Wednesday – June 4 – 7 PM

Encina Royale Clubhouse

250 Moreton Bay Lane, Goleta

(101 to Fairview, exit north towards mountains -2 blocks to Encina Road, right one block to Moreton Bay Lane, left into association)

“Homeowner Association Assessment Collections in the Subprime Market”

Speaker: Sandra Gottlieb, Esq.

Many area associations are experiencing increases in past due assessments. While in the past, many past due assessments could be collected via past-due notices, pre-lien letters or filing of assessment liens, that is now no longer true. The downtown in the real estate market has left some people owing more money on their home than the property is currently worth. Lenders are foreclosing at record rates and some owners are filing bankruptcy to extinguish debts. At this meeting, you will hear a discussion of the different methods of collection such as small claims court, judicial vs. non-judicial foreclosure, etc. Also discussed will be the effectiveness of the various methods and what remedies may be available to enhance collections. How long should one wait until starting collection activity?

Ms. Gottlieb is a principal in the law firm of Swedelson and Gottlieb in Los Angeles, with other offices in Ventura County, Orange County and the Inland Empire. The firm has an affiliated company, Association Lien Services, which is directly involved in the collection of delinquent association assessments. Ms. Gottlieb volunteers for several California homeowner association organizations and is a frequent speaker for organizations such as CAI and CACM.

(Note: I plan to resume newsletters this month now that “tax season” is behind me. Thanks for your patience)

Date: Wednesday, January 30th, 2008

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Place: Encina Royale Clubhouse, 250 Moreton Bay Lane, Goleta

Directions: 101 exit Fairview Avenue North approximately 2 blocks to Encina Road (at Fairview Theatres). Turn right on Encina Road and go one block to four-way stop at Moreton Bay Lane. Turn left into Encina Royale. Clubhouse is on the right across from the flagpole. Parking is available on the street and in the adjacent parking lot.

Speakers: James H. Smith of Grokenberger & Smith and David A. Loewenthal of Loewenthal, Hillshafer & Rosen will present our annual law and legislative update including the new agenda law as well as assessment collection procedures in a declining real estate market. Other topics are to be determined.

The 2008 Condominimum Bluebooks will be shipped to all renewed members during the week of December 17. If you haven’t renewed for 2008, please remit your payment of $60 as soon as possible. Reminder notices were sent out on December 15. A limited number of extra Bluebooks are available – $18.00 members/$22.50 nonmembers.

The November/December newsletter is starting to be mailed out to members. In this issue:
-Annual Law and Legislative Update Meeting
-2008 Membership Invoices Mailed
-SB 528 – New California Meeting Agenda Law
-Corporate Filings with the California Secretary of State
-Is your Association’s Corporate Status Suspended?

The September/October newsletter is running a bit late but is being sent out now. In this issue:
-Annual Law and Legislative Update Meeting
-2008 Membership Invoices Mailed
-Board Basics – Budget Development Mechanics
-Beyond the Basics – Is your Budget Realistic
-Records Retention
-Tips from the Pool Guy
-Annual Financial Report Requirement

Mr. Frank Derrick of Derrick’s Roofing will speak about common roofing issues such as extending the life of your roofs, most common causes of roof failures, new roofing materials on the market, mistakes made during roof repairs and replacements, roofing contract and insurance considerations. This will be followed by a Questions & Answers session. Frank Derrick has over 40 years of roofing experience in Santa Barbara County. Contact info on the web is: www.derricksroofing.com

Mr. Michael Gartzke, CPA will present the results of his two-year analysis of HOA financial data including what is the current statistical mean (average) member assessment, changes in assessments, cash balances, investment rates of return, delinquent assessments and changes in expenses. Mr. Gartzke maintains two databases of area associations, a 60-association database for associations that he reviews financial statements and a 50-association database of smaller associations for which he only prepares a tax return.

Date: Wednesday, September 12th

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Place: Goleta Union School District Board Room, 401 N. Fairview, Goleta

Directions: 101 exit Fairview Avenue North approximately 4 blocks. The school district offices are on the left directly across the street from the Goleta Public Library.

The July/August newsletter will soon be sent out. In this issue:
-September 12 Meeting – Roofing Issues/HOA Financial Analysis Update
-Painting for Protection and Appearance
-AB 2100 – How it Changes Reserve Studies and Related Disclosures
-Libel, Slander & Defamation
-Homeowner Association Minutes – Frequently Asked Questions