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Understanding the Fiduciary Duties of an HOA Board

The board of directors is an important—and required—aspect of any homeowners’ association (HOA). Comprised of elected volunteers who live in the community, the HOA board is responsible for overseeing the community’s operations and setting it up for long-term success. A critical role, board members have a duty to act in the community’s best interest when making decisions for fellow residents—a fiduciary duty.

Keep reading to learn more about what fiduciary duty means and the fiduciary duties of directors.

What Is a Fiduciary Duty?

The fiduciary duty of board members is a legal responsibility to act in good faith on behalf of a person or group that relies on you. This relationship typically exists between an individual in a position of power or authority and those affected by that individual’s decisions.

An HOA or condo board member’s fiduciary responsibility is to help the association succeed while adhering to the governing documents. Homeowners put their trust and confidence in board members to protect the community’s quality of living, use funds wisely, and keep operations running smoothly.

To make sure you meet your obligations as a community leader, review your state laws and the HOA’s governing documents. The bylaws and Conditions, Covenants, & Restrictions (CC&Rs) should outline your responsibilities and authority.

What Are the Five Fiduciary Duties of Board Members?

Generally, the five fiduciary duties of board members include the Duty of Utmost Care, Duty of Integrity, Duty of Full Disclosure, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Good Faith. These five pillars act as a solid foundation to guide a board’s actions.

1. Duty of Utmost Care

Board members are bound to a high standard of responsibility to fulfill the tasks required of their positions. The duty of care means you must do your due diligence to make the most informed and reasonable decisions within your authority.

2. Duty of Integrity

The board of directors agrees to a code of ethics that requires them to act with honesty, fidelity, and professionalism. This includes following official HOA rules and processes, respecting homeowner confidentiality, and treating all residents equally.

3. Duty of Full Disclosure

The duty of disclosure means that board members must lead with transparency and be open and honest about what happens behind the scenes. The board should disclose all material factors influencing their decisions and impacting homeowners.

4. Duty of Loyalty

The board member duty of loyalty refers to the agreement to leave personal agendas and preferences aside to serve the community. There should be no conflicts of interest or intentional personal gains when a board member takes office.

5. Duty of Good Faith

The duty of good faith suggests that board members should always act in the best interests of the association. Every decision should be made to benefit residents within the confines of the law and HOA rules.

How Can a Board Live Up to Its Fiduciary Duties?

With strong leadership and dedication to the community, the HOA board can naturally live up to its fiduciary duties. Practice your board member fiduciary duties by prioritizing:

Good communication. By actively listening and being open to feedback, you help build trust and transparency between the HOA board and homeowners.
Forward planning. Anticipating association needs and getting ahead of issues can go a long way in keeping the community functioning at its best.
Sound decision-making. Base decisions on facts, experience, and rational thinking to make educated choices on behalf of residents.
Task delegation. Assigning responsibilities to association committees or partnering with a community management company can help board members avoid overwhelm and fulfill duties more effectively.
Taking initiative. Addressing concerns right away shows your good intentions and loyalty to community members.
Critical thinking. Board members must provide unbiased evaluations and analysis to solve problems affecting the association.
Teamwork. Cooperation and compromise can help board members collaborate as they work towards the community’s goals.

What Are Breaches of Fiduciary Duty?

While most HOA board members do their best to serve their communities, some may fall short of expectations or take advantage of their positions. An HOA board member breach of fiduciary duty happens when that board officer fails to fulfill their legal responsibilities to the community—either inadvertently or intentionally. This can take many forms, such as:

Board members refusing to work together
Not adhering to the governing documents
Ignoring state statutes or fiduciary duty nonprofit board laws

Examples of Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Some breaches of fiduciary duty are apparent, while others often fly under the radar and go unnoticed. Examples of a breach of fiduciary duty include:

Using association assets for personal benefit
Putting your interests before the community’s needs
Making decisions outside of your authority
Negligently managing funds or budgets
Failing to disclose vital information to homeowners
Encouraging conflict between residents
Choosing sides based on personal preferences

Consequences of Fiduciary Breach

A board member’s breach of fiduciary duty can have lasting ripple effects on their community. On its surface, it can cause a break in trust between homeowners and the rest of the board, leading to suspicion and tension. The breach of duty may also result in legal action against the association.

