It’s honestly surprising just how quickly you can go from a respected member of a community to holding a position of authority. You’re attending community meetings one minute and showing a little proactiveness, and soon, you’re getting nominated to different responsibilities. It can be a little overwhelming, given the scale and responsibilities involved.
This Old House analyzed data from several sources and learned some interesting insights. Firstly, there were over 369,000 homeowner associations in America, and California, Florida, and Texas had the most of them. Likewise, homes in community associations were worth over $12.9 trillion in property value.
Thus, it’s not weird to feel a little apprehensive. If you’re a newly appointed association manager, your challenges lie in handling things calmly and reliably for the community. Today, let’s look at three tips that can help you on this journey.
#1. Realize that Help Exists
Despite the best intentions you have when taking up your role, conflicts in HOAs are unavoidable, and you can’t ignore them as a manager. Everything from rules, fees, maintenance, and enforcement becomes a potential area where arguments can start between residents and the association.
Sometimes, the conflicts can be quite complex, and in states like Florida, new legislation is being advanced to curb HOA power. Rep. Juan Porras, who sponsored HB 657, believes HOAs have been a failure in the state. The new bill would give residents more ‘muscle’ to fight against HOAs. Thus, it’s not surprising that some bodies have started to hire Florida HOA management firms.
As Folio Association Management explains, they can step into difficult or tense situations and act as a great mediator. As an association manager, this can be a very useful way to reduce the stress and tension, since you’re not alone anymore.
#2 Don’t Be Tempted by Short-Term Solutions
A common mistake that many in your position make is focusing on quick fixes. After all, when you have a disgruntled resident, it feels like the only thing that satisfies them is immediate help. However, community associations are most helpful to people when they focus on the long term.
The fact is that if you actually have the best interests of the community in mind, the association becomes an asset. There’s a reason that, despite the less-than-stellar reputation, associations still thrive.
In fact, experts believed that the number of community associations would continue to rise and reach 373,000 by the end of 2025. Whether this prediction has been accurate remains to be seen. Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, notes that associations are continuing to be a resilient and popular housing option.
Thus, the negative experiences and stories that come up are usually triggered by associations that aren’t really doing their job properly. As an association manager, you’re there to help. If there are issues that have a complicated but real solution to a problem, that’s what you want to pick.
You may feel like residents would like immediate solutions, which is true. However, if the temporary fix keeps needing attention, the association simply looks incompetent.
#3. Remember That You’re Managing a Community
Sadly, one of the biggest reasons HOAs and associate managers get so much hate is the corporatization of the community. People go to work and deal with tough bosses and toxic situations every day. The last thing they want is a replication of the same experience where they live.
As an association manager, you have the power to change the dynamic that people are used to. Sure, you shouldn’t feel guilty about reminding people about whatever association fees that need to be paid, but let that not be your only focus. Don’t build up walls that separate you from the community you live in. Don’t create an environment where residents want to avoid greeting you when you pass by.
There’s zero necessity to power-trip and make things difficult when everyone just wants to live in peace. Unfortunately, your biggest enemies will be people within the leadership who want you to continue the toxic culture they may have created. This is why you have to ask yourself, “Am I going to break the cycle?”
Ultimately, you have a great opportunity as an association manager to improve the lives of residents. There are going to be tough situations, but the funny thing is, you don’t have to be perfect. As long as people see that you’re trying your best and not trying to dictate how others live, you’re good.
It’s also worth remembering that you’re managing a community of residents. Not a settlement on Mars. So, you really don’t have to make things more complicated than they need to be.