Today, we live in a mobile-first world when it comes to technology. We do our banking and shopping on mobile apps, and we even manage our home appliances and thermostats through mobile apps. Unfortunately, the same is not currently valid in the HOA Management industry. AAM is looking to address this oversight with the rollout of the HOA Toolkit.
No Wi-Fi, No Problem
Our initial rollout of the HOA Toolkit focused on allowing our managers to perform community inspections on an offline mobile app. The offline mode has been a critical feature for us since several communities are in areas without cellular coverage. In the past, this could mean long wait times when uploading pictures or, worse yet, timeouts. Caching violation information on the device and uploading it later ensures faster, more accurate inspections, even in areas with coverage.
Secure, Fast & User-Friendly
The transition from a mobile-friendly webpage to a mobile app has also paid significant dividends. This shift has allowed us to create a more intuitive interface and enable features on the device that would not have been possible in a traditional web format.
The results have been better than we could have hoped. Even the most technology-resistant users have fully and gladly embraced the new tools. Our Managers’ feedback has been overwhelmingly positive because the tool is familiar and preferred. Additionally, it enhances their efficiency by cutting typical inspection times in half.
Resident Information a Few Taps Away
This success encouraged us to deploy a module for Resident Information. We realized that Managers are often away from their computers, whether conducting inspections, meeting vendors, or attending Board meetings. As a result, many issues that could be quickly resolved must wait until they return to their desks. Issues can be addressed more rapidly by providing a tool that allows Managers to access residents’ information from their phones. This also reduces the number of tasks on their to-do lists. This is especially beneficial for our after-hours team, which needs quick access to information while resolving emergencies in real time.
Expect More
Seeing how impactful these tools have been for our staff has caused us to shift our thinking from “What can we deliver via a mobile app?” to “What can’t we deliver via a mobile app.” We have already added work orders, architectural processing, and vendor management to our roadmap for what we want to add to our toolset. We hope that the HOA Toolkit will add new modules over the next few years, transforming into a primary device for how most of our staff will do their jobs.
Hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. Unlike a tornado that can strike a community with little warning, hurricanes often develop over weeks, giving homeowners associations (HOAs) crucial time to focus on HOA Hurricane Preparedness. However, without proper planning, the devastation from a direct landfall can leave lasting impacts for years, much like the aftermath of a sudden tornado.
Why does an HOA need to have a Hurricane Preparedness Plan?
It is part of an HOA’s duty to protect their community’s well-being and act in their residents’ best interest. Although having a Hurricane Preparedness Plan will certainly not save your community from being hit by a hurricane, it will assist your association and residents be prepared when the time comes. Ultimately, having a plan will help minimize health, safety, and monetary risks for the entire community.
Roles the HOA plays in preparedness:
Creating a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
It is essential for associations, especially those in states prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, to review their emergency preparedness plans periodically. Keeping residents informed and prepared for these situations is equally important. An emergency preparedness plan should already exist for your HOA. However, it’s crucial to revise and update it as needed. We recommend discussing updates to the plan during your HOA’s annual meetings. Creating one should be your top priority if your association does not yet have a plan. For assistance, contact your management company or AAM today.
Conducting Regular Inspections and Maintenance
As part of your HOA’s responsibility to protect the community, your association or management company should regularly inspect shared facilities. This includes roofs, windows, landscaping, mechanical equipment, and other communal assets. Regular inspections help identify potential safety hazards and assess necessary changes to buildings or infrastructure before a storm. For insurance purposes, it is also recommended to videotape or photograph community assets and common areas while they are in good condition. Ideally, these images should include time and date stamps.
Keeping Everyone Informed
Keeping residents and staff informed during uncertain situations is vital. Residents expect answers, and your HOA must be prepared to provide them before, during, and after an emergency.
Before hurricane season, share a digital copy of your Hurricane Preparedness Plan with residents and staff. Use emails, flyers, and your community website to share key information. This should include details about hurricane season, how to prepare, how the association will handle certain situations, and what to do during and after a hurricane.