In some cases, the board officer may be personally liable for damages or financial losses caused by the breach of fiduciary duty. If the breach violated state laws, criminal prosecution could even be possible. Review your community’s governing documents or ask your HOA attorney for more details on the potential consequences of a fiduciary breach.

Beyond The Board Member Fiduciary Duty: Understanding the HOA Board of Directors & Its Role

Do HOA board members have a fiduciary responsibility? Yes. As association leaders, an HOA board has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of the community. Guided by five pillars, the fiduciary duty of directors is meant to preserve the integrity of the board. An honorable role, serving on an HOA board can also be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor.

Featured Ebook: 8 Biggest Mistakes Board Members Make & How to Avoid Them

At CMA, our teams have learned how to overcome even the most significant board member mistakes thanks to our decades of experience working with boards and becoming experts in the community management industry. Whether you’re new to the role or an established pro looking to gain a better understanding, we can help you discover how to avoid costly mistakes and become a more effective board member.

In our latest ebook, “8 Biggest Mistakes Board Members Make & How to Avoid Them,” leaders from throughout our various markets reveal the biggest mistakes they see board members make. Download your FREE copy now to see what they share, including this snippet:

Ineffectively communicating

Effective communication is one of the most important tools available to promote a positive and cooperative spirit. Board members must frequently communicate information, goals, progress, and outcomes to the membership. It’s crucial to educate residents about why a decision was made, explain the time and energy spent to review options, and listen to feedback. Regular and clear communication builds trust and prevents gossip from getting perceived as the truth.

Featured eBook: Goal Brainstorming Worksheet

Board members of a homeowners’ association (HOA) are tasked with running an efficient and financially sound community. To do this, you must set realistic goals aimed at enhancing the overall living experience. However, creating these impactful initiatives and following through with them can be challenging without the proper preparation and planning.

CMA has decades of experience helping boards set and reach meaningful goals for their communities. Our Board Goal-Setting series offers free resources to help you set goals, track progress, and meet milestones. In our first installment, you’ll find a Goal Brainstorming Worksheet complete with tools and tips to encourage idea sharing.

Examples of Goals

HOA goals can be broken down into three categories. Annual goals are set every year to maintain operations, compliance, and adequate funding. Improvement goals are related to maintenance projects and general upkeep of the community. Communication goals improve transparency, collaboration, and resident engagement.

Examples of HOA goals include:

Prepare the annual budget by a particular date.
Remodel the community pool deck.
Create a formal complaint process.
Invite monthly speakers for community events.
Find a more affordable option to replace an overpriced vendor.
Invest in technology that allows homeowners to pay fees online.

Because every association is unique, review your governing documents, know your budget, and consider homeowner priorities before developing strategic plans.

Download the ebook now to set your own goals!

Additional Resources Coming Soon

After brainstorming goals, what happens next? To help you work through the information you’ve gathered, we have additional resources coming in our Board-Goal Setting Series. These templates will allow you to take your ideas further and streamline them for maximum efficiency. Here is the schedule for everything else we’re working on:

- SMART Goals: Out October 2025
- Goal Setting: Out October 2025
- Goal Review: Out November 2025
- Monthly Planner: Out November 2025

8 Attainable HOA New Year’s Resolutions to Make Right Now

As a board member of a homeowners’ association (HOA), it’s essential to set resolutions to improve the community early on so you have time to work towards those goals. While there may be many projects you want to tackle, choose resolutions that are well thought out, achievable, and will make the most difference for the association. To do this, consider using the SMART method, which stands for:

• Specific – Choose a specific goal that’s clearly defined.
• Measurable – Measure your progress so you stay on track.
• Achievable – Ensure your goal is realistically achievable based on your resources, like time and budget.
• Relevant – Ask yourself if this goal serves the community and its needs.
• Time-based – Set specific benchmarks to keep your timeline in motion.

