personal liability. The limits and approved claim causes, however, are more favorable to the insured with HE7-21. Discuss insurance preferences with your agent.

How do I pay my association fees?

Owners may elect to pay their association fees via check, credit card, or have the amount withdrawn from their bank account. Checks must be accompanied by the “assessment coupon” and should be mailed directly to the bank shown on the coupon. (The bank cannot accept payments without the coupons.) Owners may also apply to have their payments withdrawn automatically from their bank accounts. This eliminates the inconvenience of checks, coupons or timeliness of payment.

Can an HOA evict a homeowner?

No, an HOA cannot evict a homeowner. However, an owner’s unit can be foreclosed upon for not paying their fees.

What happens if you break HOA rules?

If an owner breaks an HOA rule they will receive a violation notice, and if not corrected, the owner may be fined, suspended from using the community’s facilities, or in rare cases, sued.

How do I make a complaint to the HOA?

An owner can dispute actions by the board by attending meetings or by writing letters to Hawthorne Management.

How do I make changes to the exterior of my townhome?

Prior approval is needed from the Architectural Control Committee before any changes can be made to the exterior of the home, including landscaping.

What type of homeowner's insurance do I need?

Crosspointe residents need an HO3 or an HE7-21 policy, which cover both townhomes and individual homes. The HE7-21 policy is a step up from HO3, although both contain the same types of coverage: dwelling, other structures,
personal property, loss of use, and personal liability. The limits and approved claim causes, however, are more favorable to the insured with HE7-21. Discuss insurance preferences with your agent.

Are there any pet restrictions?

For our pet owners please be conscientious and adhere to our community standards regarding pets. Please be sure your pet is on a leash and that you always clean up after your pet. Your help is appreciated as we strive to keep our community looking great.