Subud Pacific Northwest HOUSING POLICY MANUAL

Amended 2011

It is the responsibility of each Center, in cooperation with the Region, to provide suitable facilities for the spiritual exercise of Subud for its members. Subud Pacific Northwest (Subud PNW) will assist and provide guidance to the Centers for the purchase, sale, rent, lease, free use, management and upkeep of real property, the primary purpose of which is for the practice of the spiritual exercise of Subud. Subud PNW shall own property purchased. Subud PNW will responsibly manage funds collected for the acquisition of, or resulting from the sale of, such properties, and promote the raising of housing funds. Making suitable facilities available to all members for the spiritual exercise of Subud in PNW is the goal of these funds.

SECTION I – REGIONAL HOUSING SUB-COMMITTEE DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES

I A. — THE REGIONAL HOUSING SUB-COMMITTEE (RHS):

The Regional Housing Subcommittee, as established by the Subud PNW Bylaws, Section VI-F, consists of three to five volunteers with expertise in financial management, real estate law, property management, and real estate transactions. See Bylaws for the complete description.

I B. — DUTIES

The duties of the RHS, as established by the Bylaws of Subud PNW, shall be:

  1. Prepare and keep current a regional housing manual detailing the guidelines for purchase and maintenance of regional houses. This manual will include guidelines for operating enterprises in regional houses and general operations concerning regional houses. The manual and any changes thereto shall be submitted to the Board of Directors for their approval and when approved shall be the regional housing policies.
  2. Review reports annually from local Centers about their properties, and give an annual report to the Regional Board on the activity of the RHS and the state of the regional properties. These reports from the Centers include forecasts of maintenance needs and schedules, including financial requirements for long range financial planning.
  3. Assist Centers making proposals to the Board of Directors to purchase regional houses.
  4. Prepare an independent report for the Board of Directors on any proposed purchases of real property evaluating the suitability of such property for the group, structural condition, anticipated maintenance costs, and possible enterprise opportunities.
  5. Provide counsel and assistance to Centers in real estate matters and issues relating to property ownership and management.
  6. Work closely with the Regional Committee in the following areas:
  7. Establishment and annual review of a long-range financial plan to include a substantial cushion against unforeseen events such as assuming future mortgage payments and other expenses.
  8. Employment and regular review of a professional record keeping system for storage and tracking of titles, deeds, notes, mortgage and rental payments, insurance, etc.
  9. Insuring that all local centers carry hazard insurance appropriate for replacement value, including contents, and that insurance be carried by the region for liability sufficient to protect its assets. Such insurance shall be reviewed annually.

 

I-C. SUBUD PNW HOUSE FUND REPLENISHMENT

To insure that housing funds will be available in the future, a Housing Fund has been established, and shall be replenished on a regular business as designated by the Regional Board of Directors.

SECTION II. — PROPERTY PURCHASED OR OWNED BY SUBUD PNW

Because of difficulties local Subud groups have had in approaching the real estate market and acquiring the necessary capital to finance a purchase, groups should attempt to pre-qualify their Center. This is not mandatory, but following this procedure can ultimately save time, energy and money for a local group. This process should include consideration of location, size, price range, etc.

II A. — QUALIFYING THE PURCHASE

Centers wishing to purchase property must complete the following steps to qualify their project for consideration and approval by the Regional Board. Centers are encouraged to seek the guidance of the RHS for assistance, especially before spending any significant money.

  1. Center should locate property that satisfies necessary local building codes and city regulations.
  2. Check for appropriate zoning
  3. Is a use permit needed? Most churches must have a use permit to operate. (See local city/county planning department) When securing a use permit a fire and health inspection will probably be required.
  4. Seek the advice of real estate professionals to establish the value of the property.
  5. Obtain a written assessment of the condition of the building and environs by a qualified building contractor, inspector. This will include information about any needed renovations: i.e. plumbing and wiring that might need to be brought up to code, dry rot or termites that may be a problem, etc.
  6. In order for the RHS to gauge the level of commitment of the entire center, the center will be asked to submit commitment forms from each individual member indicating the level and kind of support for the purchase of the property. A document summarizing the results of these forms should be presented to the Regional Board for their review. Provide a written statement of how the members see the building serving the needs of the group.
  7. Develop a financial plan clearly indicating the Center’s ability to keep up its financial obligations to the Region, make monthly mortgage payments, maintain other monthly expenses, and continue Center functions. Any outstanding indebtedness must be included. A financial pro-forma demonstrating the source and likelihood of any additional funding should be included.
  8. If the property is expected to generate income, financial plans and projections must be submitted.
  9. Demonstrate the possession of, or ability to raise the Center’s share of the proposed down payment.

