Porter & Company CPAs provides audit, review, and tax services exclusively to the homeowners association industry. The firm provides audit and review services in California and Nevada, and tax exemption services nationwide.
Gary Porter, owner of the firm, has more than 30 years experience in the industry, and is the creator and coauthor of Guide to Homeowners Associations and Other Common Interest Realty Associations, and Homeowners Association Tax Library, the guides relied upon by virtually every CPA firm serving the industry. The Guides are published by Practitioners Publishing Company, the largest publisher to the CPA profession.
Mr. Porter has written more than 200 articles that have been published in various publications. He is a past CAI “Author of the Year,” a recipient of CAI’s Distinguished Service Award, and is a past national president of CAI.
Tax exemption services provided by the firm have resulted in more than 60 associations receiving tax exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(4). The cumulative tax savings to these associations is well over $15,000,000. This service is so specialized that the firm has established a separate website at www.501c4taxexempt.com devoted solely to this subject.
Porter & Company CPAs
1891 Goodyear Avenue, Suite 614
Ventura, CA 93003
(800) 304-6700
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The reserve study module of Facilities 7 is our most requested module. And small wonder; it is easy to use, and allows the association to take complete control of its reserve study. Facilities 7 is based on careful design and innovative features such as multiple category levels, multilevel location capability, the introduction of the concept of major and minor components, and a powerful reporting system to tie it all together.
Facilities 7 is more than just reserve study software, it is a fully integrated facilities management system that combines the 7 related functions of facilities maintenance management into a single integrated database system. No other software can do this. Facilities 7 overcomes the challenges of maintaining several different software systems that don’t communicate with each other. This results in greater efficiency, more accurate information, and a more “intelligent” system.
Percipient Software LLC developed Facilities 7 to be easy enough for a small association, and powerful enough to meet the needs of the most complex association. This is the next generation of software that anticipates all your facilities maintenance management requirements. It frees you of the drudgery of maintaining multiple separate systems, and builds your own knowledge base so you can make more informed decisions.
Percipient Software LLC
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877-304-6700
Alliance Association Financial Services (AAFS) understands the challenges and opportunities that community management companies face each day. We have taken this knowledge and designed our products and services to eliminate the headaches of every-day banking. AAFS strives to provide the highest level of customer service in the community association banking industry.
Along with our solid products and services, we have the experience and expertise to not only meet, but anticipate and exceed your financial needs. Whether you utilize our sophisticated lockbox processing system, our dedicated customer service team, or our online banking program with access to all of our charters, we are confident you will find Alliance Association Financial Services makes it easy for you to bank with our team.
Alliance Association Financial Services is proud to offer a full suite of community management products to include:
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- State-of-the-art Lockbox Services
- Lending Services
- E-deposit – deposit checks directly from your desktop to your account at AAFS
- User-friendly online banking platform that provides access to all 3 institutions with a single, secure sign in.
- High level of customer service support dedicated to the HOA industry
- 3x FDIC Insurance coverage through the affiliate banks of Western Alliance Bancorporation: Bank of Nevada, Torrey Pines Bank and Western Alliance Bank
- Reserve Programs to maximize the return on your investments
Alliance Association Financial Services is a division of Bank of Nevada, an affiliate of Western Alliance Bancorporation, one of the largest regional bank holding companies in the nation. Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL) is a leading bank holding company in the Southwest, headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz. The company provides services to businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, nonprofit organizations, high net worth individuals and other consumers seeking the robust product array of a national bank with the individual, personal attention of a community bank. With AAFS being led by a former community management company owner, and with Western Alliance Bancorporation’s solid foundation, you can ensure AAFS is a safe and secure choice for your community association.
We encourage you to learn more about us. Please visit www.aafin.com or contact us directly at 888.734.4567.
The professionals at Facilities Advisors, Inc. (FAI) have been providing reserve study services to the HOA industry since 1982. FAI serves associations nationwide from our offices in California and Arizona. We have experience with virtually every type of association, and offer competitive fees, and quick turnaround in reports.
