COLUMN: Barbara Holland

Q. I live in a townhouse community. The west side of the complex where the board members live is kept so beautiful. The east end where I live is neglected and looks like a slum. The block walls are covered with black mold.

In February, we were told that repair work and repainting were on the agenda. Nothing has happened with it since. After many complaints, I received a letter stating that the repairs would be made in about two weeks. Again, nothing has happened.

I keep the inside of my house like a model home. I make as many repairs to the outside as I can. I wish to move to California, but no one will even look at the inside of my home because of the dirtiness outside. Can you advise?

A. First, you need to find a successful real estate agent to list your home.

Since you are so concerned about the exterior look of the community, you may want to contact a sales agent who has been successful in selling homes within your community. Drive around and look for sales signs in your neighbors' yards. Write down the names and phone numbers of the listing agents.

If your community does not allow signs, call real estate offices, ask for the manager and find out if they have a sales agent who has sold homes within your community.

An experienced agent will help you overcome the negatives.

As for the board fixing the block walls, there is no quick fix. In fact, it is a very expensive maintenance problem. You probably haven't seen any action because it will require the use of reserve money or possibly a special assessment.

The block wall problem is caused by drainage from adjacent landscaping. There are some expensive materials that may be used to combat the problem.

If you have a letter from the board informing you they would fix this wall, find out why there is a delay. If the board does not respond, you may have to contact legal counsel.

Q. We currently have three board members and would like to increase it to five. I want to know if FHA or VA had to be notified.

A. You do not have to contact FHA or VA. Your community's bylaws, assuming they were originally approved by FHA and VA, already allow your community to increase the board to five or seven members. All you need is for the membership to approve a change to the bylaws. You will have to look at the amendments section of your governing documents to find out how many votes are needed.

Questions for Barbara Holland may be sent to Association Q. & A., P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125. Her fax number is 385-3759.

Barbara Holland, Certified Property Manager, is president and co-owner of H&L Realty and Management Co. She is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management and is the author of two books on the subject. Holland is a past president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors.

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