Prioritizing goals will not only enhance the community in the upcoming year but also set it up for a prosperous future. Download our ebook to learn the top eight goals for your board to consider and tips for achieving them.

How to Make Your Community’s New Year’s Resolution Stick

As a homeowners’ association (HOA) board member, it’s your responsibility to prepare your community for a stronger, better future. It’s important to make resolutions and set goals for your association in the new year so you’re prepared to start strong. However, it can be difficult to follow through and accomplish every goal when there seem to be so many worthwhile initiatives on the table. Read on for tips to help you commit to your community’s goals and ensure success in the year ahead.

Create a plan of action.

You can best achieve community goals when there’s a strategic plan in place. Work with fellow board members to evaluate needs, identify where you can make the most difference, and determine if you have the resources to execute ideas.

Then, create a plan that includes steps to accomplish the goals and markers of progress. The plan should serve as a roadmap to guide the board and guarantee everyone’s on the same page. Additional details to consider when constructing a plan:

Actions or decisions that need to happen
Who is responsible for what
The overall end goal

Review important goal-related documents.

It’s a good idea for the board to review essential items at the start of each year. By freshening up on laws, responsibilities, and roles, you can more confidently move forward on your resolutions. This will help you set your goals, develop actionable plans, and avoid letting important details slip through the cracks.

Some items to consider reviewing annually include:

Your association’s governing documents
New laws or ordinances that may affect your community
Insurance plans and coverage
Contracts with vendors
Regular maintenance calendar
HOA board meeting schedule

Schedule out the year.

Creating a schedule is vital to achieving your goals for the year. With established deadlines for hitting milestones, you’re more likely to stay on track and avoid stressful end-of-year scrambling.

An association calendar is an easy way to centralize your scheduling and offers a single source of information on all HOA operations. Here’s what you should include on your association calendar:

Community events and activities
HOA board and committee meetings
Maintenance and renovation scheduling
Renewal dates for contracts and policies
Holidays and other days off
Key deadlines

Get organized.

Organization is a valuable skill that all HOA leaders should demonstrate. When you’re organized, you not only save time, effort, and money, but you can also focus your energy on the tasks—or goals—at hand. There are several areas in which organization can help you accomplish more, including:

Meetings: Identify an agenda and duration of a meeting and stick to it. That way, you’re not sidetracked from your to-dos.
Communications: Develop a chain of communication within the organization to disseminate information and promote transparency.
Document storage: Digitize your document storage for easier access, streamlined filing, and quicker decision-making.
Financials: Keep financial data current so you understand if (and how) projects will be funded.

If you haven’t upgraded to using technology to communicate with residents, store documents, and manage day-to-day processes, now is the time to do it. Beyond being an effective way to simplify procedures already in place, going digital provides many other benefits, like:

Reducing clutter
Promoting accuracy in reporting
Saving on the cost of paper and ink
Helping the environment

Consult with the experts.

While you have your community’s best interest in mind and want to do your part as a board member, working with professionals can help the association be more effective in meeting its goals. Here are some professional partnerships to consider:

Certified Public Accountant. Consult a CPA before your annual audit to confirm all the critical details are accounted for in your financial records.
Association Lawyer. For anything that involves legal documents or decisions, you may want to lean on an attorney who has experience working with community associations.
Community Management Company. Seek guidance from a community management company when it comes to rule enforcement, property maintenance, communication with residents, handling finances, and more.

Setting a New Year’s Resolution for Your HOA

Setting annual HOA goals is a great way to hold your board accountable. Association members trust that you’ll take steps to make the neighborhood a safe and enjoyable place to live. Part of that responsibility involves setting goals, forming plans, and following through on promises.

