8 Insights: What HOA Boards Want Residents to Know
A homeowners’ association (HOA) board of directors has a big job to lead an association successfully. That means enforcing rules, overseeing operations, and maintaining shared spaces while juggling deadlines, member communication, meetings, vendor support, and more.
A voluntary role, residents often wonder who makes up the board and what HOA board responsibilities are the most important. We asked Annette, a community leader for a large, master-planned community in Texas, to share what it’s like to run an HOA and what she wishes new residents knew about the job. Here’s what she revealed.
“Every HOA is different.”
Understanding HOAs starts with knowing that not every HOA has the same rules. Depending on regional conditions, local laws, and homeowner needs, associations will have different guidelines and offerings that make sense for their community. If you lived in a homeowners’ association before or know someone who has, expecting every community to be identical can lead to unrealistic expectations.
HOA boards want residents to understand that every community is unique. When buying a home, it’s important to review the governing documents and amenities offered in each community to find what’s best for you.
Learn More: A Breakdown of HOA Governing Documents
“The board is your best source of information on assessments.”
Regular assessments are an essential part of community living. They fund association operations, including repairs and capital improvements. However, many homeowners are unaware of how their contributions are used. They often make assumptions about where the money is going and, as a result, feel like the fees are too high.
If you have questions about assessments, your HOA board should have answers. You can always reach out to board members to learn more about community funding and how your dues enhance your quality of living, such as:
- Maintaining landscaping and community grounds
- Inspecting and repairing HOA amenities
- Keeping streets well-lit and in good condition
- Hosting community events and speakers
Related: Everything HOA Residents Need to Know About Assessments
“Board members also pay dues—and don’t like when they increase either.”
As association members and elected officers, HOA boards don’t receive compensation to serve their communities. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Board members are equal homeowners bound by the same rules and expectations as the rest of the community. This means they also pay dues that keep the association running.
To maintain living standards and the community’s value, it’s sometimes necessary to increase assessment rates. While homeowners, including some HOA board members, may be opposed to these increases, higher dues typically reflect higher overall prices for goods and services the HOA needs.
“The architectural control committee is strict for good reason.”
One of the perks of living in an HOA is strong property values. Homes usually maintain or increase their values because HOAs have strict architectural rules that promote beautiful, harmonious neighborhoods. Many associations form architectural control committees to review and approve or deny proposed home alterations.
Because these rules may seem restrictive on the surface, it can feel like an ongoing battle between the HOA and residents. However, board members want residents to know that they’re a vital part of creating attractive communities. If one person decides to make changes that don’t align with the HOA’s aesthetic, it doesn’t just impact their home. It could drop the value of all comparable homes in the neighborhood.
“Board members are volunteers who rely on experts to help make decisions.”
HOA boards consist of volunteer homeowners who choose to serve their communities and fellow residents. While they often have key characteristics that help them fulfill their HOA board member duties, they also work closely with experts to make the most informed decisions on behalf of the community.
Common types of professionals who partner with HOA boards include:
- Association attorney
- Certified public accountant
- Community manager
- Insurance agents
- Reserve specialists
Learn More: The Community Partners & Professional Service Providers Every Board Needs
“To discuss association business with a board member, contact them through the appropriate channels.”
Community residents may forget that board members are busy homeowners like themselves, with jobs, families, and other responsibilities outside their official HOA duties. It can quickly become overwhelming for board members when residents don’t use the appropriate channels to contact them.
Although HOA board members are there to serve their communities, there’s a time and place to conduct association business. If you need to discuss anything with the board, your community likely offers helpful ways to connect, including:
- Regularly scheduled meetings
- Board member emails or voicemails
- Community website or app messaging
- Online discussion forums
Understand the avenue that works best for your board and use it to receive faster responses and more accurate information.
“Boards value residents and want to hear from them.”
The HOA board is responsible for making decisions that are best for homeowners and contribute to the community’s success. To do that, board members must know what residents need and want. If you have any concerns, suggestions, or feedback, your board wants to hear them! Understanding what affects you allows boards to better prioritize issues and work to resolve them.
“Rules can be changed.”
HOAs create and enforce rules to support a safe and enjoyable living experience for all. If rules no longer serve the community, there are ways to amend them. Although several steps are involved in the official amendment process, it may be well worth taking the time to improve your community. Board members often review the HOA’s governing documents for outdated or unnecessary guidelines, but residents can also help by directly bringing concerns to the board.
HOA Rules Guidebook: Everything Residents Need to Know
Now that you have a better understanding of how HOAs work and HOA board responsibilities, it’s time for a deeper dive into HOA rules. Check out our ebook, “HOA Rules Guidebook: Everything Residents Need to Know,” to learn more about association rules and how they maintain and enhance the community.