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In a community association, there are necessary rules and policies to allow the sanctity of the board to continue. These HOA rules and procedures help create and maintain order, which keeps the community secure. However, if the rules are too strict and feel unfair, or they are very lob-sided in terms of enforcing them depending on the resident, they can create severe problems for the board.

In a community association, the board of directors are a group of volunteers who execute a wide variety of tasks to maintain their community and improve the lives of residents – all in their free time. The work can become a heavy responsibility. But when they partner with a professional community association management company, together they shoulder some of the liability, stress and workload that comes with managing a board or condo association.

Community members join committees because they want to make a difference. That’s great, but sometimes, as they say, life gets in the way. Let’s not forget that committee members are all volunteers, which means it might take something a little extra to keep them motivated.

It’s that time of year again – budget season is upon us. You know the things to consider when creating your budget, but what drives your process? Are you focused on achieving a particular vision for your community? Avoiding conflict in the community? Solely looking to avoid increasing dues?

Variables that can affect your board’s specific requirements might include the type of community association or building you have, your location, your available resources and your demographics, to name just a few. Despite these differences, your community association manager board can create an effective – and life-saving – plan by following these eight basic steps.

We will all need a measure of patience as we navigate changes related to the pandemic. Communications may move at a pace that’s different than we’re used to. As always, the best policy is to assume positive intentions from others, listen carefully and respond professionally.

The holiday season is upon us, and nothing puts you in a festive like pulling your holiday decorations out of storage. Many people derive a sense of community and comfort from seeing familiar decorations at the same time each year.

As community association managers begin their inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community. The spring season is a time for renewal and a fresh look, so being able to properly landscape around the building is of utmost importance.

Being on the board of your community association is not an easy job. No matter what your level of experience, mistakes can happen. Learn the seven common mistakes board members make and what you can do to avoid them.

You want your community association to be successful. All board members do. You know that means watching the finances carefully and maintaining the property. But do you think about effective board communication as an ingredient in your recipe for success? It is!

You may not think that your homeowners association (HOA) is likely to be targeted by a computer hacker. After all, we usually hear about data breaches affecting large organizations, like the 2018 breach at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, that affected more than 60,000 people.

Having a fiduciary responsibility to your homeowners association means putting the interests of your community first. Even the perception of a HOA board conflicts of interest can put you and your association at risk. Learn the nine things you can do to recognize and avoid potential issues.

If you're on the board of a condo, co-op, high-rise or HOA, you know that managing your homeowner's association budget is a major priority. You've likely explored many ways to save money and get the best deals, while still maintaining a high level of service.

One of the most important responsibilities your HOA board of directors faces is effectively planning for major common-area repairs and replacements. Whether a costly expenditure is needed in a few years or 20 years from now, it’s the board’s fiduciary duty to make sure your homeowners association (HOA) has adequate funds when the time comes. That’s where HOA reserves come into play.

Not all property managers have what they need to give you great service. Learn what it takes to be a great property manager.

Great policies can help your association run smoothly, enhance the resident experience and improve your reputation. Here are five questions to ask before creating a new HOA policy.

How do you tackle alignment as a group of diverse individuals with unique values? Find out what real board members from successful HOAs are doing differently.

Learn why effective HOA policy starts with a strong communication plan.

Enforcing HOA policies is nobody’s cup of tea, but having good policy enforcement in place helps improve the resident experience and elevates your reputation. Follow these 4 principles for healthy policy enforcement:

Does your association manager have the right tools, resources and support to take your association to the next level?

There are valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may be able to go a different route. Here are three strategies to save your HOA money and keep assessments stable.