HOA Managers manage the day-to-day operations of a community association. They work closely with the board and residents to ensure that the association operates smoothly and efficiently.
They also help enforce rules and regulations in the governing documents. Typical responsibilities include managing maintenance requests and responding to reporting violations.
Communication Skills
HOA Managers need to be able to communicate effectively with residents, board members, and management companies. This includes keeping residents informed of important updates and events, as well as addressing concerns that arise.
Many managers will also maintain an HOA website or email address for residents to use if they have questions or concerns. This helps ensure that the community is well-informed and engaged, and can also save time for the manager by avoiding answering routine questions that homeowners have.
As mentioned earlier, managing a neighborhood can be very hectic, so a manager with good communication skills is essential. They can answer residents’ questions and address their concerns promptly, while also guiding the entire community toward a direction that benefits all involved.
Of the 117,454 active property managers in the United States today, many have mastered specialties like residential, commercial, and industrial management. However, HOA management is a less common area of expertise that requires unique proficiencies and skill sets.
General Contracting Knowledge
Whether it’s dealing with contractors or communicating with residents, HOA Managers need to have general contracting knowledge. This can make it easier for them to get work done and help reduce costs on projects that are time-sensitive or require extensive planning.
When hiring a contractor, it’s important to check that they have the proper insurance coverage. This will protect your community and relieve them from liability should anything go wrong.
Another sign of an untrustworthy contractor is a payment arrangement that requires cash only, rather than the use of checks or credit cards. This isn’t just a risk, it’s a violation of contract law.
A good HOA Manager will be able to negotiate with vendors and contractors, even those who have opposing opinions. They can also communicate effectively with all parties involved, including board members, and keep everyone on the same page.
Organizational Skills
HOA Managers have a variety of responsibilities, from managing the finances of the Association to maintaining CC&Rs and addressing resident concerns. They also help the Board of Directors make informed decisions that are in the best interests of the community.
Whether they work on-site at an individual property or manage a portfolio of several managed communities, HOA managers have many of the same organizational skills. They keep their daily planners up-to-date, arrive for meetings on time and meet deadlines.
One of the most important organizational skills that HOA Managers have is an understanding of the Association’s governing documents. It is essential for a manager to be familiar with the different sections of each document, as well as any unique rules or policies that are specific to a particular neighborhood.
Another important organizational skill that HOA Managers have is the ability to stay on top of current best practices in community management. For example, if an HOA board member is hesitant to implement a new policy, the manager can bring in examples of how other successful communities have done it.
Conflict Resolution Skills
Whether it is with residents, board members, or vendors, conflict resolution skills are essential for HOA Managers. They must be able to handle disputes without getting into legal battles that can take up significant time and money.
Communication and education are two important tools to use in order to avoid conflicts. These include communicating regularly with homeowners, sharing information about community events and updates through newsletters and mailers, and asking residents to read their community rules and regulations.
When there is a dispute, an HOA manager should remain professional and be patient with those they are dealing with. They should not yell, use insults or show frustration, as this will only escalate the situation.
Empathy is also an important skill when it comes to resolving conflict. This is especially important if the other party is in a different position than you are, as this will help to understand how they are feeling and what their perspective is.