How do you take care of your real estate investment in a neighborhood where people don't talk to each other or take care of the sidewalks? After all, a big part of your home's curb appeal is its surrounding neighborhood. No one wants to live next door to someone who doesn't mow their lawn or leaves trash out all week.
As it turns out, this is exactly why an HOA board exists in some neighborhoods. They provide guidelines for how best to take care of your property, and they also provide certain benefits for members of the HOA.
Here are some of the responsibilities of HOA board management and how you can join up.
HOA Board Duties
You can more or less break down the duty of community association managers into five areas. They need to maintain all common areas, settle disputes, enforce their rules, and manage HOA finances. Most importantly, the HOA needs to do all this within the law.
Maintain Common Areas
Homeowners may take certain common areas for granted, especially if they don't use them often. However, someone has to clean the swimming pools, clubhouses, and gymnasiums. That's the responsibility of the HOA, and part of their fees go towards that goal.
Settle Neighborhood Disputes
If two neighbors are having a dispute over something like noise levels or landscaping choices, then the HOA can act as a mediator. This is helpful if you want to avoid things like vandalism or lawsuits.
The decision of the HOA may also affect the rules they put into action.
Enforce HOA Rules
Part of joining an HOA means abiding by certain established rules. This includes how to deal with homeowners, what kind of decorations you can put up, and rental restrictions.
Manage HOA Finances
A successful HOA in Panama City Beach knows how to handle its finances and fees. They should budget correctly so that they don't run out of money early on in the year or overcharge their members.
Ensure Legal Compliance
Finally, an HOA needs to abide by the same rules as any Panama City Beach real estate property. They also need to know their limits regarding how they enforce their own set of rules.
How to Join an HOA Board
If you want to get involved with your local HOA board, you can start by attending meetings. Find out when they gather and become part of the conversation.
Inquire about elections and when they happen. Try to stand out amongst your neighbors and make a good impression.
Help Out With Community Association Management
Your HOA board is only as efficient as the people it serves. They both need to work hand in hand to improve the neighborhood and create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone. The best way to join them is by becoming part of the solution.
HOAs that need even more help reach out to PMI Emerald Coast. Entrepreneur Magazine ranked PMI #1 in property management in 2023. Contact us to learn more about our services, and we'll get in touch as soon as possible.
