Preparing for Holiday Festivities in HOA Communities

October through January are often busy months for holiday parties, events, and get togethers. It’s a time to see family and friends, celebrate, and have a good time. And while that can be a lot of fun, it can also mean a lot of additional people and traffic within the HOA community. It’s important to plan ahead when hosting events and be mindful of others in the neighborhood.

Some HOAs hold festivities for the entire community to bring everyone together. In doing so, they should keep in mind how these activities will be paid for. Is it something that is built into the budget? Will guests pay a small fee to attend? Will everyone be asked to bring something to contribute? Funding can be a sensitive subject because if not every homeowner is attending, they may not want their dues to go toward the bill. These are issues to discuss and gain insight to before parties are planned.

If you are a homeowner planning an event, there are also some considerations you should keep in mind:

  • Parking: Let guests know ahead of time where they should park, whether it is in a designated guest parking lot, or only on a certain side of the street. You don’t want to block the flow of traffic or interfere with your neighbors’ ability to get in and out of their driveways. If you’re expecting a lot of people, check with your HOA about the best way to handle parking.
  • Noise: Celebrations are fun, and it’s exciting to see people you might not have seen in a while. But when the music is playing and everyone has arrived, it can get a little loud. Try to keep a handle on the noise level so as not to disturb your neighbors. If it’s starting to get late, bring the festivities inside to contain some of the noise, and turn down the music. Pay attention to when community quiet hours start so you’re not in violation. You may want to start the party a little earlier so it wraps up earlier too.

It can also be a good idea to let your neighbors know ahead of time that you’re having people over so they’re not caught off guard when guests start arriving and there’s more activity than usual. (You could even invite them to join in too!)

Be more aware during the holidays that parties are going on so everyone can stay safe. Report any suspicious activity, and be alert when driving for people crossing the street or getting in and out of cars. Whether you’re attending an HOA party or holding your own, be respectful of community guidelines as well as other members. Working with a property management company like Kuester can help your HOA to not only plan events, but also improve communication with members about celebrations.

Share Article
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
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.