Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1492999
Often boasting enviable amenities, pristine landscaping, and strong neighborhood camaraderie, many residents across North America are choosing to live in a community with a homeowners' association (HOA). While managed communities are becoming increasingly popular, not all residents know how to best optimize their HOA living experience. As experts in the community management business, we're sharing our top seven tips for getting the most out of your HOA and making the community lifestyle all it's cracked up to be. 1. Learn what everybody's talking about. To have a successful experience in a managed community, understanding the role of residents and the role of the HOA is necessary. Learning how HOAs operate and mastering the terms you'll hear at meetings, online, or in everyday conversations will make HOA life as it's supposed to be—easy. Here are some terms you should know: • Board of directors: Elected by fellow residents, board members are volunteers who help enforce guidelines and maintain shared spaces. • Governing documents: The constitution, law, and regulations that explain how a community is governed. • Community management company: A third-party organization the board hires to fulfill duties members can't carry out. These companies can do things like administer the association's business affairs and support maintenance and accounting efforts. • Community association manager: A management company representative or hired certified independent contractor who works directly with your community and board. • Assessments: Dues all residents pay to the HOA quarterly, monthly, or annually. • Fines: A fee residents must pay when they violate a community rule. • Reserve fund: Money set aside by the HOA for costly large-scale projects and improvements that don't occur on a regular basis. 2. Meet your neighbors. It's a fact: tight-knit communities where neighbors know one another have fewer conflicts, open communication, and a positive culture. Welcome new residents, chat at the mailbox, ask about yard additions, or share a seasonal treat—these gestures can go a long way and seriously boost morale. 3. Volunteer and participate. Getting involved in the community is rewarding and worthwhile. As a resident, your opinions, participation, and input matter and can affect decisions and the HOA's future. Whether you attend a board meeting, show up to the block party, serve on the welcome committee, or provide a suggestion, there are ample opportunities to get involved and engage with neighbors. 4. Get familiar with the finances. Paying dues is part of living in a community with an HOA. Those fees typically go towards association operations like insurance, landscaping, maintenance, and the funding of reserves. However, every community is unique, and you should understand exactly where your money is going. Find out how your association uses these funds by attending meetings, referencing your governing documents, reading your newsletter, or asking your board members or community manager. The more you know about the association's finances and priorities, the easier it'll be to appreciate how your contributions support the community. 5. Follow the rules. To keep the community looking and functioning at its best, residents are required to follow a set of rules and regulations. From noise restrictions to parking guidelines, these rules and regulations are in place for good reason; they're designed to sustain the neighborhood, increase home values, and make the community a safer, more enjoyable place. It's important to get acquainted with these rules and expect the board to enforce them equally. Revisit your governing documents and familiarize yourself with your HOA's rules to avoid warnings, violations, and fines, and encourage a comfortable living environment. 6. Use the amenities. Many residents agree that amenities are a top perk of HOAs. The features of a community meant to promote ease and satisfaction, amenities like playgrounds, walking trails, fitness centers, pools, and clubhouses foster a relaxed lifestyle. Plus, because your dues fund and maintain them, you should opt to make use of these offerings. 7. Connect with board members. Your HOA leaders work on your behalf and strive to improve the quality of living for all residents. They want to hear from you, so take time to connect with them. Introduce yourself, offer insight when appropriate, and form personal bonds. When the board and membership work together, everyone wins. 35