Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a list of some Frequently Asked Questions regarding Homeowners Associations below. If you can't find the question/answer you are looking for on this page, use the Search feature. If you'd like to ask your own question, click here and we'll get back to you with an answer.

What is a management company, what do they do and how do I reach them?

A management company is contracted by the Board of Directors to provide such services as collection of assessments, supervision of subcontractors, obtaining bids for subcontracted services, providing financial statements and collection reports, as well as a general clearing house for problem solving, communications with homeowners and the Board of Directors and to serve in an advisor capacity. The management company reports directly to the Board and all decisions are made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The management company may be reached online through the Contact Us page on this site.

What is a homeowner's association?

It is a nonprofit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the Association may be viewed online at the Resources page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the HOA. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

What is the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's)?

The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs)) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) were recorded by the County Recorder's Office in Brunswick County where The Farm at Brunswick is located and are included in the title to the property. Failure to abide by the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) may result in a fine to a homeowner by the HOA. The governing legal documents for the HOA may be viewed here.

What are the ByLaws?

The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the nonprofit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the memberships' voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the HOA, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the HOA as a business. The Bylaws for the HOA may be viewed online under the Governing Documents page of this site.

What is the Board of Directors?

The HOA is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitation and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is outlined in the HOA Governing Documents page of this site.

Are there any other rules?

Most HOA’s have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies regarding parking, vehicles, pets, and pool use hours, etc. In addition, the HOA adopts Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include patio covers, decks, landscaping, exterior color changes and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Directors and a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Board of Directors, or Architectural Committee, as applicable, you may be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic visit the Architectural Rules page of this site.

If I am having a problem with a neighbor for violations of the Policies and Guidelines, what can I do?

If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to the HOA. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, and you are willing to actively participate in the enforcement provided by the Policies and Guidelines, you may complete a Covenant Violation form online. The Violation form may be found within the PMC Management Office page on this site. If the situation is deemed in violation of the Policies and Guidelines, the Board of Directors will institute the enforcement policy. Your continued assistance may be required.

Are board meetings open to all HOA members? If so, then where and when are they held?

Yes. Notice of the time and place (may be virtual) of any regular board meeting will be noted in the community newsletter or accessed online on the Life at The Farm community calendar page.

If I want to serve on a committee, how can I get involved?

The Committees page of this website will inform you of the status and contact information of current committees. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this online volunteer form.

What is my assessment?

The assessment is the amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due on the first of the month. Statements/E-Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due.

How is the amount of my assessment determined?

The Department of Real Estate typically requires an initial budget from the developer for each community that a developer proposes to build. This budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, etc. Reserve funds are moneys set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: lighting, street resurfacing, pool equipment, etc. These amounts are then divided by the number of units built in each phase of the development. Subsequent budgets are developed by the Board of Directors and adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses.

Will my assessment go up?

There is no concrete answer to this.  The Board of Directors may approve an increased budget, increasing your assessment to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.

What happens if I don't pay my assessment?

The maintenance and management services incurred by the HOA are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge as assessments are due on the first of the month. In addition, the CC&Rs allow the HOA to charge late fees and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.