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Some people are movers and shakers. They’re just cut out to be leaders and drive change. This can be great for the homeowners association (HOA) because you don’t want board members who are content to sit idly by and keep doing things the way they’ve always been done simply because it’s the easiest thing to do. The association should evolve with the times.
If you’re passionate about wanting to serve your community and do what’s in the best interest of your fellow homeowners, running for a spot on the board may be for you. If there are multiple candidates, however, you must show why you’re the best choice:
Be Involved
If you want a shot at serving on the board, it’s a good idea to be visible and regularly attend association meetings and events. Stay up-to-date on everything that is going on and volunteer to help out with special events or on a committee. Other homeowners should know who you are, and you should know them. Start building connections.
Be Informed
Make sure you understand how the HOA operates and what the governing documents say. While you don’t have to know them by heart, you should understand the purpose of each document, where to find relevant information, and how decisions are made.
Be Vocal
Let others know what you stand for and believe in. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and where you see opportunities for improvement. Take time to talk to your neighbors and understand their concerns and what changes they would like to see. This can help you to determine if you have similar visions for the future of the organization.
Be Respectful
While being vocal is important, you want to do so respectfully. Be polite and professional in dealing with others. You may not agree with everyone or everything, but you don’t have to be rude or disrespectful about it. Differences in opinion can be a good thing and lead to productive conversation.
Be Responsible
If you want to serve on the board, you should ensure that you’re a standup member yourself. That means paying dues on time, following the rules, fostering positive relationships with other members, and being actively involved.
Be Prepared
Serving on the HOA board is a demanding job. Make sure you are prepared for the time commitment and are ready to make tough decisions should the need arise. Realize that you’ll never please everyone and shouldn’t take things too personally. Remember that while you are a board member, you’re also a homeowner, spouse/parent, professional, and much more. Be ready to set reasonable boundaries and expectations.
Being part of the HOA board can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Talk to current and former board members to get a better idea of what the role entails and what is expected of you. If you are confident that you would be a good fit, go ahead and put your name on the ballot. And don’t forget that you don’t have to go it alone – Kuester works closely with HOAs to support more informed, efficient, and effective operations.
