RowCal

09/05/2026

Do I really Need Approval Before I Change My House?

Thinking about a new fence, deck, shed, paint color, or landscaping project? 🏡 Submit first. Act second.

Architectural review isn't there to slow you down — it's there to keep your community looking its best, protect home values, and catch issues with drainage, sightlines, and neighboring properties before they start.

Before you sign a contract or buy materials, check your community guidelines and get your request approved. A little planning now saves a lot of headaches later.

🎥 Learn more in the latest RowCal HOA Answers video, and find more homeowner education from RowCal Nation on YouTube: youtube.com/

09/04/2026

Why Are Assessments Going Up?

Nobody loves talking about assessment increases. But a clear, honest conversation makes all the difference.
For HOA boards, that means going beyond just sharing a new number. Homeowners want to know what changed, what other options the board considered, and how this decision sets the community up for the future.

Transparency doesn't make the news easier to hear — but it does make it easier to trust.

🎥 Catch the latest RowCal HOA Answers video, and find more HOA education from RowCal Nation on YouTube: youtube.com/

09/03/2026

📣 Minnesota HOA Board Members,

Join RowCal for our upcoming webinar focused on Minnesota HOA Legislative Update: SF 1750
September 10th, 6:00PM CST
Our Featured Speaker: Evan Leach, Smith Jadin Johnson, PLLC
Format: Virtual Webinar + Live Q&A
Link to register in comments!

This special educational seminar covering Senate File 1750 (SF 1750) and the upcoming changes to Minnesota Statute Chapter 515B. With the new requirements taking effect January 1, 2027, this session is designed to help HOA board members understand what’s changing, what it means for their association, and what steps they can begin taking now.

We hope you’ll join RowCal and Evan Leach for this timely and important conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!

09/02/2026

Budget setting for community associations should start with reflection.

Before your board dives into the numbers for next year, it’s important to take a minute to talk about the year you just had. What worked well? What kept coming up? Which improvements in the community actually made a difference? What's been pushed down the road again?

Those conversations give the numbers some context. A strong HOA budget isn't just about balancing income and expenses, and it certainly isn’t cutting needed repairs to keep assessments flat. It's important to reflect on what you learned this year and using that knowledge to make smarter calls for the next year.
Reflect first. Forecast second. That's how you build a proactive budget that your community can actually feel good about.

Ready to turn last year’s lessons into a stronger plan for next year? Explore RowCal’s 6-step guide to HOA budget planning and learn how your Board can approach budget season with greater clarity and confidence.
https://www.rowcal.com/news/hoa-budget-preparation-best-practices

Prepare your HOA’s annual budget with confidence. Get expert tips, best practices, and a step-by-step guide to build a financially sound community plan.

09/01/2026

At RowCal, responsive HOA management isn’t just a goal — it’s one of our Golden Guarantees.

Our One Day Response commitment means homeowners and Board members can count on timely communication, clear answers, and a community management team that follows through. We’re thrilled to hear Clifton experienced that commitment firsthand — with same-day service that made an impression.

Thank you, Clifton, for trusting RowCal with your community!

08/30/2026

Navigating Rising Costs: Building an HOA Budget That Stands the Test of Time

From insurance premiums to vendor services and utilities, rising costs continue to impact HOA budgets. Reviewing contracts, reserve funding, historical expenses, and future projects helps Boards create realistic budgets that support both today's operations and tomorrow's community needs.

Proactive budgeting helps reduce surprises and builds homeowner confidence. Learn more at https://www.rowcal.com/news/hoa-budget-preparation-best-practices/

08/28/2026

Working with an HOA is different than working with a single homeowner—and understanding the difference leads to better partnerships.

For HOA service providers, every project happens in a living community where residents, board members, and community managers all play important roles. Residents experience the work firsthand, HOA Boards make decisions on behalf of the association, and community managers coordinate communication, scheduling, documentation, and project ex*****on. The most successful HOA vendors understand how these relationships work together.

Clear communication is just as valuable as quality workmanship. Keeping your community manager informed about project timelines, weather delays, access issues, safety concerns, and change orders helps build trust, avoid confusion, and keep projects moving efficiently. Professionalism, responsiveness, and respect for the communication process are what separate a good vendor from a trusted long-term HOA partner.

🎥 Watch the latest RowCal HOA Answers video to learn how vendors can build stronger relationships with HOA Boards, community managers, and residents. Are you an HOA service provider? Share your best tip for successful HOA projects in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to RowCal Nation on YouTube for more HOA education and insights.

08/27/2026

What a night at Wintrust Field! A huge thank you to our incredible vendors and board members who joined us at the Schaumburg Boomers game. Nights like these remind us why we love the communities we get to serve. Here's to great neighbors, great partners, and great baseball. ⚾

08/26/2026

Reserve Funding: Planning for Tomorrow

Healthy HOA reserve funds help communities prepare for major repairs and replacements without relying solely on special assessments. Regular reserve studies and thoughtful funding plans support long-term financial stability, protect property values, and help Boards make informed capital planning decisions.

When was your community's last reserve study?

Learn more about planning ahead for your community at https://www.rowcal.com/news/hoa-budget-planning-reserve-funding/

08/24/2026

Why Every HOA Needs a Collection Policy

A written HOA collection policy helps protect your community's financial health by setting clear expectations for assessment payments and ensuring delinquent accounts are handled consistently. Following your governing documents and applicable state laws supports fairness, transparency, and responsible financial management.

Does your community have a current collection policy? Your state might now require it.

We’re here to guide you with our team of experts. Set up a consultation to learn more at www.RowCal.com/learn-more