For example, residents may be required to secure trash cans and backyard furniture to prevent significant property damage. Your HOA should ensure all residents know this policy and the penalties for noncompliance. Additionally, be ready to share local government updates, such as voluntary or mandatory evacuation notices.
Post-Storm Cleaning and Repairing
After the storms have passed, your HOA must conduct a damage assessment tour of the community’s common areas. The HOA should contact the appropriate vendors to clean and repair the damage.
What is included in an HOA Hurricane Preparedness Plan?
A Hurricane Preparedness Plan will serve as a guide for your HOA, specifying protocols and procedures. The following are items that you should include in your HOA’s Hurricane Preparedness Plan:
Hurricane Supply Kits
Provide your residents with a list of essential items or supplies they need to have handy before and whenever a storm is approaching. Important things include cash, personal documents, non-perishable food, water, clothing, medications, personal hygiene items, a fully charged cell phone, etc.
Roles and Responsibilities
Specify the roles and responsibilities of the HOA before, during, and after the emergency. For instance, what will the association communicate to residents, and what mediums will be used? Text messages, emails, community website? Similarly, specify what is expected from the residents to preserve their safety and the community’s safety.
Standard Protocols
Share a list of standard procedures for different situations. For example, what should be done if water or electricity are shut off, flooding occurs, or if the government issues an evacuation notice? Evaluate all the potential situations residents might be exposed to and determine the safest action plan for them. Remember, not everyone has experienced hurricanes before. What may seem like an obvious solution to some might not be apparent to others.
Site Plan
Include a site plan or map pointing out critical areas in the community and access to water valves, lift stations, generators, etc. Sometimes, local officials instruct communities in the most threatened areas to turn off electricity, gas, and water before evacuating.
Evacuation Plan
Establish a detailed evacuation plan, including a map highlighting emergency exits, evacuation paths, nearby shelters, gas stations, and drugstores.
Instructions for Re-entry
If an official evacuation notice has been issued, advise residents to be patient and not to re-enter unless state/county officials have allowed doing so. Your residents must stay updated with the latest news from the most reliable sources, and your HOA could help by providing a list of the most dependable sources of information.
Emergency Contact Information
Provide a list of all-important contacts, including your HOA Board members, Community Manager, insurance providers, relevant vendors, and other emergency services. It’s essential that your HOA also has access to all residents’ contact information and home addresses.
How can AAM help prepare your community?
AAM has plenty of experience preparing a community for a storm. With community partners through the Carolinas, 80% of the communities we serve are on the coast and could be impacted by every gulf or Atlantic storm. From those experiences, we can build a plan for each community that covers Pre, Mid, and Post Storm.
Working with local authorities and the Board of Directors, our preparation and execution of the personalized plan for the community mitigates damage and sometimes saves lives. In addition, we can work with the Board and their CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) on planning, preparation, drills, and execution to preserve the common properties and ensure that all owners heed the warnings and prepare for their safety.
Our ability to work with our Preferred Vendors on the staging protocols ensures our team can have the workforce available when others may be stretched for help. This also enables our management professionals to focus on residents’ immediate needs and concerns to prepare for recovery once the storm has passed.
Does your current management company have a plan for you? If not, give us a call and let AAM build a plan for your community.
As Board members, you understand that HOA management technology has an important role in effectively managing your Association. Ensuring that Board members and homeowners have access to the best technology available should be a top priority of your HOA management company. Technology services should provide helpful tools, adapt to the individual needs of a community, and encompass these functional traits: Secure, Productive, Automated, Efficient, and Transparent.
As a member of your Community Association and an elected HOA representative, you have a pulse on what the community wants and needs, especially concerning technological advances and service offerings. Websites, cloud-based portals, and mobile applications are a few examples of innovative tools AAM provides to their communities; what technology is currently available to you?