II B. — PURCHASING PROPERTY

The above qualifying steps should be completed and the resulting packaged proposal should be submitted to the Regional Committee and RHS for review and comments. If deemed complete, the proposal will be submitted with appropriate recommendations to a meeting of the Regional Board for their approval. Upon said approval by the Regional Board, the Regional Committee shall sign necessary documents. Only the Regional Corporation can formally purchase a house. This means all documents associated with the purchase must be signed by two officers of Subud PNW Regional Committee.

  1. MAKING THE OFFER — This stage is a crucial step in the process of buying a house, and should be done in consultation with the RHS working closely with the Regional Committee. The broad variations in making an offer require expert advice and considerable deliberation. However, sometimes it is impossible to secure approval or have intensive consultation with the Regional Committee before making an offer. Under any circumstances, at least the following contingencies must be included in writing in the offer:
  2. Approval of purchase by the Board of Directors of SPNW.
  3. Securing the necessary use permit(s).
  4. Securing adequate financing.
  5. Providing sufficient amount of time for all the contingencies and feasibility studies.
  6. This offer is subject to buyers’ approval of an appraisal on subject property.

The Regional committee, with agreement of the RHS, may, at its discretion, advance funds for the purchase offer deposit (earnest money). The Regional Committee may also, during the Center’s investigation period, advance funds from the Housing Fund for an appraisal, property inspection, and other activities necessary for the preparation of a specific proposal. Any offer to purchase must be contingent on approval of the Subud PNW Board within a specific time frame and must so state clearly in the written offer. Two officers of the corporation must sign any offer.

  1. FINANCING THE PURCHASE — The Regional Committee shall submit the proposal of the Center to the Regional Board as soon as possible. If necessary, a special meeting may be convened with the expenses borne by the Housing Fund. The recommendations of the Regional committee and RHS shall be presented to the Board for discussion and decision. An affirmative decision will require an affirmative vote of 3/4 of the Board. The finance of a Center purchase shall be based on joint participation by the Center and the Region. No existing local property shall be used as collateral for or otherwise placed at risk by financing obtained for other houses. The Regional Board and the RHS are expected to look upon with favor proposals from the local center to incur indebtedness on a property that the local center occupies for the improvement of that local property.

Only the SPNW Corporation may qualify and secure financing. When secured, the local Center will be responsible for the mortgage payments, monitored by the Regional Treasurer. The payment process should be worked out between the Center and the regional Treasurer at time of purchase. If a Center is able to raise most or all of the cash necessary to purchase a property, the Center is still obligated to obtain approval of the Regional Board prior to any acquisition. Purchasing a property and having a mortgage to pay does not release a Center from having to make its regular contributions to the region.

  1. REFINANCING — Refinancing should follow the same general procedure as used for purchases.
  2. REMODELING INVOLVING REGIONAL FUNDS — Centers with property may find it necessary to enlarge or change their facility to make it more suitable to their needs. Additions may require large amounts of money and conformity to building codes in the area. All alterations, except minor ones, will require local permits, especially for structures used for public assembly. Therefore, it is desirable that Centers use the resources of the RHS. Because Centers will be dealing extensively with local governmental Agencies and with matters of financing, all project proposals requiring structural modification must be submitted to the RHS, which will submit them to the Board for final approval. Proposals will include:
  3. Description of the project including architectural plans where appropriate.
  4. Copies of regulatory paperwork such as permits.
  5. Three bids, two from licensed contractors.
  6. Budget for the project
  7. Proposal for financing which may be prepared with the assistance of the RHS. Housing funds may be limited and all projects proposed by the various Centers may not be able to be funded in any given year, in which case the decision to approve a particular project will be made on the basis of the date of submission and/or need.
  8. REMODELING USING CENTER FUNDS. — A Center may elect to completely fund a project itself, in which it is expected that proper permits be used. However, consultation with the RHS should still be sought.

SECTION III. PROPERTY NOT OWNED BY SUBUD

III A. — RENTING/LEASING OF PROPERTY NOT OWNED BY SUBUD

Although the primary focus of this manual and the RHS is property ownership, some Subud Centers must rent or lease their Latihan facilities. It often takes a number of years for a group to develop an on- going structure and determine which area is best for the location of their premises, and to assure the financial strength and stability needed to contemplate a purchase. When renting, it is important to have a clear written agreement which specifies the conditions of usage, who is responsible for what (e.g. utilities, insurance, cleaning, etc.) and that there be no conflict in usage (noise, and other non-Subud groups, days and times, etc.) As the Subud organization grows in size, complexity and income, it becomes increasingly important to have written contracts for self- protection. Copies of these agreements should be filed both with the Center and with the Region.

  1. Renting. The local Committee may enter into a rental agreement either oral or written. The local Center does not need Regional permission for such a contract, but it must report to the Regional Committee that it has entered into an agreement.
  2. Leasing. A lease is for a specified length of time, and obligates the Center for the total amount of money involved in the lease, although it is usually paid as a monthly rent. A lease protects the Center from sudden increases in rent and guarantees the tenancy for the term of the lease. All leases will be subject to review and approval at the Regional level and a copy must be kept on file with the RHS.

