Five New Year’s Resolutions for Your HOA

What do you want to accomplish during the new year? You may already have plans for your association. But, if you haven’t made any resolutions yet, here are some high-return activities most associations can implement during the course of one calendar year. If your association focuses on some, or all, of the five items listed below, we’re confident you will see a positive change in your association.

1. Find one way to enhance communication between your board and homeowners. Proactive communication can help homeowners feel empowered. Even simple changes, like posting or eblasting information about important board meeting topics or upcoming projects, can go a long way in establishing and improving homeowner trust. Using professional communication tips, such as writing with concise, specific language and having someone else proofread your messages for accuracy, can help your meaning come across without a hitch.

2. Create an emergency plan for your association. Unfortunately, unexpected costs due to natural disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, and the like, have become far more common in recent years. Improve the odds that your association will weather any storm with just a few simple and easily employable strategies from FEMA. On step 5, where it says, “Test Family Communication Plan,” simply substitute “Family” with “Association.”

3. Calibrate your association’s finances. The new year is the perfect time to make sure your latest reserve study is up to date. Reserve studies are the best way to make sure that the funds coming into your reserve and operating accounts reflect the association’s true needs.

4. Get social. Regular social events help build strong communities and relationships. If your association hasn’t built a habit of hosting them, aim for at least one event this year. Consider hosting an event for Memorial Day – it’s far enough in advance that planning the event doesn’t feel overwhelming. Set the date as soon as possible to help you keep the commitment.

5. Get everyone on board. During the year, send proactive information about your association’s rules to members. Seasonal reminders sent in advance are better received than violation letters. Most homeowners want to follow the rules! Familiarizing your community with your local rules empowers them to succeed. You could also communicate what it means to get a violation.

These five activities are a great start to set up your association for continued success. We hope you and your community have a safe and prosperous New Year!

To get more tips on how to be the best HOA Board Member you can be, visit Boardline Academy blogs today!