Assessments
If you need assistance registering for your HMS Community Website, then please contact Homeowner Management Services by phone at 770-667-0595 or by email at HMS@HMS-inc.net.
Types of Assessments
General Assessments for 2024
Assessments for 2024 are $375.00 Quarterly
Late Payments are subject to a $20.00 Service Fee and a 7% interest penalty.
Special Assessments
Special assessments can be levied in the event of an unexpected expense.
The reserve account is designed to avoid special assessments as much as possible, creating a savings account for capital improvement and major maintenance projects such as road repaving and pool resurfacing.
Specific Assessments
Specific assessments are unique to one or more particular owners and are due to a service or benefit that is "specific" to that home.
The Reason for Assessments
Assessments ensure your community can operate effectively, paying all the operational expenses and accumulating reserves for future projects such as road paving and pool resurfacing.
The homes are Fee Simple and the owners care for the structure.
Assessments include maintenance of common areas and all the landscaping throughout the community as well as standard trash removal.
For additional details on Home Maintenance and the division of responsibility between the homeowners and the Association, view the Maintenance webpage.
For information on the differences between Association insurance and homeowner insurance, view the Insurance webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my Assessments?
For your convenience, Homeowner Management Services (HMS) offers several payment options, including paying online by credit card, eCheck, or online BillPay, and also paying by mail. Click here to learn more about HMS’ payment options.
How do I check my Account Balance?
When you log-in to Homeowner Management Services Accounting Software, you will have 24/7 access to your account balance and transaction history. Click HERE to Log-In.
When did I agree to pay assessments?
Every owner of Whittington is a member of the Association.
When you purchased your home you agreed to participate in the Association and make timely assessment payments.
Information on the requirements of Whittington are recorded in the county records.
Who or what determines the amount of my assessments?
The Board of Directors works with the management company to determine the necessary budget items.
The budget total for each type of home divided by the number of homes determines the assessment.
Where is the money deposited?
Whittington Townhome has an operating account in the name of your Association. Funds are not commingled with other properties.
Homeowner Management Services facilitates payments; however, all funds are deposited directly into the Association's operating account.
What is a special assessment?
Special assessments can be levied in the event of an unexpected expense.
The reserve account is designed to avoid special assessments as much as possible, creating a savings account for capital improvement and major maintenance projects such as road repaving and pool resurfacing.
What is a specific assessment?
Specific assessments are unique to one or more particular owner and are due to a service, or benefit that is "specific" to that home.
How can I see the budget?
This website is public, so annual budget information is available to the Association members.
All owners must log-in to the management company’s accounting software to view this type of information.
Are my dues escrowed?
Escrow is a process of a homeowner's mortgage company collecting funds in advance and ultimately distributing payments associated with the ownership of the property.
Some mortgages require property taxes and insurance to be "escrowed".
Assessments due to the Association are never escrowed.
Assessments are always paid to the Association through the management company.
Do I owe assessments if I just purchased my home this year?
At closing, the attorney prepares a documents that collects assessments.
Refer to your personal closing documents for complete information.
Who do I call when I have questions about my balance or I am having difficulty paying?
Homeowner Management Services has a dedicated accounting team available to answer any questions.
What happens if I am late paying my assessments?
Prompt payments are critical to the health of your Association and your Board of Directors takes this responsibility very seriously. If payments aren’t received in a timely, then the Association may apply the following penalties.
Late Fee and Interest: Any Assessment which fails to post by the due date shall bear interest from the date of delinquency at a rate of 7% per annum. Late payments will also be subject to a service fee in the amount of $20.00.
Amenities: Failure to remit timely payment in full may also result in the suspension of membership rights including the right to vote on Association items and the use of the pool facilities.
Lien: In the event of a delinquency, there will be an automatic lien on your property.
Legal Action: Non-payment can also result in legal action including garnishment of wages, bank accounts, or other legal action to the fullest extent of the law. All costs of collections will be charge to the homeowner’s account.