Clark Simson Miller

06/02/2026

Are rising vendor costs forcing your HOA to raise dues? 🤔📉

Landscaping, pool maintenance, and waste removal are essential, but they shouldn't drain your community's reserves! If your board simply auto-renews contracts every year without a second thought, you are likely overpaying.

In our latest guide, we break down exactly how your board can manage and reduce vendor costs effectively:
🔹 Contract Audits: Why you need to review every line item for hidden fees and automatic rate hikes.
🔹 Competitive Bidding: How sending out clear RFPs ensures you're getting fair market value.
🔹 Negotiation Tactics: Strategies for securing better pricing and terms without sacrificing service quality.
🔹 Consolidation: How bundling services with a single reliable vendor can save the community money.

Keep your budget balanced and your homeowners happy. Read the full article here! 👇

What is triggering an increase in HOA vendor cost? How can board members adjust the budget? Click here to find out!

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, Clark Simson Miller honors the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes.

We are forever grateful for the freedoms they secured for us all. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful day of remembrance.💙

05/18/2026

Is your neighborhood's landscaping ready to bounce back from winter? 🤔🌷

Spring is the most critical time for your community's curb appeal. Dead plants, patchy lawns, and neglected entrances can make a neighborhood look poorly managed and drag down property values.

In our latest guide, we break down exactly what your HOA board needs to prioritize for a successful spring landscaping season:
🔹 Thorough Inspections: Spotting winter damage to turf, trees, and hardscaping like retaining walls.
🔹 Vendor Management: Why spring is the best time to review your landscaping contracts and secure competitive bids.
🔹 Budgeting: Ensuring your operating budget has room for both necessary repairs and curb appeal enhancements.
🔹 Irrigation & Safety: Testing sprinklers for leaks and inspecting trees for hazardous dead branches.

Make sure your community blooms this spring! Read the full checklist here! 👇

What should board members prepare for spring landscaping in HOA communities? Click here to learn everything you need to know!

05/10/2026

To the moms who balance it all: Happy Mother’s Day from Clark Simson Miller! 🌸

We hope your special day is as perfectly managed and stress-free as your community's finances. Enjoy your well-deserved rest! 📊💝

05/04/2026

Can your HOA legally invest its reserve funds in the stock market? 🤔📉

The short answer: No! While it’s tempting to try and grow your community's reserve fund quickly, HOA boards have a fiduciary duty to prioritize safety over yield.

If the board gambles and loses the principal, you'll be facing angry homeowners, special assessments, and potential lawsuits. However, you shouldn't let inflation eat away at your funds, either!

Our latest article breaks down the absolute safest ways to invest HOA reserves:
✅ Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
✅ Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
✅ High-Yield Money Market Accounts

Learn the golden rules of HOA investments and what your board must review before moving a single dollar. 👇

Can the HOA invest reserve funds? Where should the board invest it? And do homeowners get a vote? Click here to find out!

04/20/2026

Did you know a lender could collect dues directly from homeowners if the HOA defaults? 🛑🏠

Taking out a loan for community repairs is common, but failing to repay it can be financially devastating for everyone in the neighborhood. When an HOA defaults, it can trigger massive special assessments, lawsuits, and make it nearly impossible for residents to sell their homes.

If your association is struggling with debt, our latest guide covers actionable steps to get back on track:
✅ How to drastically cut non-essential costs
✅ Strategies for collecting delinquent fees
✅ When to seek expert financial restructuring

Don't let debt sink your community. Read the full article here!

What is an HOA loan default? When an HOA defaults on its loan, what are the possible repercussions for the community? Find out here!

04/06/2026

Does every rule change require a community-wide vote? 🏠

Not necessarily! Boards often have the power to update operating rules independently, while CC&Rs require more. Learn how to stay compliant with state laws.

Can HOA change rules without a vote? Do state laws and the governing documents allow this? What is the proper way? Find out here!

04/05/2026

Don't put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to HOA finances. Our nationwide remote accounting ensures your community’s budget stays balanced and secure. Happy Easter!

03/23/2026

Planning the HOA budget shouldn't be a last-minute scramble! 📅💰

A well-prepared budget is the backbone of a thriving community. It ensures your neighborhood can afford necessary repairs, maintain amenities, and keep property values high—all without hitting residents with surprise fees.

We’ve put together a step-by-step timeline to help your Board navigate vendor reviews, reserve studies, and the final approval process with ease.

What is an HOA budget calendar? How can a budget calendar help keep the association's finances in good order? Learn how to plan one here!

03/17/2026

Don’t leave your HOA's financial health to luck. Our nationwide remote accounting services keep your association "in the green" year-round. Wishing all our clients a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!