Title Company

Title agents do many things in order to ensure closings go smoothly. In essence, the job of a Florida title agent is to find the most efficient route towards the signing of the final closing documents, which involves many different tasks, including:

• Conducting a thorough title search to find hidden title defects.
• Resolving all title issues.
• Holding the buyer’s earnest money deposit in an escrow account.
• Issuing all necessary title insurance policies.
• Preparing all necessary closing documents.
• Facilitating the signing of final closing documents.
• Properly recording the necessary closing documents.
   

Orange County

Since 1990, Orange County has operated as a “strong mayor” form of charter government—a reflection of the County’s urban character and driving economy. Under this structure, the Orange County Mayor serves as Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. Members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners are independently-elected from six districts, and serve in a legislative capacity.

The Mayor is responsible for all County operations, including more than 8,000 employees and the County’s $4.4 billion budget. The Mayor oversees public safety operations for residents and more than 75 million annual visitors, budget allocations for the Orange County Public Library System, the Sheriff’s Office and other constitutional offices. The Mayor is elected by all citizens of Orange County including those in Orlando, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park.

In addition to our world-class international airport, second-largest convention center in the U.S., blockbuster theme parks and entertainment options, Orange County is brimming with excitement, arts, culture, sports, recreation and economic opportunity. We are home to some of the finest public venues in America, including the Amway Center, home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and Camping World Stadium and Explora stadium for our professional soccer teams, Orlando City Soccer and Orlando Pride.

Under the leadership of Mayor Jerry L. Demings, County employees embrace a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusiveness. Our goal is to provide outstanding customer service and transparency to the taxpayers and residents of Orange County.

What Is a Homeowners Association (HOA) and How Does It Work?

A homeowner association (HOA) is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building that makes and enforces rules for the properties and residents. Those who purchase property within an HOA's jurisdiction automatically become members and are required to pay dues, which are known as HOA fees. Some associations can be very restrictive about what members can do with their properties while others may give residents more freedom.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A homeowner association is an organization that makes and enforces rules and guidelines for a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building.
• HOA members are the residents of the subdivision, community, or building.
• Some communities require mandatory membership for individuals that purchase property in the zone.
• Homeowner associations are run by a board of directors and typically collect monthly or annual fees to pay for common area maintenance and the upkeep of facilities.
• Homeowner associations may impose fines on non-compliant homeowners.

How Homeowner Associations (HOAs) Work

Homeowner associations are usually formed within communities or neighborhoods of single-family homes or multiple-unit buildings, such as condominiums. An HOA is typically established to make and enforce rules regarding the properties within the jurisdiction. Associations are comprised of and run by the community's residents. Membership is usually a requirement to buy a home within a community where an HOA has been established.

An HOA usually has a board of directors or governors. These groups are elected to enforce and oversee the HOA's rules and regulations. An HOA typically describes its rules as restrictive covenants in a document called a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). CC&Rs set certain conditions for owners about the maintenance of their properties

These conditions sometimes include structural restrictions, such as the type of fences or landscape allowed. But they may also include more minor aesthetic choices like the color of paint on a house. A CC&R document may also outline the penalties for violating the guidelines set forth in the agreement. These penalties can take the shape of fees or forced compliance. In some cases, it may even be as drastic as litigation.

Homeowner Associations Fees

Some HOAs can wield significant financial and legal power over the property owners in their zone. HOAs collect monthly or annual HOA fees. These fees depend on a number of factors, including:

• Type of property
• Number of properties in the group
• Location
• Amenities
• Operating expenses

The fees are typically between $200 to $400 per month, but they can range anywhere from less than $100 to upwards of $10,000 in luxury neighborhoods or communities.

HOA fees also often contribute to the association's reserve fund, which is set aside for major renovation projects or emergency use. In addition to regular fees, HOAs can also impose special assessments on homeowners when the association lacks sufficient reserves to pay for unexpected repairs on common areas, such as sidewalks or parking lots.

The HOA's board is usually responsible for the organization's finances. As such, it oversees the collection and management of funds. Along with setting dues and assessments, the board can slap fines on homeowners who break the rules or damage the common areas. In addition to imposing penalties, HOAs can also place a lien on a property if a homeowner falls seriously behind on their dues.

WARNING: Existing HOA liens can make it difficult to sell the home unless they are cleared.

Copy of SAMAR HOA information can be found in the downloads section of this website