Webs We Weave

Like the spider’s web, homeowner association frameworks are intended to provide a system for efficient management of the HOA business. But many operate like a spider on LSD with random and ill conceived processes tied together by urgency or neglect. It’s not pretty.

In truth, managing an HOA is a highly complex undertaking. It involves the intricacies of sophisticated property management system tethered to an understanding of human behavior that would cause a seasoned diplomat’s head to spin. Yet many boards seem oblivious to this and even more surprised when their efforts are criticized by the members. "It’s a thankless job," they’ll say.

Whether the members appreciate it or not should not be the primary objective. The greatest thanks there is effectively protecting and enhancing the HOA assets with thoughtful planning and execution. Take it as patting yourself on the back. When the board properly manages business, good things will happen. Costs will be contained, repairs will be done when needed, rule breakers will be smited when appropriate and residents will live in harmony. There is much cause for celebration here.

Part of weaving this mystical web is for the board to realize that it can’t be done alone. This one is sometimes hard to overcome because a pattern was set years ago by the first board which thought it could be done alone. Or early boards forced to do it due to an inadequate budget with no room for professional management and other experts needed to do it right. But once the current board is totally worn down or worn out, it will occur that maybe there is a better way...hire people that get paid to do it. When the hue and cry arises that it costs too much, the facts usually indicate otherwise. Costs for professional management often amount to $20-$30/month/unit. How much is your time worth?

And what about paying for experts like lawyers, reserve study professionals, engineers, etc.? Since boards rarely have this kind of inside talent, making informed decisions requires spending money for sage counsel and advice. Spending money this way usually saves money by better focusing goals and outcomes. So, include money in the budget for the experts and don’t be afraid to spend it.

An important part of the web is rules. Only add those that are really necessary. Include reasonable fines to make them enforceable and a right of appeal. Sample rules and policies are available to Gold Subscribers of www.Regenesis.net for only $99/year.

The saying goes, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive." But when the board purposefully weaves together good management practices, the resulting web is a thing of truly lasting beauty.

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