Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1483107
Moving into a new home is exciting. Meeting neighbors, strolling through the neighborhood, and organizing your space all contribute to that thrilling feeling. With a clean slate, new residents of a homeowners' association (HOA) are eager to start fresh. To nourish that positivity and make members feel included, it's important that both HOA board members and residents welcome new people on the block with a warm smile and helping hand. For specific ways communities can help new residents get comfortable, we asked Karla Strader, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, director of community management, for advice. Keep title companies aware of the organization that manages your community, so buyers can properly fill out the forms needed to purchase a home. Sending a title company an official letter on an HOA company letterhead that states who manages the association and how to order documents is a quick and easy way to make the buying process seamless and make people feel comfortable. Confirm your packet contains relevant and useful information. Providing current contacts, like emergency personnel and community manager details, where to find amenities, and service provider phone numbers, ensures new members have the tools to settle into their surroundings. Other helpful information: a trash schedule, board meeting calendar, and instructions for creating a profile on the community's app. Comprised of fellow residents, the welcome committee's responsibilities include meeting new members, orienting them to the community, and inviting them to gatherings. A board member or manager should know who's new in the neighborhood and tell the committee who to reach out to. Extending a warm welcome to new members at each board meeting is a great opportunity to promote inclusion, too. Celebrate the holidays or throw a special community party once a year so new members can mingle with other members in a casual environment. Offer food and invite the management company and additional vendors to be sponsors. That way, you're cultivating a real sense of community, fostering connections—and saving money." Expert advice for helping new homeowners feel comfortable. What Should Communities Do to Welcome New Residents? Keep local title companies up to date. Update welcome packets regularly. Form an active welcome committee. Hold an annual event. ASK A COMMUNITY MANAGER "Here are several ways residents and board members can work together to create a welcoming environment for new neighbors: About Karla Strader Karla Strader is director of community management for Associa Colorado. With more than 17 years of experience, she currently oversees a team of community managers and serves on the board of directors, as secretary, for the Rocky Mountain chapter of Community Associations Institute. Her designations include Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®), Association Management Specialist (AMS®), and Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®). 31