While it’s true that some HOAs are self-managed and successful, it is also true that most self-managed HOAs need help managing the day-to-day needs of their community. If your board is trying to decide if hiring a HOA property management company is the right choice for your community, we’ve compiled a list of reasons it may benefit your, or any, community.

  1. Manage communication and member involvement. One of the most time consuming tasks for an HOA is dealing with all of the communication between residents and the association. A good HOA management company will make sure newsletters go out regularly, that all residents in violation of governing documents receive proper communication, and that all community activities are publicized to encourage member involvement.
  2. Financials. Even a good treasurer needs help with community finances. Remember, board members are volunteers! So having a manager who is well educated in HOA finances can be a tremendous help for any community. They will make sure financial statements are done and read properly, they help plan strategic budgets, and they can help your community stay on top of taxes and bills payable.
  3. Day–to-day management. If your board has the peace of mind that a community manager is handling the day-to-day tasks, it reduces stress and makes the board more effective at dealing with bigger issues when they arise. A good manager can take care of vendor relationships, he/she can filter communication/resident requests before it reaches board members, and most importantly a good manager is a neutral third party that makes day-to-day issues easier to resolve.
  4. Board member education. Board members are volunteers; so knowing the ins-and-outs of HOA management isn’t their day job. A good property management company provides training and resources for board members so they can be effective leaders in the community.
  5. Reserve study. HOA managers know that a reserve study needs to be done each year, as required by law. They help your board take inventory of HOA assets and ensure your HOA is in compliance with local laws.

At the end of the day the decision to hire a Houston community management company is one your board needs to sit down and discuss. Remember, if you decide to hire a community manger, you’ll want to take the time to interview several candidates. Not all property management companies are created equal, so take the time to make sure you hire the best fit for your community.