Realty Times January 15, 2003

HOA Rx for Success
by Richard Thompson

Any homeowner association can become depressed, listless and out of sorts. Good health is often only a prescription away. Here are some that can improve the overall health and happiness of your community.

Communication Rx

  • Distribute a newsletter at least four times a year
  • Develop an Internet web site with critical HOA information
  • Distribute questionnaires to members and publish the results.
  • Distribute an HOA Event Calendar

Community Rx

  • Develop an active committee structure.
  • Develop a mission statement.
  • Get local businesses to advertise in your newsletter
  • Hold an annual community garage sale
  • Sponsor a neighborhood cleanup day

Management Rx

  • Distribute meeting agendas in advance
  • Limit board meetings to 2 hours and make real decisions.
  • Provide for a Homeowner Forum before each board meeting.
  • Make rules only when absolutely needed.
  • Revise governing documents using plain language.
  • Make board meetings minutes quickly available to members.

Financial Rx

  • Order a Reserve Study and adequately fund reserves to avoid special assessments.
  • Budget for board education. (seminars, books, magazines, videos)
  • Get member participation on the budget committee.
  • Distribute timely financial reports to members.

Now, aren't you feeling better? Well, you sure LOOK better and the good feelings are sure to follow. Just use two a day and you’ll be like new again. Dr. HOA. For more on HOA Communications, Management and Financial, see www.Regenesis.net



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