AAM ALL ACCESS: The Ultimate Homeowner and Board Portal
Advancements in digital solutions are reshaping how homeowners and board members interact with their HOA. A user-friendly portal and mobile app make finding information, taking action, and communicating effectively easier. AAM All Access delivers this seamless experience, serving as both a web portal and mobile app designed to enhance engagement and streamline HOA management.
A Unified Homeowner and Board Experience
Whether accessing AAM All Access through the mobile app or the cloud-based web portal, homeowners and board members enjoy a centralized platform to manage HOA-related tasks easily. From submitting service requests to tracking community updates, AAM All Access provides the ultimate convenience.
Key Benefits of AAM All Access
24/7 Access to HOA Information – Instantly retrieve account details, documents, and payment history.
One-Touch Communication – Contact HOA representatives quickly without searching for contact details.
Time-Saving Solutions – Submit architectural requests, pay assessments, and access essential resources with just a few clicks.
Real-Time Notifications – Receive updates on payments, compliance issues, architectural request statuses, and community announcements.
BoardVue™: Exclusive Features for HOA Board Members
In addition to AAM All Access, BoardVue™ is a specialized Board Member dashboard, providing customizable views, interactive reports, and real-time tracking of HOA operations.
What BoardVue™ Delivers
100% Transparency – Board members gain complete visibility into community management.
Frictionless Oversight – Access critical financials, documents, and work orders easily.
WEBSITES influence how homeowners perceive a community
Let’s face it. People use Google before making any purchases, including deciding where to live. Because of this trend, a community’s first impression must be glowing and memorable. If an HOA website doesn’t reflect the experience homeowners expect, they may dismiss the community entirely.AAM understands how appearance influences a community’s perceived value. That’s why we invest in HOA management technology and recommend Premium Websites for HOAs to enhance their online presence.
What is an AAM Premium Website? Premium websites provide a secure resident portal where homeowners can view community documents, post classifieds, view their account and violation information, pay their bills, and communicate with other homeowners. In addition, HOA Boards and Community Managers can quickly contact residents through email and text blasts to keep the community informed and engaged.
Top 3 Benefits of a Premium Website
Responsive: Easily viewed on mobile devices.
Email Blasts: Effective communication to members.
Customizable: A unique reflection of your community.
A polished, professional HOA website with stunning images, easy navigation, and quality content reflects the HOA’s commitment to homeowners. Does your Association pass the Google test?
AAM All Access combines a robust web portal and mobile app to keep homeowners and board members informed and connected. This technology makes HOA management more efficient and straightforward than ever before.
Is your community benefiting from a web portal, mobile app, or modern website? If not, AAM can help update your HOA in today’s digital age. Contact us today to discuss your technology goals.
WHen selecting a vendor for your HOA, how do you know where to start, who to trust, and how to find companies that will provide the best quality workmanship for your Association?
Below are ten helpful tips that will guide you in the right direction when selecting a new HOA vendor:
1. Research what other clients are saying.
Once you have a list of potential vendors you have identified, go online and look at what their clients are saying about them. Google and Yelp reviews are always a good place to start. Consider the following when looking at reviews: Did the vendor get the work done? Did they meet project deadlines? Were they communicative during the process? Are there any common issues in customer complaints? How does the company address these concerns? Etc. As you go through reviews, keep an open mind and try to be objective.
2. Make sure vendors have the proper documentation in place.
Depending on the type of vendor that you are dealing with, proper documentation might mean insurance (such as liability, auto, workers’ compensation), licenses, certifications, or any other type of credential documents. Also, make sure to check that the coverage is current and will continue to be during work.
3. Ask for customer references.
Ask vendors for references to inquire about their performance, preferably other community associations. In the case of landscape businesses, which is generally the largest contract in most homeowners associations, visit some of the communities where they provide their landscape maintenance services.
4. Check for complaints.
When applicable, check for complaints with the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
5. Solicit at least three competitive bids.
After comparing multiple vendor options, make it a best practice to solicit at least three competitive bids, if possible.
6. Give each vendor you ask to bid an RFP or scope of work.
Having a defined outline of the work that needs to be performed and the expectations the Board has regarding materials, deadlines, and pricing will allow each vendor to provide you with a more detailed proposal.
