Serving as part of the board for your homeowners association is something to be proud of. It is not a position that everyone is cut out to assume, nor do they necessarily want to assume. There is a great deal of responsibility that comes with running an HOA, but also a lot of reward. You get to take part in ensuring the health, value, safety, and continued success of your community.
But before you throw your hat in the ring, make sure you’re doing so for the right reasons. If you’re only in it because you have a vendetta against neighbors, plan to overhaul how things are run, want to be in a position of authority, or have your own agenda, those aren’t really the right reasons to join.
Here are some more practical reasons to run:
- You want to better your community. Are you someone that recognizes problems and comes up with reasonable solutions? Are you passionate about protecting property value and making improvements that benefit members as a whole?
- You have a desire to serve. If you’re someone who is driven by giving back to others and helping the association to run as effectively as possible, board membership may be a good step for you.
- You take problems in stride. For as many suggestions as the HOA gets, they also receive their share of complaints. Are you someone who remains calm and can deal with stressful situations without losing your cool? Sometimes the board must come up with creative solutions to resolve problems while still maintaining compliance.
- You’re open to differing viewpoints. There is often more than one “right” way to do something, so board members must be willing to listen to others’ opinions and ideas.
- You want to become a better leader. Serving on the board can be a wonderful opportunity to develop your leadership skills and learn from others who are experienced board members. You can bring fresh ideas while also learning the ins and outs of running an HOA and working with diverse people.
- You don’t need recognition. Being part of the HOA board is often a thankless job. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes that members may not realize. Are you okay with putting in the work because it’s the right thing to do, not because you’re looking for praise from others?
As part of the HOA board, you’ll be on the front lines of helping to plan for the future and ensure that your association is working in the best interest of homeowners. If that sounds like something you’re ready to be a part of, start building support from neighbors and talking about your plan to run for the board. Feel even more confident with the knowledgeable, experienced support of a HOA management company like Kuester working alongside the HOA. We help HOA communities located in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach areas.