If you need help creating a new year’s resolution you can stick to while making positive changes in your community, check out our article, “Board Tips for Setting HOA Goals.”

Board Tips for Setting HOA Goals

To maximize the effectiveness of a homeowners’ association (HOA), boards must make goal-setting an annual task. With the board’s responsibility to maintain and, ideally, improve the community, creating goals can provide a roadmap to ensure that happens. Goals help keep you on track, accountable, financially sound, and much more. The following are some expert tips for setting HOA goals.

Review your governing documents and consult an attorney.
A critical first step is to review—and abide by—your association’s governing documents. The governing documents highlight which decisions can be made behind closed doors versus those that must be discussed in an open forum. Your board must confirm that its vision aligns with what’s mandated within the pages of those documents.

Equally important, make sure your goals comply with existing or new legislation on the federal, provincial, state, and local levels. If you have concerns or questions about the legalities of what you’re proposing, consult an association attorney. They have the expert knowledge to help guide you with both short- and long-term goals.

Ensure your budget can cover expenses.
The financial stability of a community is one of the most significant factors to consider before setting any goals. Review your association’s financial statements and reserve funds and confirm that the existing budget can support your goals. If not, evaluate if the goal is important enough to merit a special assessment or other funding options, like an HOA loan.

Seek input from homeowners.
Goals are a great way to promote better relationships with residents. When you ask for their input during goal planning, it shows that your board values transparency regarding progress and achievement. Ways in which you can involve community members include:

Asking if your goals for the association align with what homeowners perceive to be the highest-priority factors.
Communicating changes to the goals as you go.
Setting meetings intended to gather feedback from residents.
Forming a committee to assist in the goal-planning process.

Be SMART about it.
SMART is an acronym that’s widely used for goal setting in corporate and management environments. Designed to help streamline ideas, focus your efforts, and use your time wisely, SMART criterion makes goal setting a more thoughtful endeavor. To ensure your goals are easy to follow and attainable, make each one:

Specific. The goal must be well-defined and specific. Confirm everyone has a clear understanding of the goal, knows why it was set, who is involved, what should be accomplished, and the proposed timeline.

Measurable. Having a measurable goal helps you track progress, correct the plan of action if needed, and demonstrate advancement to residents.

Achievable. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable. Work within your resources of time, effort, and money. Setting the bar too high might leave board members feeling defeated and frustrated and residents unhappy.

Relevant. Is your goal important to maintaining or improving your community? Will achieving it make a difference? Is it something most residents want?

Time-based. Set deadlines. If it’s a long-term goal, break it into phases with deadlines for each phase. Also, take into account board members’ availability and their own time commitments.

Make a plan.
Ideally, you should set goals every year before establishing the budget. Best practice is to develop a five-year strategic plan, then use that to create both long- and short-term goals. Developing a strategic plan requires extensive time and effort, but it’s a valuable tool for defining priorities and desired direction and allocating resources appropriately.

A strategic plan will help you determine which goals are most critical, how others should be prioritized, and whether you need additional resources, such as funding, extra staff, or new committees.

Break it down.
Goal-setting becomes easier when you break it down into three “buckets” of goals: annual essential goals, improvement goals, and meeting or communications-related goals.

Annual Essential Goals
These are the mainstay items that belong on your goal list every year. Examples include verifying that governing documents are properly amended and in compliance, preparing the annual budget, managing assessments, and preparing for tax returns and any upcoming audits.

Maintenance & Improvement Goals
These range from routine maintenance of common areas to major improvements like a remodeled pool area or dog park.

Request homeowner input on bigger initiatives. You might get some great ideas, new volunteers, and improved relationships with the community you serve.
Create a preventative maintenance plan that addresses the association’s most critical components.
Review existing vendor contracts to see if they’re still competitive and necessary.

