How to Get the Most from Your HOA Management Company

An HOA management company can provide real value to board members and the neighborhood at-large. But the partnership needs to be managed properly to reap the best results.

The following tips will help protect your HOA and build a positive relationship with your management company:

• If the board did the necessary due diligence during the selection process, they should have found a good match between your HOA’s requirements and the management company’s capabilities. The services provided should be no more or no less than what the board needs to create the best neighborhood environment possible.
• Make sure you carefully review everything you need your HOA management company to do and then put it in writing. The contract finalization process should not be rushed. Because everyone interprets things differently, it’s important not to assume anything. So, list all services and fees, as well as highlight exclusions and termination conditions.
• Identify due dates for all services and reports. The less gray area between the board and management company, the better chance the relationship has of thriving. With schedules defined and agreed upon, you have an objective tool from which to measure performance. Even if the management company provides excellent services, the value of those services becomes greatly diminished if they are delivered late.
• To ensure the proper party handles HOA management functions, the board needs to clarify roles. For example, you need to decide who members call with issues and what determines which issues go to the board or the management company. When everyone knows their responsibilities, you have a much better opportunity for promoting efficiency and creating a beneficial partnership.

Original Publish Site: http://www.associatedasset.com/hoa-resources/hoa-tips-blog/2013/4/18/how-to-get-the-most-from-your-hoa-management-company/

Are HOA Yard Sales Good or Bad for the Community?

This week, we will attempt to tackle the tough question of whether yard sales are good or bad for communities. Right away, we can claim that there are pros and cons to yard sales depending on residents’ expectations.

So, are yard sales good for HOAs? Well, it depends on the HOA and type of community. In gated communities with expensive homes, most homeowners generally won’t want yard sales. However, those communities within the middle price range tend to set up annual garage sales that people truly enjoy and look forward to each year.

Since each community is different, we encourages boards to consider rules governing yard sales – if this is possible. Usually, an HOA can’t really put restrictions on yard sales unless its bylaws specifically state that no yard sales are allowed. So, we recommend that if owners can and want to have yard sales, the boards should try to make the date community wide. In other words, it can be beneficial to call out that, “On this date, owners may have a garage/yard sale.”

Many law firms consider this method to be wise for boards to put in place because it can help communities take into consideration extra traffic, the possibility of criminals casing the property, etc.

In summary, associations should definitely consider the wisdom of setting aside a few weekends per year in which yard sales are permitted. In some parts of the U.S., yard sales are part of the fabric of the community – a way to build community, showcase a neighborhood, meet new neighbors, and have some fun. So, we would tell boards to consider your association type, focus on setting specific dates for the yard sales, and work to ensure it runs smoothly and is a safe and fun activity for homeowners.

Original Publish Site: http://www.hoamco.com/blog/are-hoa-yard-sales-good-or-bad-for-the-community#.U21FSIFdVOl