Taking the pressure off of your HOA…

Home Owner’s Associations (HOA) are created for the benefit of their community. Nicer neighborhoods, a higher quality of living and relaxing amenities make HOA membership appealing. A HOA is made up of a board of directors from volunteers within the community. These volunteers serve as a collective voice, representing their community and everyone in it. Oftentimes, there are many responsibilities and tasks required of the HOA board of directors. These duties can include creating and following a budget, adopting and enforcing rules and regulations for the whole community and collecting dues from the development’s homeowners. Therefore, we have created a list of ideas that may be useful in alleviating the pressure on your HOA.

1. Hire a property manager
   • By hiring a property manager, internal strife and stress between residents and the elected HOA members will commonly be avoided.
   • While property management companies provide a range of services, most are equipped to handle the monthly collection of HOA dues, fines and fees; management of HOA financials; creation of an annual budget; development of a long-term capital improvement/replacement plan; ongoing maintenance; finding and managing contractors; and monthly reporting to the HOA board.
2. Invest in technology
   • Security is always top of mind for homeowners and residents. There are a multitude of technological devices that can enhance security at a relatively low cost. Security camera systems are a great way to provide around the clock reliable security for all residents. Putting security cameras in plain sight in shared community areas will also deter criminal activity.
   • Good LED lighting systems serve many purposes. Firstly, good lighting makes residents feel safe and comfortable in their own neighborhood. Secondly, bright lighting ensures trespassers and even unwanted critters, can be spotted quickly. Lastly, LED lights are better for the environment than regular light bulbs. To make the most of your lighting system, install motion sensor activators, and have the lights on a timer so they turn off when the sun comes up.
3. Submetering
   • Submetering connects an individual utility meter to each unit. Costs are assessed by actual consumption. Each resident pays for the utilities that they use, and not what their neighbors use. After a submetering system is installed as part of your new development or as an upgrade to your existing multi-residential community, Priority Submetering Solutions will take full responsibility for tracking utility consumption, invoicing residents and collecting payments on your behalf.
   • Services also include releasing funds to property managers, along with reconciliation reports and utility cost allocation summaries. By installing a submetering program, common area utility usage can be calculated and accounted for. When the HOA is contemplating upgrading or renovating, all utility usage data will be readily available.
4. Transparency
   • HOA boards should always focus on clear communication with open door policies to eliminate suspicion and resentment. Hosting social events so HOA members can become acquainted and look out for one another is a great way to build community respect. To be a good board member, you should aim to act as a proactive team player, who uses discussion and negotiation rather than contentious confrontation.
   • Social media is a great free tool to connect HOA members. Setting up a Facebook page and a Twitter account can make it easy to share information. Just remember to set out policies and rules for the social media account to ensure the online space stays safe and honest.
   • Arrange for notifications about possible changes to any HOA rules to get sent around to each resident. Better yet, ask residents for their input regularly by creating online surveys or hosting general meetings with open discussion time.

Being a board member of your HOA can be a rewarding and exciting experience. It is a great way to develop new skills and sharpen the ones you already have. Keep in mind that you are not alone on the board, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Make life as a board member a bit easier for everyone involved by implementing practices and tools that will foster a positive and enjoyable living environment.