What Does Sterling Do For SCF?
The Spring Creek Forest Civic Association Board (Board) would like residents to understand the role of the management company, Sterling ASI (Sterling), in our neighborhood. The Board is made up of unpaid homeowner volunteers, who are elected every year. Most Board members, if not all, have never had any HOA experience. A management company is critical to consistent and compliant operations from year to year. HOA matters can be complex and with ever-changing laws regarding HOA management and homeowner rights, the Board believes that having Sterling is a critical part of our team and they are an asset to our community.
· Professional Assistance: The Board maintains full and total control over the SCFCA (Association). Sterling is only a contracted service provider working under the Board’s direction.
· Cost Savings: Sterling was hired in June of 2018, at a savings of over $11,000 per year compared to the previous deed enforcement and administrative costs. Also, since Sterling’s hire, they have saved our neighborhood over $19,000 per year in landscaping costs due to the vendor referrals that Sterling provided. Sterling has actually saved SCF more money than the cost of their own contract with us per year! Because of Sterling’s experience with insured, bonded, and licensed vendors, they have been able to provide many excellent referrals for vendors with HOA experience such as electrical, outdoor lighting, sports and playground equipment, plumbing, security, pool, etc.
· Many Services: In addition to saving the Association a lot of money, Sterling provides many additional services such as Administrative, Accounting, Property Management, Collections, Architectural and Deed Enforcement services, as well as, access to Sterling’s comprehensive reporting software, which allows Board members real-time access to Association data. It would cost the Association considerably more money to hire these services separately.
· Unbiased and Legal Enforcement: Because of the professional services that Sterling provides, SCF now has unbiased, consistent, and legally sound deed and architectural control enforcement and the most accurate and complete financials in its history. Also, because Sterling is insured and bonded, the Association has reduced liability that would otherwise be incurred under self-management.
· Expertise: Sterling is the largest locally owned property management company in the Houston area. They are a well-respected company with over 20 years of experience. They manage over 200 neighborhoods. They are accredited by the Community Associations Institute. See their website for more information at www.sterlingasi.com.
Sterling does not provide legal counsel. The Association has used the services of RMWBH for over 8 years. One of RMWBH’s specialties is community association law and they are one of the most respected in the Houston area. See their website for more information at www.rmwbh.com.
The Board recognizes that Sterling and the Board are not perfect and there can always be room for improvement. If you have received a notice of a violation or delinquency and it is in error or you have a special circumstance, please contact Sterling at springcreekforest@sterlingasi.com. The Board is always willing to work with homeowners. The Board continues to work diligently to take the best care of this community for the benefit of all homeowners. The real estate market is very competitive with many new neighborhoods being built in our area at a very fast pace. We must all work together to keep Spring Creek Forest a beautiful, friendly, and desirable place in which to live and raise families.
