Tips for Running for the HOA Board

Being part of the HOA board can be a very rewarding experience. You get to help guide decisions that impact the community and make it a better place to live. You have the opportunity to make a positive difference. However, it also means handling difficult situations and putting in the time and energy to make things happen. It’s a give and take. Still, being on the board can be a wonderful opportunity and learning experience.

If you’re thinking about running in the next election, here are a few things to keep in mind to boost your candidacy:

  • Stay involved. Make sure you regularly attend all board meetings and know what is happening in your community and what topics are up for discussion. Establish a positive reputation and provide constructive feedback and suggestions.
  • Make yourself known. In a similar regard, attend events and get to know your neighbors. Make it a point to introduce yourself and engage in conversations with other community members. Let them know more about you and become a familiar face.
  • Educate yourself. Read up on the governing documents of the HOA. Make sure you understand how decisions are made, what issues have been voted on in the past, proper policies and procedures for handling different situations, and what your responsibilities would be as a board member. Check the association website for past minutes and newsletters, or inquire about how to get copies.
  • Consider your qualifications. Think about why you want to run for the board and what makes you qualified to hold such a position. Do you bring management or leadership experience? Do you have a strong financial background? Have you lived in the neighborhood for 20 years? What do you bring to the table that would make you a good fit on the board?
  • Keep an open mind. Be willing to take others’ ideas and viewpoints into consideration. Other members will be entrusting you with making decisions in their best interests. It can’t be all about you and what you want. It’s about the community as a whole, and that means looking at the bigger picture.

As you prepare your speech or letter to the community regarding your decision to run for a board position, take time to reflect. Consider what is most important for others to know and why they should vote for you. You want to garner support but also not make promises that are beyond your reach. Focus on practical measures and realistic goals to build trust.

Kuester provides exceptional support to HOA communities and board members to keep organizations running smoothly and effectively. If you are elected to the board, take time to get to know your property manager and build positive relations.

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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.