7. Schedule meetings with each potential vendor.
Meet with each vendor to review the proposal, clarify unanswered questions, and ensure that the services proposed are what you are expecting.
8. Make objective comparisons before choosing the winning bid.
Create a vendor evaluation matrix to guide your final decision. Choose the vendor that best aligns with your community’s needs and requirements. Keep in mind that the lowest bid is not always the best bid.
9. Get a formal contract reviewed and signed by both parties.
Ensure there is a standard 30-day termination clause with or without cause, should the work performed not meet contract requirements or circumstances change. In addition, we recommend having an attorney review the contract for very technical projects to make sure that your Association’s best interests are being represented.
10. Consider hiring an HOA management company such as AAM to alleviate the stress of the vendor selection process.
With more than 31 years in the industry, AAM has plenty of experience when it comes to helping Boards select the right vendors for their communities. Our Community Managers will assist you in preparing bid specifications and the subsequent solicitation of competitive bids. Additionally, once the Board awards a contract, AAM will monitor vendor performance and keep the Board aware of any updates or issues that arise.
If you are a Board member looking for a management company, contact AAM today toll-free at 833-745-6446 or submit an RFP through our website.
Understanding the purpose of, and the different roles in, your Community Association.
You’re not alone if you’re asking what the purpose of an annual meeting is and what the differences are between an HOA, the Board of Directors, and the Management Company. Understanding the differences will help you have an even better experience for yourself and your family living in an HOA.
What is the purpose of an HOA Annual Membership Meeting?
The budget is presented during the annual HOA meeting, and past achievements and future goals are discussed. Committee reports are shared, creating a forum for members to ask questions and engage with the board and management. Board elections for expiring seats occur, allowing homeowners to vote for new directors. The governing documents or by-laws typically outline term lengths and eligibility.
What is the purpose of an HOA?
Community Association Living (a CAI publication) describes homeowners associations designed to manage common or shared property, protect owners’ property values, provide services to residents, and develop a sense of community through social activities and amenities. All residents have an essential role in a community’s success, but board members have a particularly vital job.
HOA refers to homeowners’ association; essentially, the HOA is responsible for maintaining items that are not the individual homeowner’s responsibility. Someone has to represent those interests to ensure the community’s assets are maintained and replaced at the appropriate time, that the community’s budget is well funded, and that home values are kept at an optimal pace. This is where the role of a board member comes in…
What is my role as a board member?
Your role is a very important one. You are responsible for making decisions directly impacting your community’s operations and finances. As a volunteer board member, you’re a fiduciary, prioritizing the community’s interests above your own in decision-making. As a fiduciary, you must protect the community by managing the budget, funding reserves, collecting assessments, and ensuring insurance. In sum, you actively preserve and enhance property values. This is no easy task, so selecting a professional management company is critical.
What is the role of the management company?
The management company works for the HOA and is hired by the Board of Directors. We help the board preserve community assets, maintain property values, and manage HOA operations and finances.
The Board sets policy, and the management company implements those policies by making decisions.
What are some examples of how a management company assists the Board?
Coordinates maintenance activities
Seeks out proposals and screens vendors (licensing and insurance requirements)
Manages human resource needs
Informs the Board when legal advice is necessary
Manages the association’s finances (delinquencies, budgeting, examining reserves, assessment collection, payables and receivables, financial reporting)
Works with professional partners: CPA, legal counsel, reserve specialist, and insurance agent
Guides the Board through day-to-day operations by having a strong understanding of governing documents, governmental laws, and state statutes
Brings the element of “community” through lifestyle programming
Board of Directors:
Volunteer, Governs, Makes Decisions
Management Company:
Under contract, Manages, Carries Out Decisions
Identifying who does what provides an excellent foundation for understanding your community association. It clearly defines how to care for the community and directs residents to the right contacts for their concerns. It clarifies board leaders’ roles, the management company, and what they do, enabling focused success. It’s a true partnership between board members, management company team members, vendors, and residents. A strong partnership in all capacities equals a successfully run community association!
