Coming Home Magazine

Congratulations! You've signed on the dotted line and are moving to a home in a community association. You've made a great choice, and there's so much to explore about your new lifestyle and neighborhood. Luckily, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Here's everything to do as you settle in. BROWSE YOUR WELCOME PACKET. As a new homeowner, you should receive all the necessary information to get situated in your community in a welcome packet. Think of it as an operating manual, only instead of providing instructions for a new gadget, it contains details about your neighborhood and association, including: • Contact information. Locate ways to get in touch with board members, community managers, emergency personnel, security, and maintenance teams. • Homeowner responsibilities. Get a clear understanding of your duties, from lawn care and pet management to internet, cable, and trash collection. • Amenities and facilities. Figure out operating hours, usage rules, and reservation instructions. • Retail and entertainment. Discover what your local area has for food, fun, and more. • Forms. Check out your bylaws, emergency plans, insurance, and pet registration documents. • Community calendar. Stay up to date on neighborhood activities so you never miss a beat. Read your welcome packet and keep it handy as you get acclimated. If questions pop up, you'll likely find your answers there. REVIEW THE RULES. Rules and community policies are the backbone of a well-run association. These guidelines help maintain the attractive, pleasant, and harmonious environment residents have invested in. Confirm you can access your community guidelines and read them thoroughly so you know what flies and what doesn't. Misplaced the copy you received at closing? Simply check your welcome packet or the community website, or reach out to the management office for a copy. SET UP YOUR UTILITIES. Don't forget about all the utilities and services you need to set up in your new home: electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable, just to name a few. Be sure to activate everything on time to avoid interruptions or late fees, and add service billing dates to a calendar for an easy reminder. BUDGET FOR ADDITIONAL EXPENSES. In addition to a mortgage and utilities, association residents often pay fees to cover items like amenity maintenance, neighborhood security, and insurance. Learn what you must pay for and opt-in to receive updates on payment amounts, deadlines, and other information. If available, enroll in autopay for timely payments—nobody likes late charges! CONNECT WITH KEY PEOPLE. There are several individuals you'll want to get to know in your community. Start with the board of directors, a group of volunteer residents who oversee operations. Your community association manager, who reports directly to the board, is another valuable contact. They can answer questions, connect you with service providers, and even recommend nearby attractions. And, of course, there are your neighbors—who will hopefully welcome you with open arms. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR AMENITIES. Amenities are one of the best parts of community living. As a resident, you pay to maintain them—so use them! Visit your neighborhood hot spots like: • Pools • Fitness centers • Clubhouses • Walking paths • Golf courses • Playgrounds • Picnic areas • Basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts Remember to get any entry keys or codes needed to access your favorite features. Plus, double-check hours of operation before you go—nothing dampens a trip to the pool like being locked out. EXPLORE YOUR SURROUNDINGS. There's fun beyond your neighborhood, too. Get out and explore the area. Look for the services you use most, like: • Shopping centers • Schools • Doctor and dentist offices • Gyms • Parks • Mechanics ATTEND EVENTS. When it comes to community living, you get out what you put in. Talk to neighbors, attend meetings, and participate in social events. At meetings, you'll get the lowdown on community operations and a chance to speak up and shape how the community functions. Social gatherings like cookouts and block parties are prime moments to create bonds that can last for decades. Moving into a new community is exciting. While there's plenty to learn, embracing the community lifestyle is rewarding. Before you know it, you'll go from new-in-town to a trusted community member, welcoming those who come after you! COMING HOME MAGAZINE 35

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