Data from Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR) shows that there are about 22,300 HOA communities in Texas. These are becoming increasingly popular as more people are seeing the benefits of living in such areas - but are they really worth all the fuss?
In many cases, HOAs don't run as efficiently as they should, and the residents of these communities can face many challenges. This is where HOA managers come in. They can assist HOA boards and help these communities thrive.
So how can an HOA manager benefit your community? Keep reading to find out.
Keeping Common Areas in Good Shape
HOA maintenance is one of the first services that a community management company can provide. While residents need to look after their own properties, communal areas are typically the responsibility of the HOA board. These often include areas such as:
- Pools
- Art studios
- Gyms
An HOA manager can oversee all maintenance for these areas. This includes establishing routine maintenance schedules and finding suitable contractors whenever repair work is needed.
HOA management companies often have networks consisting of various contractors. They tend to have no problem finding reliable companies for any work, and can often get the best prices for their services.
Keeping Everyone Happy
The HOA leadership skills of an association manager extend to both the HOA board and the residents. They work to help ensure everyone in the community is happy.
One way they do this is by ensuring efficient communication between board members and residents. They also answer calls and respond to messages to ensure no one is left waiting when they have questions or concerns. By improving resident and HOA board relations, they can help ensure everyone is happy with how things are being run and the direction the community is heading in.
HOA managers can also deal with administrative duties, such as:
- Scheduling HOA meetings
- Organizing community events
- Keeping and organizing records
These can be very time-consuming, so taking on these duties gives the HOA board more time to focus on the community.
Effective Financial Management
HOA financial management is another responsibility that typically falls to the HOA board, but it can be very complicated. As HOA boards are made up of community volunteers, it's uncommon for any members to have relevant experience. They can often struggle to manage finances effectively, and this can cost the community money.
HOA managers have relevant training, so they can take care of this instead. Some typical tasks include:
- Collecting HOA fees
- Creating budgets
- Maintaining financial records
An HOA manager is far less likely to make mistakes here. They may also be able to identify areas where money is being spent inefficiently. They can then make changes that will save money and the board can channel this into other areas, helping the community to grow and thrive.
Hiring an HOA Manager
Working with an HOA manager is a great way to ensure your HOA board can stay on top of their duties. They provide support and guidance that can help your community achieve success.
PMI Cross Timbers is a leading association management company serving Dallas Fort Worth and the surrounding communities. Our experience and commitment to excellent push us to drive the best results for our clients. Take a look at our association management page to find out more.
