Being on the Board of a Condominium or Homeowners Association is not an easy task, and oftentimes is a thankless job. Whether you are a new member of your board, or an existing member, it is always a great idea to revisit some best practices.
We have looked back at some very successful board members that we have worked with and have identified seven key attributes or habits that have stood out:
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- Put Community Interests First - The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to look out for the best interests of the community. This means keeping up with the physical property and changing times to make sure the community appeals to new buyers, which will maintain the property values of the community. Adding a new community feature that might add great value to the community, but that may not interest or benefit you needs to be looked at for the overall good of the community; not what works for you personally.
- Seek Consensus - The best board members are experts at rallying support and knowing how a vote is going to go long before the board meeting. Even when board members don't agree on priorities, they maintain a professional relationship and agree to support the consensus decision of the board.
- Invest in your Community - Remember the board has a duty to maintain the property values of the community, which means investing in the common areas and potentially making capital improvements. Reserve FUNDS are SAVED to be spent.
- Trust your Manager - Property Managers are licensed professionals typically with years of experience in their field. Good managers don't want to be micromanaged. If you cannot trust your manager, then you have the wrong manager.
- Over-communicate - The number one complaint we hear from frustrated owners that end up running for the board is: Lack of Transparency. Communicate with residents via monthly newsletters, community email blasts and manager's reports.
- Play by the Rules - Rules are not made to be broken in a Condo or HOA. It’s important to lead by example and not be accused of selective enforcement. The board must follow the same rules as everyone else.
- Be a Good Neighbor - You are a board member, but you’re also everyone’s neighbor. Treat your neighbors the way you want to be treated. Try to de-escalate situations whenever possible.
Join us at one of our upcoming Condo or HOA Board Certification Courses to learn more best practices of being an association board member. Click here to view our course schedule.