Have A Question?
If you live in an association and have questions about the purpose of an HOA, fill out our Contact Us form, and we will happily contact you to answer them.
As a Board Member, you rely on your HOA management company to facilitate the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of the Association. Typically, the relationship between a Community Manager and the HOA Board builds into a smooth and seamless workflow where everyone is happy, and the Association flourishes. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case for every association. Sometimes, the Board identifies noticeable gaps in performance or strong partnerships that aren’t built, which leads the entire community to feel the result of poor management and leads to switching HOA Management companies.
When issues arise, a tactical conversation with the management company is generally helpful in implementing new practices and correcting the concerns. Still, if a problem persists and a resolution is not met, the Association often decides to change management companies.
Here are the top five reasons Boards choose to switch their management company:
Slow Response Time
Lack of Transparency
Poor Oversight
Inadequate Technology
Lack of Support Staff
It is important to note that these five reasons are not in any particular order. Usually, the decision to make the switch results from many failed attempts to correct poor performance. Your community management company should prioritize customer satisfaction, create an environment of transparent communication, and be active in your Association.
If your Association is currently experiencing one or more of the reasons listed above and are considering switching HOA management companies, contact AAM today! We would be happy to talk about how AAM can deliver peace of mind to you, your fellow Board Members, and the community.
Making the Change to a New HOA Management Company
Some of the most challenging decisions that board members face involve implementing changes without disruption to the Association. Changing management companies is often challenging, especially for Boards with no transition experience or a previous bad experience. Choosing a management company with a dedicated onboarding team ensures a secure, courteous, and seamless transition for your community.
At AAM, we have a dedicated Transition Team that begins working to guarantee a smooth transition from day one. Our team follows a precise transition plan that benchmarks task completion on 30 | 60 | 90 | 120-day increments. AAM leverages technology, communication, and experience to manage the Association while ensuring seamless customer service and financial management for residents.
As HOA Board Members, you understand the importance of demonstrating integrity and upholding your social responsibility in every decision made. Due to the uncertainties of changing management companies, you should not have to compromise on a positive community management experience. AAM takes the guesswork out of the transition; let us show you how.
Why HOA Boards Stay with AAM
Simply put, our Boards choose to stay because we deliver exactly what they are looking for in a community management partner, giving them no reason to make a change. How do we do this? We listen to our customers, homeowners, and employees to better hone our focus on improved relationships and personal experience.
We are Industry Experts that Focus on Your Peace of Mind
This concept goes beyond the communities we serve; we want our employees to also benefit from our strong support structure and resources to continue delivering the best service to our Boards, communities, and homeowners.
We Have Immeasurable High-Touch Service
Communication and attention to detail are a few of the qualities we are known for in the HOA industry. We have created various communication tools and channels to increase engagement and decrease frustration, making workflows more efficient and our services more appreciated.
AAM is More than a Service Provider – We’re a Trusted Association Partner
We keep a pulse on the community by monitoring satisfaction and taking a proactive approach to ensure total peace of mind for all of our customers, just like YOU.
Best HOA Management Companies
When selecting a new HOA management company, you need a qualified team on your side. Our skilled team ensures quick responses, transparency, vendor oversight, and innovative technology for your community’s needs. Are you ready to develop an effective game plan for switching your HOA management company search? If so, contact us today.
As a Board member, you manage your Association’s money, property, and business. Serving on the Board positively impacts your community’s well-being. However, you must understand the fiduciary responsibility of HOA Board Members to serve responsibly and avoid legal liability.
Corporate Law and Fiduciary Duties
Corporate law outlines the fiduciary duties of HOA Board members under individual state laws. Most HOAs are nonprofit corporations formed by filing Articles of Incorporation. Since Board members serve in a position of trust, state laws impose a fiduciary duty on them. This duty requires board members to act in the best interests of the HOA. Fiduciary responsibility applies even though HOAs are nonprofit and Board members are volunteers.