Communication Goals
Improving communications with homeowners, vendors, and fellow board members is always beneficial, as it leads to more satisfied residents, better cost control, and more effective collaboration. Some worthwhile communications goals include:

Establishing a communications policy, including a fire safety policy and a process to relay emergency alert information, such as natural disasters and major power outages.
Creating a formal HOA complaint process for homeowners.
Reviewing existing processes to repair strained relationships.
Investing in technology as needed. Make it as easy as possible for homeowners to pay fees or report issues online to save both their time—and your time.

How an HOA Loan Can Help Fulfill Your Goals
Some goals may be difficult to achieve due to a lack of funding. If an association has insufficient capital, the project may require a loan from a lender specializing in homeowners’ associations. Loans help fund a variety of projects and expenses, from common area improvements to maintenance and repairs, when the annual membership assessment cannot cover the costs. If your CMA-managed association, wishes to pursue a loan, contact your association manager about it. We will have our Financial Services team work with you to see what is possible. If a loan is to be obtained, we will walk you through the entire process from beginning to end.

What’s an HOA Budget? Understanding Your Community’s Financials

A well-structured homeowners’ association budget forms the backbone of a thriving community, guiding financial decision-making and safeguarding homeowners’ interests. More than 74 million Americans live in community associations—and they each depend on their community’s strong financial planning to preserve property values and quality of life.

So, what is an HOA budget? What should an HOA budget look like? And how should board members manage the budget? Read on to learn everything you need to know to lead confidently, keep members informed, and maintain smooth operations.

What Is an HOA Budget?

At its core, an HOA budget outlines expected income (usually from assessments and fees) and plans for expenses the association anticipates for the year ahead. It’s a spending blueprint for maintaining shared amenities, paying for landscaping, funding reserves for major repairs, and supporting the services homeowners count on.

What Does an HOA Budget Look Like?

A budget will look different for every community. However, a standard HOA budget covers three main categories:

Projected revenue: Assessments, fees, and fines
Projected expenses: Maintenance, insurance, and management
HOA reserve fund contributions: Savings for future repairs or replacements

How to Create an Effective HOA Budget

What should an HOA budget look like in practice? Creating an effective HOA budget means being deliberate, data-driven, and cooperative. Consult with qualified professionals, including attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), and reserve study specialists, before making any financial or legal moves for your association.

Here’s a step-by-step HOA budget breakdown:

1. Start Early and Review Historic Information

Begin the budget process months before the fiscal year ends so you have enough time to review historic information. If the fiscal year ends in December, aim to begin in June or July. Go through financial statements from prior years and compare past projections with what actually happened. Use those variances to improve accuracy.

2. Reference Your Governing Documents

Every community association has unique governing documents, state laws, and financial circumstances that may impact budgeting and operations. Additionally, your HOA’s bylaws, Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), and state law may require specific reserve contributions, a timeline for meeting notices, or rules for special assessments. Make sure the budget plan complies.

3. Form or Engage a Budget Committee

A budget committee focuses on gathering line items, evaluating vendor contracts, checking insurance, and verifying utility and vendor rate changes. When the committee provides a proposal to the board, the board can review it, amend it as needed, and adopt the finalized budget.

4. Itemize Revenues and Expenses

It may be tedious, but itemizing revenue and expenses is necessary to ensure accuracy. Some potential line items include:

Revenue: HOA dues and assessments, late fees, initiation/transfer fees, and amenity rentals or fines.
Expenses: Administrative fees (management, legal, accounting), operating expenses (landscape, utilities, common area upkeep), insurance, fixed costs (taxes, regulatory filings), and the reserve fund.

5. Consider the Reserve Fund

The reserve fund pays for large-scale, non-annual needs, like roofs, pavement, and pool refurbishment. Proper funding often depends on a reserve study. Review or update your reserve study regularly to confirm the budget reflects real-life expectancy and replacement cost estimates.

6. Evaluate Vendor Contracts and Inflation Adjustments

Check whether contractors’ prices are increasing. Insurance premiums can rise. Utility rates might change. Allowing for inflation and negotiating or rebidding contracts can help avoid budget shortfalls.

