We've compiled a list of some Frequently Asked Questions below. If you can't find the question/answer you are looking for on this page, select Search - we'll search the entire site for you. If you'd like to ask your own question, click Ask Question and we'll get back to you with an answer.
Q: Who is our "management company," what do they do, and how do I reach them?
A: Pirate's Cove Realty is the management company. They are contracted by the Board of Directors to provide such services as: collection of assessments, supervision of subcontractors, obtaining bids for subcontracted services, providing financial statements and collection reports, as well as a general clearing house for problem solving, communications with homeowners and the Board of Directors and to serve in an advisor capacity. The management company reports directly to the Board and all decisions are made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. The management company may be reached online through the Management Office page on this website or by phone from the numbers listed on the Contact Us page on this site.
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Q: What is a homeowner's association?
A: It is a non-profit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: Protective Covenants, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.
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Q: What are the Bylaws and Protective Covenants?
A: The Bylaws and Protective Covenants are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The Bylaws and Protective Covenants were recorded by the County recorder's office of Dare County, NC. You should have received a copy of the Bylaws and Protective Covenants at closing. Failure to abide by the Bylaws and Protective Covenants may result in a fine to a homeowner or restriction from amenities by the Association.
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Q: What are the Bylaws?
A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business.
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Q: What is the Board of Directors?
A: The Homeowner's Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitation and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is outlined in the Association governing documents.
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Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Yes, Pirate's Cove Homeowners' Association has developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the Bylaws and Protective Covenants and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets, pool use hours, etc. In addition, your Association has adopted Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home or landscaping. Such changes include (but not limited to) decks, dock boxes, landscaping, exterior color changes and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and protect the market value of your investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Management Company and a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Architectural Review Board, you may be required to remove or correct the alteration.
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Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Rules, what can I do?
A: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, you may notify the management office. If the situation is deemed in violation of the Policies and Rules, the Management Company will institute the enforcement policy. Your continued assistance may be required.
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Q: Are PCHA Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
A: No. PCHA Board meetings are not open to all residents. However property owners may request to address the Board at the next scheduled board meeting. Contact management office to get a time schedule. Notice of the time and place of any regular board meeting will be noted in the minutes of the last Board meeting or accessed online on the Calendar page.
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Q: If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active and how I can get involved?
A: The Contact Us page of this website will inform you of the status of current committees organized and committee contact information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the committee chair or fill out the online volunteer form found on the Management Office page of this site.
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Q: What is my assessment?
A: The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due on a quarterly basis.
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Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?
A: The North Carolina Real Estate Commission requires an initial budget from the developer for each community that a developer proposes to build. This budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, etc. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: docks, street resurfacing, roofing/painting of amenity buildings, etc. Subsequent budgets are developed by the Board of Directors and adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses.
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Q: Will my assessment go up?
A: There is no concrete answer to this. It is not unusual for associations to have annual increases. However, PCHA has (historically) not implemented annual increases. The Board of Directors may approve an increased budget, increasing your assessment in order to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.
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Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
A: The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge as assessments are due quarterly and on the first of the month. In addition, the Bylaws and Protective Covenants allow the Association to charge interest, and proceed with a lien on your property, or a foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.
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Q: Where do I get my homeowner car stickers or boat stickers?
A: Car and boat stickers enable guards at the Security Gate and staff to readily recognize you as a Pirate's Cove property owner. The preferred location of the car sticker is on the front left bumper of your vehicle. Secondary location if needed would be displayed in the lower left front corner of the windshield on the driver's side. Boat stickers should be applied on the windshield of your boat so it can be easily visible from the dock. You may get these stickers at the management office at 1 Sailfish Drive. This office is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 5:00. You may call or e-mail Carol Funk @ 252-473-6800 ext. 4203 or email .
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