To enhance something means “to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness.” In a homeowners association the property can be physically enhanced or maintained, but enhancing can also refer to building community among the HOA board and members of the Association.

Maintaining is taking care of the property in terms of short term tasks (garbage collection, landscaping, pool treatments, etc.) and long term tasks (road upkeep, concrete work, deck replacement, etc.).

Enhancing is adding upgrades as well as another important component: building community. Upgrades may include adding something that isn’t part of the community, such as a new building or recreation room, or responding to new laws that require the HOA board to take an action of enhancement, such as replacing a wood fence with rod iron because it lasts longer.

Enhancement in the Association can also be taken a step further by building community and getting members involved.

The HOA board can enhance the community by:

• Hosting an informal social gathering
• Providing timely and consistent communications
• Asking members how they like living in the Association and what improvements they would make
• Encouraging member involvement
• Responding appropriately to members' comments or concerns
• Reasonably enforcing rules and regulations
• Hiring an HOA manager to ensure nothing slips through the cracks

Members in the homeowner association can enhance the community by:

• Attending social gatherings to get to know the Board and other members
• Reading the communications they receive from the Board
• Being honest and tactful when discussing issues with each other and Board members
• Getting involved on a committee in the Association
• Following the rules and regulations of the Association community
• Reporting any unusual activity, hazard, or concern

It’s important to note that both the Board and members must have a basic understanding of the CC&Rs and the Board should consult them before any physical enhancement is made.

Enhancing the homeowners association by actively listening, communicating, and encouraging member involvement will help the members of the community feel valued and give them ownership of where they live.

Making positive touchpoints is easy. Governing an HOA is hard work. It’s the Board’s responsibility to protect, maintain, and enhance the community, and make decisions in the best interest of the homeowners association. Hiring an HOA manager can help ease the additional time and effort Board members give.