HOA Management Blog
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?
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.
Your homeowners association needs to hold elections for Board members every so often. While it is important to refresh the leadership of the Association every now and then it is just as vital to make sure any election is held in accordance with the rules and regulations of the individual HOA and the state. Fair elections are a staple of any democracy, on a very large or small scale.
HOA Board meetings can sometimes get pretty heated in homeowners associations. As a Board member it is important that you work toward keeping meetings orderly and flowing smoothly. Yet, there are times when meetings get stormy. In these eventful times try to stay calm and be a voice of reason for the Board.
As a member of your homeowners association board (HOA) you may ask, "Do we need insurance?" The answer is a big yes! The more pertinent inquiry would be, "What type of insurance does our HOA need?" It is vital that your organization has the proper insurance coverage for all possible types of problems.
Homeowners associations often have to hire new contractors to do work for them. It may be for a new roof on the community center, repairs to a park, overlaying streets or for some other purpose. When your Association is considering hiring a new contractor, knowing what questions to ask them is vital in these situations.
Your homeowners association (HOA) Board will rely on legal counsel on many occasions for various legal matters. It is imperative that the Board and your attorney maintain a close working relationship to protect the Board's and homeowner's interests in your community association. Competent legal advice and help is of vital importance to any HOA Board.