The Three Components of Fiduciary Responsibilities
Fiduciary duties include three components: duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty to act within the scope of authority.
Duty of Care
Research, research, research! Board members must make informed decisions, often requiring research before acting or voting on HOA matters. Learn your Association’s CC&Rs and state statutes. Board members must act prudently, use sound judgment, and avoid impulsive actions. For example, you can’t penalize a homeowner for painting their garage door orange and blue unless documents prohibit it. Acting with fiduciary responsibility requires thorough research.
Duty of Loyalty
Board members must act fairly, in good faith, and in the Association’s best interest. Personal interests or gain must not influence decisions. Avoid conflicts of interest. For example, abstain from voting on vendors if a friend or family member owns a competing company. Loyalty to fiduciary responsibility maintains trust.
Board members must also protect confidentiality. Do not disclose this information if a homeowner shares financial struggles to arrange a payment plan. Confidentiality is a critical part of fiduciary responsibility.
Duty to Act
Boards must perform required duties and avoid acting beyond their authority. Their authority comes from state laws and Governing Documents. These include Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, CC&Rs, and Rules and Regulations. Boards must follow laws and Governing Documents when performing duties. Aligning actions with fiduciary responsibility prevents overstepping.
Upholding Fiduciary Responsibility
Fiduciary responsibilities are essential for community leadership. Your management company should provide tools and encourage Board training. If you have questions, contact your community manager.
Understanding fiduciary responsibility is crucial for an HOA Board member. Following the duties of care, loyalty, and authority protects you from legal issues and benefits the community. Your management company should offer support and training to help you navigate these responsibilities. Prioritize informed decisions, act in the community’s best interest, and uphold Board integrity.
Fair housing and HOA enforcement are key aspects of community association management, often creating conflicts among homeowners. Enforcement actions are frequently seen as one of the most contentious issues within a Homeowners’ Association (HOA). The Board of Directors must navigate enforcing the association’s governing documents while ensuring compliance with the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, familial status, and national origin. Balancing fair housing requirements with consistent HOA enforcement remains a critical responsibility for association leadership.
Understanding Fair Housing Act (FHA) Compliance
Although associations are subject to the Fair Housing Act Regulations, few Boards are familiar enough to distinguish the multitude of ways they could expose the association to discrimination claims. Under FHA HOA requirements, an association may not legally refuse to make the reasonable accommodations necessary for homeowners to enjoy and utilize their homes fully. A common mistake a Board makes is failing to offer reasonable accommodations for homeowners with special needs or disabilities and basing their enforcement solely on the language of the governing documents rather than exploring the extenuating circumstances that may lead to an alternate decision. It is important to render enforcement case-by-case, making reasonable accommodations for homeowners when necessary.
Examples of Fair Housing Violations in HOA Enforcement
Driveway Modifications for Accessibility
A Board denies a homeowner’s request to expand the width of their driveway to accommodate their wheelchair. The governing documents state that residents’ driveways cannot exceed 10 feet wide; this would violate the FHA. Governing documents cannot override fair housing requirements.
Service Animals and HOA Pet Policies
If an owner requires the assistance of a service animal, an HOA must waive its “no pets” policy. Refusing a reasonable and necessary accommodation that allows a disabled owner full enjoyment of their home violates the FHA.
Recognizing these implications and enforcing them reasonably can help an association avoid FHA violations, costly lawsuits, or severe penalties. Relying on professional management and legal experts helps communities stay FHA-compliant and avoid penalties.
Annual Meetings for homeowners associations are a crucial component for keeping the business of the association moving forward. In addition to holding the annual HOA Board elections, where new members are elected to the Board of Directors by their fellow homeowners, Annual Meetings also serve to update the homeowners on what is happening in the community. This is a meeting of the members and not a typical Board meeting where the Board of Directors is making decisions for the community.