7. Communicate with Homeowners

Transparency builds trust. Once the draft budget is ready, share it with your homeowners. Explain any assessment increases, reserve contributions, or significant capital improvements. Gather feedback where governing documents permit.

Common HOA Budgeting Challenges

Here are some of the most common budgeting challenges for HOAs, and what you can do to overcome them.

Ignoring Delinquencies

Delinquency can erode the community’s financial base over time. Collecting delinquent accounts is a must. Set expectations and enforce the governing documents to keep your community financially stable.

Underfunding the Reserve Fund

Up to 70% of HOAs have underfunded reserves. While many HOAs don’t set aside enough for long-term repairs, you can do your part by scheduling a reserve study to determine your reserve amount.

Overlooking Vendor Contracts

Renewing contracts by inertia does your budget more harm than good. Whether it’s performance or pricing, vendor services can change. Probing contract terms, comparing bids, and assessing quality can result in savings.

Failing to Account for Inflation or Rising Costs

Costs for labor, materials, utilities, and insurance tend to increase. Budgets that assume flat costs risk shortfalls.

Lack of Long-Term HOA Financial Planning

Without a projected one- to three-year financial plan, boards might be forced into special assessments, deferred maintenance, or reserve funding.

The Role of HOA Board Members in Budget Management

While board members don’t need a financial background to effectively budget, it’s important to know what items to review and understand your available resources. An HOA board’s financial responsibilities include:

Drafting and reviewing the annual budget with the assistance of their association manager.
Connecting with professional advisors.
Overseeing the collection of fees and the enforcement of payment policies.
Updating reserves and conducting regular reserve studies.
Monitoring spending throughout the year and adjusting as needed.
Communicating clearly and often with homeowners about the association’s financial health.

Regularly updated reserve studies are crucial. These reserve studies, conducted by professionals, assess the current condition of major components and project future costs.

Frequently Asked Questions about HOA Budgets

How do HOA budgets work?

HOA budgets map out anticipated income and expenses for a fiscal year. Income often comes from homeowner assessments, fees, and sometimes penalties. Expenses include administrative, maintenance, insurance, utilities, and reserve contributions.

Who prepares the HOA budget?

Usually, a combination of the board’s treasurer, a budget or finance committee, and management staff prepares the budget. In many cases, professionals like CPAs or reserve study analysts are also involved.

What does an HOA usually pay for?

Common expenses include landscaping, common area repairs (such as buildings, pools, lighting), utilities, insurance, legal and accounting fees, management fees, fixed obligations like property taxes, and funds for future major projects.

Coming Home Magazine – 2025-03 Fall Issue

We are already in the second half of 2025. The first half of the year is behind us. Was it a quick blur for you too?

This Fall 2025 issue of Coming Home magazine is all about nostalgia and reflection. Inside, you’ll find some of these articles and so much more. Here’s a sneak peek:

Warm Welcome: Front Door Décor Ideas (Pg. 6)

Whether it’s a snug front stoop or a sprawling veranda, dressing up your entrance is a great way to kick off the fall season. While community association members should first check their rules and regulations, you can find inspiration right here. Our five front door décor ideas will enchant your neighbors and charm your guests:

Cozy Corner
Pumpkin Paradise
Farmer’s Bounty
Mum Magnificence
Lanterns & Lights

Pack Like a Pro: Lunch-Packing Hacks You’ll Love (Pg. 8)

Whether you’re sending the kids off to school, fueling your daily grind, or escaping your desk for a well-deserved break, packing a lunch is a smart move for everyday adventures and epic getaways alike. To master the art of prep—the most important part of the lunch-packing process—use these nuggets of info that are good to the last crumb.

Roots of the Rulebook: The Little-Known History of Community Associations (Pg. 12)

Community associations have existed for decades, growing and evolving to become what they are today. Follow along as we look at the significant events that made managed community history.

