What Should the HOA Look for in a Property Manager?

There are a lot of responsibilities that come with managing an effective homeowner’s association. The board must constantly be reviewing its operations, making decisions that benefit the community, responding to members, and planning for the future. To help better manage these tasks and more, many associations partner with a property manager.

But not all property managers or property management companies are the same. It is important that the HOA find a property manager that is a good fit for the association, its needs, and its goals. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting and working with a property manager:

  • What is their background? Ask about what types training or professional development they have undertaken to become a property manager. How long have they been in the business? Is there a certain area they excel in or types of HOAs they typically work with? Make sure they have a strong background and positive referrals. Check to see if they hold any credentials and consider talking to references who have worked with them.
  • Are they a good listener? Listening is critical to any relationship, business or otherwise. Does the property manager seem truly interested in what your board has to say? Are they asking the right questions to better understand your needs and how they can provide the best service? Make sure they’re not too busy trying to sell themselves that they’re not focused on creating a mutually beneficial partnership. It should be a two-way conversation.
  • Are they responsive? When trying to set up a meeting or gather more information, how quickly did you receive a response? How much time do they spend in the office versus on site at different properties? You want to make sure that they will be available when you need them and provide information and services in a prompt manner. Even if they cannot answer your question right away, they should acknowledge your message and then follow up.
  • What services do they offer? Different property management companies offer different services. Review what your HOA is looking for and see if the property manager can meet each of these needs – and if they have other recommendations that you may have overlooked. Work together to create a plan that works for your HOA. Also, look into their vendor relationships and what types of connections they can help you make. Property managers have often built a strong network that they can call upon and that can benefit your HOA.

Take the time to do your research and explore different options when it comes to property management companies. Once you have selected a company, you may also have options as to what property manager works with your community, so choose someone you feel is a good fit with your organization and the personalities on the board. Kuester Management Group works with HOA communities throughout the Carolinas providing comprehensive, knowledgeable service. If your HOA could benefit from the support of an experienced property manager, contact Kuester today.

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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.