Making the Most of HOA Living

HOA communities are prevalent throughout the United States. It’s becoming more difficult to find a well-kept neighborhood that doesn’t have an HOA. After all, having an HOA helps to protect property value, maintain order, build community, and provide access to desirable amenities. As you settle into your HOA community, here are a few ways to make the most of your experience:

  • Read the rules first.

Before you put in a final offer and purchase your new home, familiarize yourself with the HOA’s governing documents. Understand what the expectations are and make sure that you’re okay with abiding by the rules put in place. For instance, you may have to get permission to change the color of your shutters, replace your mailbox, or build a fence. No two communities are exactly the same, so do your research and find somewhere you enjoy and can live with the rules and expectations.

  • Take advantage of amenities.

You’re paying annual dues to live there, so why not take advantage of the community’s amenities? Instead of paying extra money at the local gym, use the one at the clubhouse. Same goes for the pool. Thinking about hosting a party? See if you can reserve a room in the clubhouse and make use of the open space and parking for guests. The amenities are there for your benefit, so use them.

  • Get involved.

Stay in the know and be a part of the decision-making process by joining the board or volunteering for a committee. You can make your voice heard and have a hand in improving the neighborhood. If there are changes or improvements you’d like to see, being actively involved is a great way to make it happen. If you just sit back and watch hoping someone else will take the lead, you may be waiting for a long time. You’re a part of the community, so be a contributor.

  • Stay informed.

Maybe you’re not ready to join the HOA board yet, but that doesn’t mean you should be out of the loop. Make it a point to attend HOA meetings and events so you get to know your neighbors and understand changes that are occurring. Your voice and vote count. Staying up-to-date on HOA happenings can help you to ensure you’re abiding by the rules and following proper procedures. You can also keep track of project progress and see where the community is headed moving forward – and share your insight.

Make the most of HOA living by understanding expectations, speaking up, and partnering with the Association to make your community an even better place to live. If you do run into issues, work with the board and property manager to resolve problems. Kuester supports HOAs throughout the Carolinas in creating safe, enjoyable communities for homeowners.

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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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