Designs That Define: Explore Iconic Home Styles (Pg. 14)

A home’s architectural style not only expresses your personal taste but also tells a story of resilience, resistance, and reimagination. Some home styles are iconic, revered for shaping architectural design and the landscape of future cities and towns. From classic elegance to modern simplicity, we’re diving into the most popular home designs and exploring how they came to be, including:

Cape Cod
Mediterranean
Gothic
Tudor
Mid-Century Modern
French Provincial
Contemporary
Adobe/Stucco
Craftsman
Ranch

Harvest Haul: What to Pick, Prep, & Plate This Fall (Pg. 22)

Somewhere between summer’s final beach day and autumn’s first frost, the produce aisle transforms into a celebration of nature’s bounty—and we’re here for the gold. Our fall favorites bring flavor, finesse, and farm-fresh fun.

Seasonal Sips: Cozy Autumn Drink Recipes (Pg. 24)

Get recipes for delicious fall drinks, like:

Spiritless Mulled Cider
Cinnamon-Maple Old Fashioned
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Sweet Memories: Classic Candies That Still Hit the Sweet Spot (Pg. 32)

Before gourmet chocolates and commercial gummies, there were simple confections tucked into lunchboxes, traded on playgrounds, and stashed in grandma’s candy dish. Every bite of these old-school treats transports us to more innocent days with sticky fingers and carefree afternoons. Let’s take a sentimental stroll down sweet street and unwrap our favorite golden-era goodies still found on shelves today.

Fall Back, Feel Good: Your Daylight Saving Time Survival Guide (Pg. 38)

As the crisp fall air rushes in, there’s a big event looming in the background: the conclusion of daylight saving time (DST). Soon, many will be shuffling their schedules and reorganizing their days in anticipation of the one-hour time change. With the 2 a.m. clock switch happening on Sunday, November 2, here’s everything you need to know about managing the transition as easily as possible.

Please enjoy this new issue of Coming Home magazine!

Coming Home Magazine – 2025-02 Summer Issue

We have reached Summer! This issue is all about community and togetherness. Let’s get to it with a new issue of Coming Home magazine.

Here’s a sneak peek:

Smooth Travels: Secrets to Stress-Free Travel with Kids (Pg. 6)

The greatest family vacation ever starts now! Whether you’re loading up the car for a cross-country road trip or boarding a plane to a sunny beach locale, you’re in for a real adventure. While you may hear a few “Are-we-there-yets?” along the way, our child-tested, parent-approved tips will make your journey a breeze.

Up to Par: Learn the Basics of Golf (Pg. 10)

For many, golf is more than a game—it’s a chance to unwind, connect with others, and be challenged. But for those new to the fairway, the terms and techniques of the sport can feel overwhelming. This golf guide will help you conquer the course with confidence.

Picnic Picks: Fresh Recipes to Fill Your Basket (Pg. 12)

Nothing screams “summer” quite like planning a picnic at the park. Discover delicious picnic recipes, including:

Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
Peach & Corn Salad
Chocolate Toffee Oatmeal Bars

Let the Good Times Roll: Community Events the Whole Neighborhood Will Love (Pg. 16)

The most memorable events ignite fun, encourage out-of-the-box thinking, and foster a sense of belonging for all. From sharing a meal (and a laugh or two) to zany carnivals and good old-fashioned competition, we’ve curated a list of our favorite neighborhood activities. Read this article to inspire your next community celebration with events like:

Food Truck Festival
Ice Cream Social
Community Scavenger Hunt
Arts & Crafts Fair
Talent Show
Pet Costume Contest
Group Fitness Class
Drive-in Movie Night
Pickleball Tournament

I Do’s & Don’ts: Wedding Guest Etiquette Guidelines (Pg. 24)

“HERE COMES THE SUN” meets “Here comes the bride” as the season of celebrations and wedding bells is in full swing. Whether you’re a schooled socialite or a first-time plus-one, wedding etiquette is less about distinguishing your salad fork from your dinner fork and more about showing up as your best self for your loved ones. Get ready to unveil insightful tips to guarantee you’re a gracious guest.

