Serving on an HOA board is becoming more common as the years go on. More homeowners than ever live in HOAs and want a say in how things are run. That's why a reported 2.5 million Americans now serve an HOA board in some form.
But what can you expect when you join an HOA? Here is what you can expect when taking part in HOA governance.
Manage the Property
One of the primary duties of HOA governance is to ensure the neighborhood stays in great shape. This typically involves working with contractors or property managers for maintenance around the common areas.
Some common maintenance tasks include:
- Landscaping
- Building maintenance
- Emergency repairs
The HOA board will coordinate all these tasks and ensure maintenance is always done.
Code Enforcement
HOAs typically don't maintain resident properties. Some may offer lawn care services, but property owners usually handle much of the maintenance themselves. That means it's up to them to live up to the standard set by the HOA.
Effective HOA management means ensuring all residents follow those standards. HOAs set standard codes and give them to residents so they know what they can and can't do with their properties. They then handle code enforcement and levy penalties against homeowners who don't follow the rules.
Community Engagement
One of the great things about living in an HOA is having a say in how your neighborhood is run. However, some homeowners don't take advantage of this and stay disengaged with the process.
HOA boards will drive community engagement by making the HOA more transparent. They will communicate regularly, hold regular meetings, and ask for feedback. These things will help increase engagement and ensure all residents have a say in running the HOA.
Finance Management
HOAs work well because the board collects dues. These dues pay for maintenance, emergency work, and other HOA duties.
The HOA's job is to manage finances well. The HOA will create a budget to account for maintenance tasks and other work that needs to be completed each month. Once done, it will set aside extra money in an emergency fund to ensure cash is available to handle unexpected problems.
Build a Community
Some HOAs take a more passive approach to management. They simply do the bare minimum without adding much additional value. But the great HOAs do much more by helping drive a sense of community.
HOA boards can hold events like raffles, charity drives, get-togethers, and other functions. These events will help neighbors meet each other and build a better sense of community in the neighborhood.
Take HOA Board Responsibilities Seriously
The HOA board plays a vital role in maintaining a neighborhood. It's there to ensure residents follow the rules for keeping the area looking great and handles a lot of the details of community management. Now that you know more about HOA board roles, you have what you need to play a bigger role in community association management.
The good news is that you and the rest of the community don't need to handle your HOA board member duties on your own. At PMI Properties, our HOA services offer financial, property management, and administrative help for HOAs of all sizes. Contact our experts today to learn more.
