Management Company

Sequoia Management

Website: http://www.sequoiamanagement.com/residential.shtml

Onsite Manager
Cat Follin
Phone: 703-339-6987 (Clubhouse)
Email: communitymanager@islandcreek.org

Senior Property Manager
Angela Barnedo CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Phone: (703) 803-9641
Email: abarnedo@sequoiamanagement.com

Resale Packet

By law in the State of Virginia, you as a homeowner must request a resale packet when selling your home. In this packet is a resale inspection form that is sent to Sequoia Management to inspect the exterior of the home to make sure the home is in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Association. If the homeowner is in violation, Sequoia notes that on the inspection form and it is put in the re-sale packet. The new homeowner then decides if they want to purchase the home as is (in violation) or if they want the homeowner to fix the problem prior to purchasing the home. Condo residents need to request a resale packet from their Management Company as well as Sequoia Management.
Resale Packet Request Form

Trash Services

American Disposal

(703) 368-0500
Regular Trash Pickup: Tuesdays & Fridays
Recycling Pickup: Tuesdays
Bulk Pickup: Fridays (call to arrange pickup)

Common Questions and Items of Interest

Why Can't My Neighbor Fix Their House?

Many times the management office receives a phone call from a resident complaining about their neighbor’s yard and/or architectural violations (painting, damaged wood, etc.) Some residents do not understand the process or do not realize that we cannot give out personal information regarding people’s homes and the violations that persist with the home. We can, however, advise the resident that we will have someone inspect the home, and make sure that if the violation exists that it is in the architectural violation process. The system works as follows:

1st violation notice is mailed – typically for infractions such as painting, repairing of damaged wood or repairing exterior structures 45 days are given to correct the violation. However due to circumstances such as health and safety, fewer days can be given to correct the violation.

2nd notice is mailed – typically 10 days are given to correct the violation.

3rd notice is mailed, along with a hearing notice to appear before the Board of Directors.

Per Virginia law, after a hearing is held, the Board of Directors may assess rules violation charges of $10/day for a continuing infraction or $50/day for a one-time infraction – not to exceed $900.00. After rules violation charges are assessed the account will be turned over to the attorney for collection, as well as a lien can be placed on the home. It is important to note that for yard infractions such as mowing and weeding your yard, 7 days are given for the 1st notice. Trashcan infractions are asked for immediate correction. It is frustrating when homeowners do not understand the process, and expect that the association can go onto the property and correct the violations. Laws of the state, as well as the governing documents do not give authority for the association to correct and/or repair the infraction, unless certain steps and legal processes are followed.
Please call Angela Barnedo, the Senior Property Manager at (703) 803-9641 or contact her via email at abarnedo@sequoiamanagement.com with any questions.

Rust, Rust Go Away and Don’t Come Back Another Day!

Message from Angela Barnedo

In performing inspections, it was noted that there were a lot of violations for rust stains on concrete. Typically this occurs where the iron rails on the front steps comes into contact with the concrete. If the area is not properly caulked at the base of the iron, water can sit and pool, causing rust stains.

After getting several calls on how to remove the rust, I did a little research on the Internet, which I recommend homeowner to do as well. However, I thought I’d share with you what I discovered. I cannot personally attest to the results, however, the sources I consulted are reputable sites. I’ll include web sites so that you can consult for further information. Also keep in mind that you can visit a local hardware store for commercial cleaners and rust removers. They should also be able to give expert advise on removal procedures.

Heloise’s Household Helpline (http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/print/0,,597492,00.html) suggests vinegar – either white or apple cider. She recommends pouring the vinegar on the surface, letting it set and repeat, then scrub with a stiff brush. Heloise also makes a note to NOT use chlorine bleach on any rust stain; it will only make it worse.

Ehow (http://www.ehow.com/how_18444_remove-rust-stains.html) is a great site on doing maintenance on your home. To remove rust stains on concrete it states to 1) mix 1 ounce of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) in a gallon of hot water. This chemical can be found at hardware and paint stores. Wet the concrete and use a scrub brush to apply the solution. Scrub vigorously and let the solution soak into the concrete for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well; 2) try a product called Iron Out, which is sold at plumbing supply stores; and 3) combat really bad stains with a pressure washer and muriatic acid. Apply the acid as directed by the manufacturer, leave it to soak for a few seconds, and follow with a pressure washer set at 2,500 – 3,000 psi. Sprinkle baking soda over the cleaned area to neutralize the acid and wash again. Ehow also offers tips and warnings when cleaning the rust from the concrete, such as: 1) concrete is porous and should be sealed to prevent staining; 2) promptly rinse fertilizers containing iron off concrete surfaces; 3) these products can burn eyes and irritate skin. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and precautions carefully; and 4) muriatic acid is dangerous and should only be used as a last resort. Do not wash it into storm drains.

www.fastfacts.com is also another good site for cleaning suggestions. It notes that oxalic acid removes rust stains from most things. A grocery store cleaning product named ZUD contains this ingredient. This would be the mildest approach. It is suggested to wet the area, sprinkle the area liberally with ZUD and spraying it until the powder is wet. Then let the area sit for a few minutes, then scrub the rust with a brush. Repeating this a couple of times could remove the rust stains.

Other sites to get information on removing rust stains include:
www.mrscleanw.com/tips/removing-rust-stains.html
www.TheRustStore.com
www.concretesealants.com
www.directcolors.com

The web is an amazing tool. I hope the above information, as well as the excellent web sites will help everyone in keeping up with the exterior maintenance and appearance of their home.

Is Association Living For Me?

Adapted from Association Times by Frank Kneiser, Kramer-Triad Management

“Not the way we did it up north” describes association living for most people, whether it's a single-family homeowner association or a condominium community. Association living may seem quite different to some from our traditional concept of home ownership. Most new owners find the association lifestyle quite advantageous, particularly if they have carefully researched their new community before buying. Residents who find themselves dissatisfied with living in an association typically were not completely informed of the lifestyle before purchasing and, as a result, had different expectations. Conscientious scrutiny of your prospective association is the key to peaceful living and the absence of surprises.

Associations can often be compared to municipalities. Residents own the common areas and amenities of an association in much the same way taxpayers own the parks, streets, etc., in a city. Homeowner and condominium associations come in a wide variety of sizes and types with many different accommodations, conveniences and amenities. The governing Board of Directors is usually elected by the membership of the association, just as citizens elect their local, state, and federal government. The Board of the association has the responsibility to oversee the operation of the community in the same fashion as elected governmental officials. Just as in municipalities, associations will often hire a manager to oversee the day-to-day operations. The smooth operation of your association will provide you with enhanced property values and the quiet enjoyment of your new home as was anticipated when the decision to purchase was made.

Excited new home or condominium owners often overlook one of the most important aspects of the purchasing decision – reading the association documents. Association documents provide the details of all the benefits of your association. The documents also spell out your responsibilities as an owner and neighbor. Be sure that you have read them before you decide to buy and you will attain much greater contentment after you move into your new home. Your new association may not allow your beloved 65 pound dog. The homeowner association may not allow the 12 foot privacy fence you've always dreamed about or you may be surprised to find out that you can't plant those prized Honeybell orange trees. Learning the answers to questions like these beforehand may preserve the peace and tranquility you're seeking. If you have questions or concerns after reading the documents, it is always a good idea to consult your attorney.

Once you've chosen that new association, become involved. Whether serving as a Board Member or on a committee, the success of any association and your community depends on the commitment and cooperation of the residents.