Mistakes happen. But some can be costly, especially when you’re a member of an HOA board. To help avoid them, we’ve listed some of the most common ones below.
1. Choosing a vendor without considering your options
A vendor needs to be chosen carefully. When choosing one, you shouldn’t just go with the cheapest one or someone you know, without taking time to thoughtfully consider your options.
Make sure the vendor you choose offers what you need and is reliable. Also, if you’re new to the board, don’t be quick to say goodbye to the current vendors. It’s often best to talk with the vendors if there is an issue before you just dismiss them. You may be able to work out whatever the concern is.
2. Not taking time to gain insight from the former board member
When you take a position on an HOA board, you often replace someone who left. It can be helpful to talk with the person whose job it used to be. This allows you to gain some helpful perspective going into your new role.
3. Not looking at the budget with a long-term frame of mind
People often make decisions based on short-term needs. However, this can be dangerous, because the long-term is just as important. When planning a budget, consider the current needs of the community, and also what the future might hold.
4. Not delegating
Board members need to know how to delegate. If not, they can quickly become overloaded with work. When you successfully delegate, it allows the work to be dispersed more evenly. What’s more, your HOA board will function like a well-oiled machine.
5. Failing to read all of the governing documents
An HOA community’s governing documents are incredibly important. Board members need to be familiar with what is allowed and what isn’t. They need to have a thorough understanding of how the HOA works in order to do their job well and avoid potentially costly headaches.
6. Poor communication
Good communication is essential for an HOA board to be able to do its job well and keep the community satisfied. It’s imperative that every member of the board is able to rationally discuss the best course of action for the community. Good communication builds trust and keeps everyone informed of important topics.
7. Being inconsistent in how issues are handled
If you handle a problem one way with one homeowner, but then turn around and handle it differently with another one, it’s sure to cause problems amongst the community. Consistency is key.
8. Not asking community members for their feedback
When making decisions for the community, make sure you’re getting input from the homeowners. Surveys are a great way to get helpful insight into the minds of those who live within your HOA.
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