HOA Boot Camp: Learning the Ropes of Board Membership

It’s flattering and exciting to be elected for HOA Board membership; if you’re chosen for this illustrious position, you should feel proud! Chances are, though, you’re also going to feel a little overwhelmed, at least at first. Board service is no minor responsibility, and the first few days of Board service can sometimes seem daunting.

To feel confident as an HOA Board member, you just have to allow yourself some time. Additionally, you have to invest in some ongoing Board education. Spend as much time as you can simply immersing yourself in the world of the HOA, soaking up as much of it as you can and allowing it to bolster your comfort and enthusiasm.

Think of it as “HOA Boot Camp,” if you will—and try some of the following approaches:

  1. Arrange a time to speak with a more experienced Board member, perhaps over lunch or coffee. Ask about some common mistakes you might avoid, or some of the important lessons they have learned in their own HOA experience. Ask about the character and makeup of the Board, and about current goals and pressing issues.
  2. Secure copies of the meeting minutes from the last few Board meetings, just to familiarize yourself with some of the most recent discussions.
  3. Reach out to your property manager and invite him or her to sit down over lunch or coffee; just spend some time getting to know each other, and allow yourself to feel comfortable with this person.
  4. Inquire about any educational resources or programs that your management company provides. Kuester usually has some things going on that new Board members can benefit from, so board membership has its perks!
  5. As always, make sure you are familiar with the Association’s rules and regulations, and in particular with what Board members are and are not allowed to do.

Remember that education is the key to confidence—so the more you do to prepare yourself, the more comfortable you will be in your HOA role!

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Bryan Kuester

Bryan Kuester

Bryan is the CEO of Kuester Management Group. He has over 15 years of managing community associations throughout North and South Carolina.

His specialties include Community Association Management - maintenance, budgeting for operational and reserve funding, long-range planning, covenant enforcement, amenity management, onsite management, large scale management.

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