Rules Every HOA Board Member Should Follow
Being an HOA board member or president is generally a great experience. It allows people to take on new challenges outside of their normal full-time job and also learn how to take responsibility and make some big decisions that will impact their community (hopefully for the better). Although HOA management is usually a positive experience, heavy workloads along with a lack of experience can lead to complications. In this blog, we’re going to talk about several rules that all HOA board members should follow.
Understand your community
The most important thing you can do as an HOA board member is to have a better understanding of your community and its needs. Although you should already have a good understanding of your community just by living in it, you shouldn’t assume that the problems or concerns that you have faced are the only concerns out there. You should take every opportunity to speak with people in your community and meet new people to see what their concerns are. Once it comes time to perform your board duties, you’ll have a better idea of what should be done to satisfy everyone’s needs rather than just the needs of a few.
Ask questions
Nobody would be able to get anywhere without questions, and great ones at that. However, that doesn’t mean you should be afraid to ask questions, no matter how silly or insignificant you think they are. The truth of the matter is that as a board member, this isn’t your only job. You have a full-time job that you need to focus on, and probably a family that needs your time too. So there really isn’t any time to be walking around with unanswered questions whether it’s for another board member, the president, or a resident. Asking questions will also give other people an idea of what your concerns are.
Understand the CC&Rs
CC&Rs or Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions indicate what things can and cannot be done by those living in the community. For example, they could dictate that homeowners can’t keep certain things in their yard or park a car on the street. These restrictions are in place for the benefit of everyone in the community, so it’s in your best interest to understand them.
Contact an HOA management company
The great thing about being an HOA board member is that you don’t necessarily have to do everything alone. Part of being a board member is being a team player and that means giving and taking advice when it’s necessary. Although your peers are great people to go to for help, your HOA may need more than that. At RS Fincher, we provide comprehensive HOA management services. We don’t completely take board member’s jobs off their hands, but we provide guidance and services for every aspect of HOA management. What this means is board members will have a lower workload and be more confident that everything they’re doing is in compliance with regulations. If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to contact us.