We believe that one thing that really sets us apart from our peers is the manner in which we approach the reserve study process. We have developed component templates for virtually every type of project to assist in our data capture process. The templates act as a thorough checklist to make sure that we consider all components that would normally be encountered in a specific location, such as a pool area. This means that we are unlikely to overlook any components, and also assures data integrity.
No matter how good the underlying site evaluation and compilation of component lists, that’s not much help if it can’t be translated into reports that are easy to understand. We constantly receive feedback form our clients that our reports are much easier to understand than any others they have seen.
- The secret lies in perceiving how people understand reports. Because reserve study reports typically contain a 30-year financial projections and a large number of components, the data can be overwhelming. We know that, so we make sure the data is presented in a manner that is easy to understand.
- All financial exhibits limited to a single page – because that’s what the human mind can easily grasp. We do this by presenting data at a category, rather than a component level.
- We include totals on all reports so that a reader can see that the totals of data presented at the category level are the same as those presented at the component level.
- We present all component level reports as supplemental exhibits, not part of the “official” reserve study report. This means our “official” report is presented at a category level, and is relatively small. We present all component level exhibits as Supplemental Schedules that are not part of the official report.
- We present the component data in several formats – by category, by location, and expenditures by component, or by year.
- We present charts to provide visual images of the data. This helps the reader understand relationships of data much better.
- Our reserve study comparison exhibit is unique. It compares, on both a category and component level, our report to the prior report. The reader can instantly identify variations form the prior report.
Contact Facilities Advisors, Inc. today for your reserve study needs. Visit our website at www.reservestudyusa.com or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 877-304-6700.
Los Angeles, California 
2412 Clark Avenue Condominium is a two-unit condominium project located near LAX – Los Angeles International Airport in Southern California.
The project was built in 1985 and converted to a condominium project with formation of the Association in 1995. Many small projects of similar size exist in California; the result of local governmental units requiring the formation of associations as part of the permitting process in order to shift the burden of certain costs from the public sector to the private sector.
There are very few associations that can boast 100% participation by their members, but this is one of them. By default, both members of the Association serve on the Board of Directors.
Common areas consist of building structures and minimal paved surfaces and landscaped area. The Association has an annual operating budget of less than $1,500, and annual reserve contributions of approximately $2,000. The Association is self-managed.
Note from HOA Pulse staff – We have been asked if there are any specific criteria we’re looking for in selecting our Association of the Week. The answer is no, not really. As you can see from this week’s selection, this is the smallest possible size for an association. We have also featured associations that have several thousand members.
Having worked in the industry for many years and being exposed to many different types and sizes of associations, we simply have an interest in sharing the experience of discovery of new and different associations. Our goal is to provide a broad cross section of associations in type, size, and geographic location so that you, our readers, can also experience something new.
The first few associations we have profiled have been invited by us to share their association with us, because we found them to be interesting associations. We have some more great ones coming up. If you are aware of any associations that you would like to see profiled, please download the application form and have a representative of the association fill it out and provide it to us with some photos.
Stone Curves Association is a cohousing development located in central Tucson, Arizona. It consists of 48 condominium units, but clearly represents a unique lifestyle. Stone Curves vision statement says it all – “A cohousing community that fosters diversity, respect for the environment, and harmony with each other and our greater community.” 
Stone Curves is a self-managed association. For those not familiar with the concept of cohousing, Wikipedia defines it as “A type of intentional community composed of private homes supplemented by shared facilities. The community is planned, owned and managed by the residents – who also share activities which may include cooking, dining, child care, gardening, and governance of the community. Common facilities may include a kitchen, dining room, laundry, child care facilities, offices, internet access, guest rooms, and recreational features.” The Common House is the focal point of the community.
The Common House was beautifully and carefully designed to offer something for everyone to enjoy. On the ground floor is a library, a living room/TV room, office/computer room, a laundry room, a kids room, a sumptuous dining room, and a well-appointed kitchen, all surrounding a garden plaza. On the second floor of the Common House you will see an exercise room, craft room, teen room, plus three guest bedrooms. In addition, there is a lovely swimming pool and hot tub.