III B. — OTHER USE OF PROPERTY BY A CENTER

  1. Shared/Joint Participation. When there is a possibility of a Subud Group sharing facilities with another entity, whether a Subud organization or a non-Subud venture, it is important to proceed with care. The character and quality of the other participant should not damage the public perception of Subud, and should be consistent with the aims and purposes of Subud. The responsibilities and obligations of each party should be clearly set forth in writing, including statements of goals such as a partnership. The liability of the Subud group and the Region must be ascertained. All arrangements must be reviewed by the RHS and comply with the Subud PNW Bylaws.

SECTION IV — PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

IV A. — RENTING & LEASING OF SUBUD OWNED PROPERTY

The purposes of leasing our facilities are:

  1. To provide revenue for the maintenance, upkeep and operations of the local Center.
  2. To make good use of the facility, considering Subud requirements and property management requirements. Basically, there are two kinds of leasing arrangements that are suitable for our facilities: the long-term lease renewable on an annual basis, and the short rental lease, which is used for one occasion or renewable on a month-to-month basis.

IV B — LONG TERM LEASES

It is necessary to create contracts that clearly specify space, terms and conditions to which each party will be bound for the twelve-month duration, along with guidelines for renegotiations and renewal. The RHS’s involvement in helping to draw up the terms of the contracts is important in order to prevent any long-term liability for property modifications or costly concessions promised to the lessee by the Centers. The reason for the annual renewal ritual is to give the Center and the tenant the option of reviewing the terms of the lease and take into account any changes in the needs of the Subud Center and their own use of the property. A longer-term lease could be detrimental to a group that needed to expand and has therefore become “locked out” of their own property. Long term leasing arrangements should cover deposits, rent increases, utility costs, building maintenance and repair, insurance and indemnity clauses, as well as a hold harmless from litigation clause should that situation arise. All long-term leases need to be signed by the tenant, the Center Chairperson, and the Regional Chairman and a copy kept on file with the Regional committee.

IV C — MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

The ownership and maintenance of property should be viewed as a partnership between the Region and the Center because there are mutual benefits and responsibilities. Repair hazards and attractiveness of a property can affect the entire membership and the general public in terms of legal liabilities and public approval (image). Since not all skills necessary for maintaining or repairing physical property are available at each Center, it is desirable that assistance be available from the Region. Regional Housing Subcommittee (RHS) includes members who have knowledge in the area of property maintenance and construction and they may be selected geographically for ease and economy of travel.

  1. The services of the Regional Housing Subcommittee available to each Center are:
  2. Property inspections and helping a center arrange for such repairs and alterations as deemed necessary.
  3. Working with Centers to plan and budget necessary maintenance with special attention to potential personal injury (safety) hazards, violation of building codes, and the attractiveness of the facility.
  4. Assisting Centers in planning and executing larger alterations and expansions – including plans, permits, bids, and funding requests to the Regional Committee.
  5. Working closely with finance specialists and the Centers when house purchases are to be made, remodeling needs to be done, or any time groups need information/education.
  6. Helping Centers to prepare their annual reports and their forecast of maintenance needs and schedules, including financial requirements, for Regional Committee and Board use.
  7. Funding of Repair and Maintenance — The funding of repairs and maintenance are the responsibility of the Center which occupies the premises. The Center has access to the Region for assistance, as available, on major maintenance expenditures or capital improvements over and above the financial abilities of the group.

SECTION V. DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY,

V A. — PREPARATION FOR DISPOSITION

Disposition of a property owned by the Region must be made in accordance with Section V.C.3.a  of the Subud PNW Bylaws. If a Center wishes to initiate a disposition, it should first consult with the RHS. If the center still wishes to dispose of the property, it’s members must approve the action at a duly called Center meeting.

The RHS, in conjunction with representatives of the Center, shall inspect the property prior to listing it for sale and determine what repairs, improvements and cleaning might be necessary. The Center, if possible, is expected to provide the manpower and funds necessary for the repairs and improvements.

V B. — LISTING FOR SALE

A property owned by the Region, which has been approved for sale, must be offered in accordance with prevailing laws. The listing agreement must be signed by the Chairperson of the Region and one other member of the Board.

V C. — APPROVAL OF SALE

Any Agreements for Sale of a property owned by the Region must be signed by the Chairperson of the Region and one other member of the Board.

V D. — PROCEEDS FROM DISPOSITION

All proceeds from disposition of a property owned by the Region must be paid to Subud Pacific Northwest. The net proceeds of the sale shall be deposited into an account of the Region. The net proceeds from the sale will be distributed in accordance with requirements specified in the Subud PNW Bylaws under Section V.C.3.c