The Top 10 Things HOA Boards Wish They Knew Before They Started

As a professional HOA management company in the Carolinas, we’ve seen it all. We’ve seen HOA boards thrive and we’ve seen them struggle. And we’ve heard from a lot of HOA boards about the things they wish they had known before they started.

In this blog post, we’re going to share the top 10 things HOA boards wish they knew before they started. We hope this information will help you avoid some of the common pitfalls that HOA boards face and help you create a successful HOA community.

1. Understand your role and responsibilities

The first thing every HOA board member needs to understand is their role and responsibilities. The HOA board is responsible for the overall management of the community, including enforcing the HOA’s governing documents, maintaining common areas, and collecting dues.

It’s important to understand the scope of your responsibilities so that you can make informed decisions and avoid any legal problems.

2. Choose the right people for your board

The HOA board is only as good as the people who serve on it. When you’re recruiting board members, look for people who are committed to the community, have good communication skills, and are willing to put in the time and effort.

It’s also important to have a diversity of skills and perspectives on the board. This will help you make better decisions and avoid any conflicts of interest.

3. Communicate effectively with homeowners

One of the most important things an HOA board can do is communicate effectively with homeowners. This means keeping homeowners informed about important decisions, listening to their concerns, and resolving disputes in a fair and timely manner.

There are many ways to communicate with homeowners, such as through newsletters, community websites, and social media. The best way to communicate will vary depending on the size and needs of your community.

4. Follow the HOA’s governing documents

The HOA’s governing documents are the bible for the community. They set out the rules and regulations that homeowners must follow, as well as the board’s powers and responsibilities.

It’s important to follow the governing documents closely to avoid any legal problems. If you’re not sure about something, it’s always best to consult with an attorney.

5. Be prepared to make tough decisions

As a board member, you’ll be faced with some tough decisions. These decisions may not be popular with everyone, but it’s important to make them in the best interests of the community.

Don’t be afraid to make tough decisions, but be sure to explain your reasoning to homeowners so that they understand why you made the decision you did.

6. Be transparent with homeowners

Homeowners have a right to know what the board is doing. This means being transparent about your decisions, finances, and operations.

The best way to be transparent is to keep homeowners informed through regular communication. You can also hold open meetings where homeowners can ask questions and voice their concerns.

7. Be fair and impartial

The board should always be fair and impartial in its dealings with homeowners. This means treating everyone equally and not showing favoritism to any one person or group.

It’s also important to avoid conflicts of interest. If you have a personal stake in an issue, you should recuse yourself from the decision-making process.

8. Be prepared to compromise

Not everyone is going to agree with every decision you make. That’s why it’s important to be prepared to compromise.

Compromise doesn’t mean giving up on what you believe in. It means finding a solution that works for everyone involved.

9. Get professional help when needed

There are times when the HOA board needs to get professional help. This may be the case if you’re facing a legal issue, need to manage a large budget, or need to deal with a difficult homeowner.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are many professionals who can help HOA boards, such as attorneys, accountants, and property managers.

10. Have fun!

Being on an HOA board can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. Get to know your neighbors, make new friends.