The timing of your community’s Annual Meeting depends on the requirements indicated by your Association’s Bylaws. The meeting is typically held at the same time each year. Planning the Annual Meeting should begin several months before the meeting date to achieve the best results. Some communities require that a nominating committee be formed to select candidates for the Board. Securing a meeting location is also imperative, and it is essential to book the venue early, as some places that do not charge for meeting space may be booked months in advance.
Below are some helpful planning tips:
Confirm available dates with the Board of Directors
Schedule the location of the meeting
Obtain Certificate of Insurance, if necessary (Most meeting venues require this, which would include the venue being named as additional insured for liability purposes)
Prepare meeting notice signed by the Board secretary, if required by governing documents
Send out a questionnaire to members to help prepare for questions in advance of the meeting
Mail HOA Annual Meeting Notice within the timeframe noted in CC&Rs and/or Bylaws
Be prepared for the meeting with the following items: sign-in sheets, delinquency reports, ledger cards, election ballots, quorum requirements, financial statements, meeting agenda, and any handouts.
The following are items to complete after the Annual Meeting:
Work with the Community Manager to compile the list of Board members, including the newly elected members. Ensure that the new Board Members have filled the terms and are carefully tracked in communities that provide for staggered terms.
Schedule the first Board of Directors meeting post-election/Annual Meeting. This is typically the meeting at which the Board Members will determine the association’s officers.
Prepare Annual Meeting minutes.
Update the bank accounts to remove previous Board members and add new Board Members.
Do you still have more questions about the HOA Annual Board Meetings? Contact AAM today to discuss your HOA’s needs.
Some of the benefits of working with an HOA management co. include:
Clarity – Management companies help ensure the HOA rules, regulations, and policies are clearly defined and communicated to members. They also make sure these rules make sense and are easy to follow.
Consistency – A good management company enforces homeowner associations rules and policies with consistency. The management company makes sure there’s no perception of unfair treatment or favoritism among members. They will also deal with problems as soon as they surface.
Legal Knowledge – A management company is often very knowledgeable regarding legislation affecting homeowner associations. The company will understand how the HOA’s policies and enforcement of the policies best conform to the law.
Varied Expertise – An HOA management company will have diverse professionals on staff, including experts trained in community management, finance, accounting, information technology, human resources, marketing, and more.
Vendor Management – Management companies are experienced in building solid vendor relationships. They know how to keep issues from escalating. Vendors may be more inclined to work with professionally managed HOAs because they know the chances are high that the community will be well-run.
Neighborhood Commitment – Homeowners need to feel the management company is maintaining a safe, well-managed neighborhood that is meeting their expectations. It’s in the management company’s best interest to make all the members of the community satisfied with their services.
Effective Communication – An HOA management company can open the lines of communication among members. Everyone within the community must feel comfortable voicing their concerns and ideas. A professional management company with multiple communication tools can bring more to the table than just enforcing HOA rules.
AAM is a trusted leader
Providing expert guidance and tailored solutions that help communities thrive. With decades of experience, we partner with Board Members to streamline operations, enhance homeowner satisfaction, and ensure financial stability. Our comprehensive services—ranging from legal compliance and vendor management to effective communication and financial oversight—empower Boards to focus on strategic decisions while we handle the complexities of day-to-day management. If you’re looking for a management company that delivers expertise, consistency, and a commitment to your community’s success, AAM is the partner you can rely on.
What Type of Community Should Hire an HOA Management Company?
Often, size dictates whether an HOA hires a management company. A smaller community may opt to be self-managed, whereas a larger HOA may find it impossible to conduct business without the help of a trained professional.
Although size is one criterion, it’s not the only deciding factor. A better way to decide whether to hire a professional HOA management company is to consider the following:
Does the HOA manage many buildings, amenities, and properties?
Does the HOA lack volunteers to manage the association?
Do the volunteers lack the skills and expertise to do the necessary HOA management work?
Some HOAs may find they need to supplement their volunteer work with an outside professional management company. For example, maybe the HOA management co will handle some of the accounting functions, and Board member volunteers will manage homeowner association rules and communications.
The Board and management company delegate responsibilities while keeping current members happy and involved.