Find Your Fit: A Breakdown of the Hottest Group Workouts (Pg. 34)

We all want to look and feel our best—but this can be easier said than done! If solo workouts are becoming more routine than revitalizing, consider taking a group fitness class. Aside from the obvious benefits, like weight loss and a positive mood, group exercise can amplify motivation, build confidence, and support social connections. With so many perks, try shaking up your workouts with these popular group classes.

Please enjoy this edition of Coming Home!

Coming Home Magazine – 2025-01 Spring Issue

It is a new year! Spring is arriving with its warmer temperatures and rejuvenation of spirit! Let’s get in the mood for it with a new issue of Coming Home magazine.

With great excitement, we’re pleased to share the Spring 2025 issue. This edition is packed with refreshing stories that celebrate spring’s rejuvenating spirit. Here’s a sneak peek:

Reality Check: Four Entertaining Reality Shows (Pg. 9)

It’s time to refresh your TV roster! While winter programming has its cozy charm, the spring lineup is fresh and full of drama. From high-stakes competitions to warm-and-fuzzy moments, we’ve handpicked a selection of reality TV that’ll keep you hooked all season long. So grab your remote, settle in with a snack, and prepare to indulge in the best of reality TV this spring. We’re loving:

Rise & Dine: Must-Try Brunch Recipes (Pg. 10)

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and we’re sharing three delicious recipes to help you start your morning on a delicious note. In this article, you’ll find recipes for:

Bacon Waffles
Glazed Blueberry-Lemon Scones
Spinach & Gruyère Breakfast Strata

Written in the Stars: Everything Your Zodiac Sign Says About You (Pg. 12)

Whether you’re a staunch skeptic or a die-hard believer, it’s undeniable that astrology has a fascinating way of offering insights into who we are—often with an air of mystique. But how did this captivating system of celestial signs and planetary influences come to shape our understanding of ourselves? Here, we uncover the rich history of the stars, what your zodiac sign says about you, and more.

Spring Clean: Make Your Home Sparkle from A to Z (Pg. 16)

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. Put the F.U.N. in your seasonal deep clean by making your house sparkle from top to bottom using every letter of the alphabet. From freshening up your refrigerator to organizing your favorite junk drawer, we’ve got every corner and crevice covered. Turn your home into a spotless sanctuary with a little elbow grease and a lot of alphabetized satisfaction. Ready, set, scrub!

Get Your Green On: St. Patrick’s Day Fun Facts (Pg. 24)

On March 17, we’re all a little Irish. Whether you’re eating corned beef and cabbage, rocking shamrocks, or enjoying a green beer, celebrating St. Patrick and the Republic of Ireland is a classic springtime tradition. If you’re a wee bit foggy about what the green-clad revelers are commemorating, we’re sharing seven fun facts about St. Patrick’s Day right here.

Water-Saving Secrets: Five Ways to Conserve Water at Home (Pg. 29)

Spring is the ideal time to refresh your water habits at home. Cutting back on water usage not only helps lower your utility bills but also shows love to our planet. From turning off running faucets to repairing leaky pipes, small lifestyle changes can make a big splash. Want to make every drop count? Here are five ways to save water this spring.

Digital Detox: How a Tech Timeout Can Transform Your Life (Pg. 30)

Technology is a central part of our lives. And that’s not hyperbole; it’s a fact. Studies show that people worldwide average six hours and 40 minutes of screen time per day. That’s almost an entire U.S. workday or a flight from New York City to Paris, France. While technology does a lot of good, like connecting people from faraway places and providing quick communication in an emergency, it can also seep into our lives in unsavory ways and cause us to miss out on all the great things around us. Taking a digital detox can benefit your well-being and completely transform the way you experience life. Let’s dive in.