Water Harvesting to Save Money

My Mom always said “Mark, you better save your money for a rainy day.” Moms are great with advice like that and mine was certainly no different. I probably should have turned down the volume on my Led Zeppelin 8 track and listened a little closer. However, given the ever-increasing cost of water, maybe what she should have told me was “You better save your rain for a sunny day”!

Findings in a 2011 report compiled by Circle of Blue show the nation’s largest cities saw water costs rise by an average of 9%, with rates expected to continue to climb. Some areas of the country, like Texas, hardest hit by recent drought conditions may see water prices escalate even faster. Water is truly becoming the new “gold” standard.

In his ValleyCrest Takes On water blog titled “We Have Plenty of Water”, Alan Harris makes the argument that we have all the water we will ever need. Mr. Harris writes, “We have had the same amount of water we have always had, about 326 million cubic miles and will continue to have the same amount of water as long as the earth and the atmosphere is in tact.” While this may be true, water may not always be where or when we need it and its scarcity or lack of available, efficient delivery systems can greatly increase the costs.

Another one of my Mom’s standards was “Don’t forget to do your homework!” Not bad advice back then and even better advice now. If I would have saved my money and done my homework there’s no telling where I would be today! Well, it’s never too late so I’ve cracked the books and done some research. I’m finding there is a “new” old way of saving water and money….water harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting can be traced back over 3000 years. In Jordan, King Mesha of Moab, commanded that all citizens dig cisterns for the collection of rainwater. Failing to comply with those water-saving guidelines probably resulted in more than a fine! In ancient Rome, atrium-fed rainwater collection cisterns were common place and are an important part of the region’s history. However, until recently, rainwater harvesting has been mostly forgotten or relegated to the small individual efforts of tree-huggers or hippies. They probably didn’t turn down the Led Zeppelin either!

Due to rising costs and water shortages, there is a new buzz towards the age-old practice of water harvesting. In a recent report by the Natural Resources Defense Council eight cities were studied for the potential economic impact of water harvesting. It is estimated the residents of these cities could save over 90 million dollars each year by adopting simple rain collection techniques. The study also finds that rain collection is not just applicable in residential settings; it can also be used on a commercial basis. Businesses can harvest rainfall from rooftops and parking surfaces with the potential of satisfying 21% to 75% of their annual water needs.

Many states are also getting into the act by providing resources for those individuals and businesses interested in water harvesting. For example, The Texas Water Development Board has created a Rainwater Harvesting Manual which outlines many methods of collection, formulas to estimate system sizing, available rebates and a wealth of other information.

When it comes to water harvesting, the need is now, resources are readily available and cost-saving benefits are measurable. Rainwater harvesting has evolved. What’s that Mom?…..Everything old is new again? Moms are always right! Not to worry, I’m finally saving my money, doing my homework and only occasionally running with scissors in my hand!

Mark Hopkins is National Sales Operations/Texas Regional Sales Leader of ValleyCrest LandscapeCompanies, Calabasas, California.

The ABC’s of Homeowners Associations

Is your family thinking of moving into a community which has a homeowners association?  Or maybe you live in such a neighborhood.  HOA rules and standards are set up to protect your property value and your quality of life.  Here’s a simple list of terms to help you get acquainted with living in an HOA.

  





AN HOA GLOSSARY

ACC/ARC/MOD Committees & Forms Architectural Control Committee, Architectural Review Committee, Modifications Committee. These named forms are to be used when submitting plans and applications for the construction or modification of improvements within the property.

Association – This refers to the Owners Association in which each owner of record is a member of an existing Texas not-for-profit corporation.

CC&R’s – Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions are established protective standards, restrictions, and obligations in areas ranging from architectural control to prohibitions on various activities in order to promote harmonious living.

Declarant/Developer – Governing body that is in control of the Association until transition when the owners are in control of the decisions as they relate to the Community.  Refers to the developer and any of its successors which are designated “Declarant” by the previous Declarant, in a recorded amendment to the declaration.

Easement – Right granted by one property owner to another entity to allow access to a dedicated area.

Fine – A monetary charge issued to an owner’s account when the violation process has been exhausted in accordance with governing documents.

Inoperable Vehicle – Vehicle with flat tire(s), on blocks, with expired registrations and/or inspection stickers.

Property Owner – Developer, builder or owner of record who holds the recorded title to a piece of property or lot.

Self Help Notice – Notification to advise the owner that the Association will be taking necessary action at the expense of the owner in complying with a violation.

Survey Plat/Plot Plan – Certified drawing indicating the location of the home within the property lines, including the fence line boundaries.