The design of the homes fits in well with Tucson's classic architectural style.
The Association recently a completed workshop/maintenance building and a children's playground complete with slump block tunnel and hillside slide and an enclosed dog run.
In keeping with the spirit of the community, this was constructed entirely by members of the Association. Consistent with the Association's vision, employing the principals of permaculture the project includes a community vegetable garden, herb garden, fruit trees, a chicken enclosure, and nine 1,000 gallon water cisterns that capture rare rainwater to use for irrigation and to minimize potable water usage. 
And, if you're wondering where the "curves" in the Association's name comes from, you need look no further than the functional and artistic design of the walls surrounding and within the community.
Briarcliffe Towne Homes Association is a lovely townouse development of 295 residential units, comprised of 39 separate buildings situated on 14 acres in the beautiful San Fernando Valley. Located 20 miles north of Los Angeles, this association is close to the lxuries the city offers.
The development boasts a refurbished pool, two tennis courts and lots of open green space. Recently, Briarcliffe adopted a new philosophy. "We Listen to the People, Management that Cares" and has proven to be effective in listening to their community and renewing community spirit. Two committees have recently been established. The Welcome Committee and Community Care Committee assist new members of the community and assist residents who may have special needs. Briarcliffe Towne Homes Association is truly a community filled with care and pride.
South Riding Proprietary, the Washington Metro Chapter CAI 2008 Large Scale Community Association of the Year, is a master planned development that maintains a small hometown feel while enjoying the sophistication of a Washington, D.C. suburb.
A non-stock, not for profit corporation, South Riding was incorporated in January of 1995 in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With a population of over 25,000 people, more than 6,000 homes are currently occupied with an expected total at build-out of over 6,500.
An exceptionally social community, members enjoy a carefully planned, professionally produced and well attended event almost every month. 
The Proprietary is managed by an onsite professional staff of 16. A nine member resident controlled Board of Directors manages the affairs of the Proprietary and active residents volunteer their time to serve on eight Proprietary committees and assist with special events. 
Community residents also benefit from an 18-hole championship golf course, superior public schools, and two shopping centers with restaurants, specialty stores and services.
Heritage Ranch Owners Association
Paso Robles, California
Heritage Ranch encompasses approximately 9,150 total acres with 2,104 single-family residential lots presently developed and 5,100 acres of dedicated open space. Open space consists of the many amenities along with undeveloped common area which is kept in a natural state consisting primarily of native grasses and oak trees. Heritage Ranch is located in the central coastal region of California, in San Luis Obispo County, along the southern shoreline of Nacimiento Lake. Nacimiento Lake's elevation at full capacity is 800 feet with 5,400 surface acres of water and a 16 mile pool length.
Heritage Ranch is managed through the Heritage Ranch Owners' Association which was incorporated in 1972. There are presently sixteen (16) separate tracts developed with a total build-out projected at 2,900 private lots. Amenities include a marina with 80 boat slips, a full equestrian center, two community swimming pools, several parks and a sports field, and several miles of equestrian trails throughout the community. The Association is accessed through four gates, and maintains approximately 15 miles of private roads.
A County fire station is located within the comunity, as well as a California Comunity Services District (with governmental powers equivalent to a city) that provides water and governmental services to the community. Deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife roam freely throughout the community. This country living style is located approximately 13 miles west from Paso Robles, California with its more than 70 wineries. Further west is the town of Cambria and the famous Hearst Castle.
Camden at Harbour Pointe is a beautiful association nestled next to a nature preserve in Mukilteo, Washington. Mukilteo is a waterfront community located about 25 miles north of Seattle. These lovely townhomes were built in 2005 and consist of 103 attached single family 3-story townhomes.
This prestigious neigborhood is well located. It is minutes from the freeway and, for recreation, the Harbour Pointe Golf Course, which boasts amazing views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Shopping and restaurants are easily accessible as the association is located within the Village Center community.
Boeing and other major employers are nearby, allowing access to a technology corridor.
