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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(click on a topic for more information)
- What is community living?
- Who wrote the regulations for Signal Ridge, and why do we have them?
- Does this mean that even though I bought my condo. I can't do whatever I want to it?
- Who do I contact if I have a question or need approval to do something to my unit?
- What Can Actually Be Done About Violations?
- Why do we have to pay dues and what are they used for?
- How are H.O.A. dues determined?
- Where are the bills sent and who pays them?
- The dues seem very high. Shouldn't I be able to get a new deck when I ask?
- What can I do to heip reduce the expenses?
- What can I do to be a good neighbor and better resident?
Q - What is community living?
A - The dictionary defines community as "a number of people living in the same locality governed by the same rules." It also means holding in common; joint possessions; and sharing. You are a part of the Signal Ridge Community, a diverse community of multi-cultural residents. The relationship between each individual condo owner and their neighbor can be compared to members of a family sharing in the same large household. You have one "room," your unit, and we share the rest of the property with everyone else. And just as you have house rules for your family, the community has rules for everyone living in Signal Ridge.
Q - Who wrote the regulations for Signal Ridge, and why do we have them?
A - Signal Ridge condo owners and residents are governed by the City of Rockwall Building and Housing Codes as well as by the specifications in the master deed and by-laws of the property. These are legal Governing Documents executed when the developer established Signal Ridge as a condominium complex. They are intended to insure that the original design of the buildings, and the appearance and value of the property are maintained as well as to support successful community living. You should have received these papers at closing; if not, please call your title company. We are all restricted in our actions at Signal Ridge by these Governing Documents and City codes, as well as by the decisions of the Board of Directors. Board members are fellow condo owners elected to voluntarily serve the H.O.A. The property Rules and Regulations, an easy to read outline highlighting most of the restrictions applying to residents of Signal Ridge, is available from the management company and Web site. Everyone should have a copy, understand, and abide by these community rules.
Q - Does this mean that even though I bought my condo. I can't do whatever I want to it?
A - When you bought your condo you chose community living and became a member of the Signal Ridge Home Owner's Association thereby agreeing to abide by the Governing Documents. Owning a condo is perhaps preferable to renting an apartment, but it does not allow you all the freedoms of owning a single-family home. Owning a condo is somewhere in between apartment living and single-family ownership. You're not wasting money on rent, you do own your condominium, but you are not completely free to do as you like to your unit. Changes you make could compromise the roof, a whole building or even the entire property. Alterations could be against City Building Codes or in violation of our by laws. The Board of Directors must first approve any proposed change to your unit. Although owning a condo in Signal Ridge rather than an individual home limits us in some ways, it also has its advantages. As a result of paying set dues into the H.O.A., you don't have to worry about fluctuating monthly expenses. You also don't have a lot of bills coming in and checks to write. You aren't burdened with the issues of exterior maintenance and you can have whatever color tile, carpet, or wallpaper you like.
Q - Who do I contact if I have a question or need approval to do something to my unit?
A - If you have any questions and before you make any changes to your unit please contact AMGI at 972-503-2644 and ask for Ed Ambrose, Property Manager.
Q - What Can Actually Be Done About Violations?
A - The importance of complying with the covenants, conditions, and restrictions has been made clear by the Texas Legislature in the 1987 statute which states that the community association covenants and restrictions will be liberally rather than narrowly construed or interpreted. The law also allows a judge to fine someone up to $200 per day from the day the violation began, and court costs and attorney's fees can be awarded to the prevailing party.
The Board must ensure that the provisions of the documents are upheld for the benefit of all owners. Deed restriction violations cause the Board to remind the owner of the promise he or she made, to demand that the violation cease, and to require that the property be brought into compliance with the documents. The Association, through its committees of the Board or any individual owner, can take formal action to have the owner come into compliance, after proper notice and due process.
Q - Why do we have to pay dues and what are they used for?
A - The dues are your portions of the money needed to pay all expenses related to the property, to maintain common areas and common structural elements -- expenses you would normally have living in a private home. The money is deposited into the H.O.A. account. Expenses include:
- Payment of utility bills -- gas, water, electricity, and trash -- for common areas and the overall complex. Note: Individual utility bills associated with each specific unit are the personal responsibility of the owner/resident of that unit and are not included in the HOA dues.
- Upkeep and repairs to the common areas such as the lawn, driveways, and pool, as well as the limited common areas like patios and balconies.
- Maintenance on plumbing, irrigation system, and roofs.
- Other various expenses such as porters, exterminators, electricians, and property insurance specific to the scope of the common areas.
Q - How are H.O.A. dues determined?
A - We start with an annual budget (the projected total cost to operate the property efficiently for the year), which is based on our history of expenses, and add to that the costs of any planned special projects. This amount is divided among all owners according to the size of their unit and is paid into the Association fund in the form of monthly dues. The Home Owner's Association's money is managed by the Board of Directors along with professional assistance consistent with Board direction from the management company.
Q - Where are the bills sent and who pays them?
A - All bills for the property are sent to the management company where checks are then issued. Even though you are not directly writing the checks that pay for the water and electricity or repairs on property, you as a condo owner are paying the bills with your dues. It is incorrect to think that because you live in Signal Ridge you don't have to pay for any of these things. A portion of your money is being used to pay for all bills and all work being done anywhere on property. As a community we can get better pricing, and as a community we all contribute into the community's H.O.A. account to pay the bills.
Q - The dues seem very high. Shouldn't I be able to get a new deck when I ask?
A - Our community does not have unlimited funds. As with any budget, there is only so much money in ours each month. Basic utility bills and repairs on the property are very high. When energy costs rise or we have more repairs than expected, we have to cut back in other areas. We are forced to prioritize expenditures and may have to delay some repairs or improvements until more money is accumulated. The Board of Directors has to work with the money available in our Association Account each month the same way you work within your personal budget.
Q - What can I do to help reduce the expenses?
A - Always pay your dues and assessments and pay them on time. Just as you would have a difficult time managing a personal budget if you did not receive your paycheck or your roommate's part of the rent on time, we have a difficult time operating without everyone's monthly dues. It's also not right to expect your neighbors to cover your portion of the expenses. When the Association does not have the money to pay bills on time, not only are we charged with late fees, we are unable to negotiate any discounts with the contractors because of a poor payment record. Everyone can take the same steps to curb community expenses that they would in an individual home. Eliminate waste of water and electricity. Show pride of ownership by not littering, picking up trash, keeping the pool and common areas clean.
Q - What can I do to be a good neighbor and better resident?
A - Always remember you are a part of a community family at Signal Ridge. Take the time to educate yourself about your individual unit and all aspects of what it means to be part of a community. Remember, no one likes to live with an inconsiderate neighbor. Be respectful of others' time and property with regard to car noise, loud music, litter, pets, driving speed and the condition of your immediate area. Abide by the community's rules and regulations. Do your part to shape the future of Signal Ridge. Come to the monthly Board Meetings and "Share the Vision" the Board has for Signal Ridge. If there is something you can do, don't wait for someone else, GET INVOLVED.
