Answers to some common resident questions:
Q: How can I pay my annual dues?
A: Each April, our management company GHA mails out the annual assessment, which is due May 1st. There are two ways to pay:
Mail your check to:
Folkstone HOA
c/o GHA Community Management
P.O. Box 105007
Atlanta, GA 30348
OR
Pay online:
1. Go to www.smartstreet.com
2. In the upper left corner, click the blue button that says Online Payments.
3. After selecting your payment method (no fee for e-checks, additional fee for credit card payments), you will be asked to enter:
a. Association Name – enter all or part of “Folkstone” and click Find.
b. Homeowner’s Account Number – find this on your bill from GHA
c. Address and payment information
Q: How do I obtain a disclosure package when I sell my home?
A: Under the existing financial management contract entered with GHA, the cost is now $225 for sellers to obtain packets through Homewisedocs.com, GHA’s subcontractor.
Q: Do I need approval to change the appearance of my home?
A: The Folkstone Architecture Control Committee (ACC) Guidelines spell out very clearly the expectations for maintenance and improvement to the homes in our neighborhood. If a resident wants to make a change to the exterior of their home, the procedures spelled out in the guidelines should be followed, including completion and submittal of the ACC Application (effective February 2011).
Q: Who do I contact about maintenance issues on common ground?
A: If you notice a tree that needs attention or anything else on the Folkstone common ground that could pose a threat, please notify a Board member or Bob Ray at 703-476-7297.
Q: Is there a formal complaint process?
A: Considering the size and spirit of the Folkstone community, we hope that by emailing the appropriate Board member, any question or concern will be addressed. The Folkstone Homes Association (FHA) is required by Virginia statute to have “reasonable procedures for the resolution of written complaints from the members of the association and other citizens,” so if an issue cannot be resolved without escalation to the state level, below we have listed the applicable forms and a description of their use:
Association Complaint Form: This form is available upon request and must be completed and submitted to the address at its top by anyone wishing to file a written complaint against FHA for an action, inaction or decision felt to be “inconsistent with applicable laws and regulations.”
Notice of Final Adverse Decision: Filing this document with the Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman means that a complainant feels he/she has exhausted all avenues for a cure or corrective action to their issue. There are a $25 filing fee and extensive documentation requirements to take this step. Details are contained within the document.
Request for Waiver of Filing Fee: If a person can show that the $25 filing fee will cause undue financial hardship, this form may be submitted to request that it be waived.
