An HOA manager can positively impact your community. A manager possesses the proper training, experience, and tools to ensure smooth operations and successful HOA management. This can certainly prove helpful for a volunteer HOA board.
What Is an HOA Manager?
An HOA manager is a professional manager that an HOA or its board of directors hires to assist with community management. Some states require HOA managers or community managers to carry a license to practice.
For example, in Florida, most situations require these managers to have a license to work. Managers can obtain a license in the Sunshine State by submitting specific requirements. This includes going through an application process, taking an exam, and receiving proper training.
There are two types of HOA managers: those who work for a management company and those who work independently. An independent HOA manager works as an individual and is hired directly by the association. In contrast, homeowner association management companies can employ managers and assign them to client communities.
What’s the Difference Between a Property Manager and a HOA Manager?
While many people use property manager and HOA manager interchangeably, there is a clear distinction between the two. An HOA manager is a professional who manages community associations, such as HOAs, townhomes, and condominiums. They can sometimes be referred to as community managers or association managers.
Meanwhile, a property manager is a professional who manages rental properties. They answer to landlords or rental property owners and handle things like collecting rent, addressing tenant complaints, and enforcing the lease agreement.
The exact duties of an HOA manager depend heavily on the agreed-upon services highlighted in the management contract. Some communities require full-service management, complete with all the bells and whistles. However, other communities only need select services, such as financial management, administrative work, and remote management.
Top Reasons Why Hiring an HOA Manager Is Beneficial
It is understandable for your HOA board to think twice about hiring a professional manager. After all, managers don’t come free. Apart from the apparent advantages of lessening the board’s workload and giving you more free time, there are plenty of other reasons to hire an HOA manager.
1. They Are Experienced Experts
Professional managers have many years of HOA experience under their belt. They know how to easily manage associations and understand what to do in certain situations. They also know the best practices in the industry.
Trained professionals can also focus on fulfilling their HOA manager responsibilities. Volunteer board members don’t always have the same luxury, as they have other priorities in life. Meanwhile, HOA managers are specifically trained and hired to care for your community.
2. They Are Utmost Professionals
Board members often find it difficult to detach themselves emotionally from the job. When a homeowner comes to them with a problem, board members might let their personal judgments and biases influence their decision. After all, homeowners are more than just their constituents – they’re neighbors.
In comparison, an HOA manager is a neutral third party who can professionally make decisions. Managers have an easier time removing themselves from the situation and looking at things objectively. They won’t think twice about enforcing a rule or collecting a past-due assessment. Professionalism and fairness also prove helpful when resolving disputes.
3. They Help With Administrative Work
An HOA manager typically handles administrative work to keep the community functioning. Tasks include planning board meetings, organizing paperwork, and maintaining the community website. If your association hires a management company, administrative work is usually delegated to a team of back-office staff members.
4. They Enforce the Rules
Enforcing the rules is a vital function of the HOA board. Unfortunately, not all board members have time to accomplish this in a procedurally correct manner. This is where an HOA manager comes in handy.
An HOA manager can inspect violations frequently, send violation notices, and plan disciplinary hearings. The HOA board can then decide on the penalty, which the manager can help carry out.
5. They Make Collections and Finances a Breeze
The HOA manager can assist the board with budget preparation and tracking. This keeps the association in good financial standing. The manager can also help collect dues, offering several payment methods. This gives homeowners more options, thereby minimizing late or missed payments.
If a homeowner does default on their fees, the community manager can also enforce the HOA’s collection policy. This can include charging late fees, temporarily suspending owner privileges, taking legal action, attaching a lien, and even initiating foreclosure proceedings.
In addition to collections, the association manager can also help with accounting and financial management. Tasks include preparing financial statements, maintaining the books, assisting with tax preparation, and planning the reserves.
6. They Handle Maintenance and Repairs
Every HOA community needs proper and regular maintenance to ensure functionality, maintain curb appeal, and preserve property values. If your HOA board doesn’t have the time and resources for this, an HOA manager is the key to your problems.
Managers can schedule routine maintenance and facilitate repairs. They can hire the right vendors to complete the job and monitor progress to ensure quality. If your HOA hires a management company, the company may have in-house maintenance personnel for this type of work.
7. They Liaise With Vendors
Homeowners associations rely on vendors for many things, including maintenance, cleaning, legal work, and insurance. Coordinating and communicating with these vendors can be a handful. With a community manager, though, your board can delegate the job to a trained professional.
In addition to coordinating with vendors, managers can help with the vendor-hiring process. This includes sending out RFPs, screening potential applicants, negotiating vendor contracts, and monitoring performance.
8. They Are Communicators
Communication is a pillar of success, especially when managing a community. Board members might need more time or energy to ensure good communication. However, an HOA manager can step in to fill this gap.
Managers can communicate with homeowners and send notices as necessary. They can also respond to resident concerns and address their complaints. Beyond that, managers can help with board communications, even attending their board meetings.
9. They Can Provide Legal Help
Board members should seek legal assistance from a lawyer. However, managers can typically provide sound advice for minor issues.
Community managers are well-versed in the federal, state, and local laws that may affect HOAs. It is also part of their job to keep up with legislative changes. This allows them to ensure that your association complies with all regulations. They can also help with other legal aspects, such as filing reports with the Secretary of State, recording liens, and amending governing documents.
Worth the Money
As you can see, every community association can benefit significantly from having an HOA manager. While it does cost money to hire one, it is undoubtedly well worth the price, considering what you get in return.
This is where Freedom Community Management comes in. Call us today at 904-490-8191 or contact us online to learn more about what we can do for you!