8 Things to Be Thankful for in Your Homeowners Association

Written by HOA Manager | November 22, 2016

Volunteering as an HOA board member of your homeowners association is sometimes a thankless job -- but there are a few things you can be grateful for. Your HOA does good things for the community and makes it a better place to live.

Following will be a list of some of the things you can be thankful for in your Association. This is surely not a comprehensive list, but it will be representative of some of the things you are probably satisfied with:

1. Amenities

Community associations generally provide amenities that many individual homeowners might not be able to afford. These include: clubhouses, tennis courts, pools, exercise facilities, and many other amenities that exist only because of the homeowners association.

2. Higher Property Values

Property values are enhanced and standards of living are generally better in community associations. Most people may not like particular restrictions placed on them but they are generally happy the restrictions apply to their neighbors! Having rules and regulations keeps homeowners from using their property to do things that negatively impact the neighborhood.

3. Lower Taxes

Your Association helps keep taxes lower. Most associations maintain roads and other amenities. The local municipality does not have to bother with these, either with building or maintaining them. People living within an HOA community help everyone pay lower taxes in general. They can also choose a community with higher fees and more amenities or lower assessments and fewer amenities.

4. More Local Control

You have much more local control over your neighborhood within a homeowners association. Residents can elect their own HOA board members and make their voice heard in meetings. This often keeps burdensome city and county rules from affecting your neighborhood.

5. Safety and Security

Safety and security are often enhanced in neighborhood associations. You may have private security and locked gates. There may be patrol at times. While it's crucial to call the authorities if the incident warrants, knowing your neighbors or coordinating a neighborhood watch program can help promote safety as well.

6. Maintenance

Your Association probably maintains areas that some people can't or don't want to have to worry about. This could include landscaping and buildings. This is valuable for elderly people living in the community, military personnel who may be deployed, and people who are just not disposed to doing such things.

7. Community

There is just a bigger sense of community in a homeowners association. HOA board members should try hosting social and charitable events that bring the neighborhood closer. A sense of unity and togetherness is never a bad thing. The good thing here is that when outsiders see this sense of community it makes them want to live in your area. Bringing better people in the community strengthens the neighborhood making it even more dynamic.

8. Volunteers

Be thankful for the people who are willing to attend meetings and volunteer for community activities. These people are a much bigger help then most others realize. It's always good to have some help in the form of neighborhood involvement.

Being part of your HOA is a great thing in general. It takes good people on the HOA board and in the homeowners association to make your neighborhood a great place to live. Just be thankful for all the good that happens in your community. It takes everyone to make that happen.

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