Modification – Alteration, change, remodel, restoration, addition or renovation to any building, structure, fence, wall, landscaping or improvement project of any kind.

Violation – Non-compliance with the Community’s standards as dictated by the governing documents and guidelines, (i.e. not maintaining lawn or landscaping).

Making Halloween Safe for your Dog

Our friends at The Bark newsletter published a timely article for pet owners as Halloween will soon arrive.

"Halloween can be a raucous event for children and adults, but from the perspective of pets, an evening full of costumed youngsters knocking at the door can be an unsettling experience. The unattended bowls of candy, the constant opening of doors and boisterous strangers make Halloween a spooky occasion that requires special precautions to keep your dogs safe and sane. Dr. Nancy Kay offers some timely tips, such as:

If you welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, your front door will be opening and closing repeatedly. This translates into many opportunities for your dog or cat to escape into the dark of night when their familiar territory has become particularly spooky.

Getting lost or running out in front of a moving vehicle are potentially disastrous holiday outcomes. My advice- don’t include your pets as part of your Halloween welcoming committee. Far safer to confine them behind closed doors."
Read more tips in The Bark

What’s a legitimate common expense for condo owners?

Here’s what court in Pennsylvania decided in a recent case.

 

Owner Not Liable for Assessments for Cable TV Service

River Park House Owners Association v. Crumley, No. 1105 C.D. 2011, No. 1179 C.D. 2011, Pa. Commw. Ct., 03-06295-19-1, June 4, 2012

Association Operations: A Pennsylvania appeals court determined that a condominium association exceeded its authority by entering into a contract for cable television services and levying assessments against unit owners to cover the cost.

River Park House is a 354-unit residential condominium development in Philadelphia, Pa. The condominium is managed by River Park House Owners Association (association) and governed by the declaration and bylaws, as well as the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act (act). William Crumley has owned and resided in one of the units since 1987.

In 2007, to replace an expiring cable television contract, the association entered into a contract with Comcast of Southeast Pennsylvania, LLC for cable television service. The contract required all residents to purchase cable in order for the entire building to obtain discounted cable fees.

Under the contract, the association would pay $43.95 per unit per month, effective January 2008. Because Crumley opposed the contract, he refused to pay the cable television fees but continued to pay the balance of the monthly common expense maintenance fees.

The association sued Crumley for unpaid assessments, late charges and legal fees, and a judgment was entered against him in municipal court. He appealed, and the matter went to an arbitration board, which reversed the municipal court decision. The association then appealed to the trial court.

To read more details about this case and other HOA legal rulings, click here:

CAI Law Reporter newsletter

Good News about Great Neighborhoods

CMA posts good news and photos of great neighborhoods on our Facebook page. Parrotheads and other friendly neighbors looking for social ideas will enjoy viewing photos of a terrific neighborhood party, themed Cheeseburger in Paradise. Have you liked us on Facebook?  You can view the photos here:   CMA Facebook

WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT ASSOCIATION LIVING? LOTS!

CMA President and CEO Judi Phares recently spoke to a group of realtors about association living and summarized these insights from more than 29 years of managing HOA associations.

·      Long-term studies have shown that properties located in HOA’s retain their value in an economic downturn

·      Associations

1.       Protect property values

2.       Provide a life style

3.       Permit access to amenities

·      How do they protect property values?

1.       Require maintenance of property

2.       Ensure aesthetic consistency

3.       Maintain surrounding common areas

·      How do they provide a life style?

1.       Generally, Associations are designed for:

o         Singles

o         Young Marrieds

o         Families

o         Empty Nesters

o         Retirees, or

o         A combination of all of the above

2.       Owners have value systems, needs and beliefs in common

3.       Shared amenities such as pools, tennis courts or simple green space lower costs of access, and increase community participation

4.       Vehicle for meeting neighbors

5.       Develop pride in community

·      Associations are neighborhood governance in action

1.       Owners have closer control on dollars spent

2.       New laws have required more transparency

o         Boards are required to meet in open forums

o         Homes cannot be foreclosed unless there is a hearing before a judge

o         Voting by electronic means is permitted

o         Certain religious displays are protected

o         The ability to fly flags (under conditions) is protected

o         Owners can now have rain water harvesting devices

·      Consumer advocacy – What we can do together

1.       Embrace the concept of Association living

2.       Educate your potential buyer – help them evaluate the Association

3.       Ensure they obtain a Resale Certificate

Realtors and HOA professionals are closely in touch with home-buying consumers. They can make a positive impact on buyer’s expectations, involvement, and ultimate satisfaction with the many benefits of their community association lifestyle.