Serving on the HOA board can be a very rewarding experience – but it’s not for everyone. Some people may feel that they don’t have the time to commit or that they don’t enjoy that type of work. For others, it’s right up their alley and they’re involved with something that challenges and excites them. It takes the right kind of person to serve on the board. Here are a few valuable traits to have:
- Desire to make a difference
You’re someone who speaks up when there is a problem or you have a suggestion. You’re not afraid to dive in and really put forth the effort required to implement change. The HOA board sets the tone and direction for the HOA community and must keep the best interest of members in mind. Not every decision will be easy, and change can take time, but you may be a good fit if you’re passionate about making things run smoothly and effectively. Instead of complaining, you take action.
- You work well with others
You’ll be dealing with other board members, homeowners, property management personnel, vendors, community members, and more. This requires good communication and people skills. You’ll have to build positive rapports, deal with inquiries and concerns, and collaborate on decision making. It’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to compromise and negotiate.
- You’re a good problem solver
The HOA sees its fair share of problems and complaints. The question is – what are you going to do about them? Are you good at making the best of a bad situation and figuring out ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality? Can you work together to reach a mutual agreement? Sometimes you have to be creative and think outside the box to come up with solutions. And you have to be willing to do the research and find out what is acceptable and what is not.
- You know what you don’t know
Chances are, you’re not an expert in all things HOA-related, and that’s okay. As a board member, you have to be willing to ask for and accept help when necessary. This may mean partnering with a property management company or consulting with a professional. Know your own strengths and areas of improvement. Each person brings unique talents to the table, so figure out where their strengths lie and what areas you need more help with. Also be willing to learn and enhance your own knowledge.
- You have a thick skin
Let’s face it – you can’t please everyone all the time. As a board member, there are many things that you can’t take personally. You have to realize that it comes with the job. There will be difficult homeowners or vendors. Challenging problems will arise. But you have to be able to take it in stride and do what is best for the HOA community as a whole and stand behind the decisions the board makes.
Kuester Management Group can help fill in the knowledge gaps on your HOA board and guide you in the right direction when it comes to managing the HOA. The board doesn’t have to try to tackle everything on its own – that’s why the professionals at Kuester are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your HOA operations.
