HOA Management BlogRecent Posts
Your HOA board has decided it’s time to hire an HOA management company, and you are in charge of the interview process. You know there are probably general questions you should ask, and other things you should find out before signing any kind of contracts. But, you’re still a relatively new board member and want to do this right, so where do you start? Right here. Below are some important things to consider before you hire an HOA management company.
When you move into a new home or you welcome new neighbors into the homeowners association all you can do is hope for the best. Just like you don’t get to choose your parents, you usually don’t get to choose your neighbors either. When you’re a member of the HOA board, do you get involved when neighbors disagree or do you let them work it out themselves?
One of the benefits of living in a homeowners association is enjoying access to common areas such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, lawn area or exercise room. When a resident sees something that needs repair they are encouraged to submit a maintenance request to inform the HOA board and manager of the issue.
Most homeowners associations have a set of written design review standards and processes. Some homeowners mistakenly believe these standards restrict their freedom of individual expression; actually they provide a framework within which each homeowner can express individual tastes and preferences. The standards have been carefully developed to reflect a balance between individual rights and property values in the Association.
Being a board member in a homeowners association is a difficult job. It takes a commitment of time and resources, but it can also be very rewarding. Sometimes you are asked to deal with tough issues that relate to your next door neighbor – maybe even your friend. It can be tough to tell the little old lady who’s just making it on social security, that a special assessment to fix something is going to be in effect. But, you can also use your role as an HOA board member to be the voice for people in the Association.
Summer is in full swing, but the fall season will be here before we know it! This is a great time to do a little cleaning and dust off the cobwebs to give your home a fresh, new feel.
How is a homeowners association born? Where do the board members come from if there aren’t any homeowners yet? These questions are often overlooked, but it’s important to know the answers. The Association was started by someone and understanding the history of your Association may help you and other HOA board members govern more efficiently.
Whether your new home is just down the street in a nearby homeowners association or across the country, moving can be stressful. There’s a lot of work to be done before that final box is unpacked and it’s easy to overlook the details that pile up the closer you get to your departure date.
So your house is on the market and you’re ready to make a dynamic first impression on potential buyers looking at houses in your homeowners association. Besides ensuring that your house looks and feels inviting, making sure it smells pleasant can help generate interest during showings.
“What is a reserve study and how do we do one?” This is an important question that board members should be asking in your homeowners association. If you don’t know the last time a reserve study was done in your association or why you should even do one, then you’re in the right place to learn the answers to frequently asked questions about reserve studies.
