Realty Times April 30, 2003

Homeowner Association Mind Bending
by Richard Thompson

Money. There is never enough of it and homeowner association Boards often struggle to get the membership to ante up enough to take care of common assets which often include the members’ own homes. You’d think protecting one’s own property would be natural. But in HOAs where the Board controls member assets, it’s often a point of contention.

Tight fisted members challenge efforts to raise homeowner fees so adequate maintenance can take place. Consequently, the assets deteriorate and the members experience declining market values, livability and unhappiness. Illogical you say?

There are several reasons members resist what is in their own best interest. These reasons often underlie other areas in their lives so don’t take it personally. Just recognize that facts and logic are secondary with some people. Consider:

  • Mistrust: This feeling often runs deep. For this person, a Board that communicates poorly or dictatorially invites challenge. If there is a long history of this, resistance to money proposals, rules and policies is almost automatic.

  • Inflexibility: If the HOA has maintained no or low reserves since the beginning, getting the members to change is difficult. Like turning a barge, the process must begin early with a firm hand on the controls to ensure the HOA changes direction. Recognizing the natural resistance to change and plotting a gradual course of correction gradually woos support.

  • Peter Pannism: HOAs are marketed as a way to reduce cost of living and home maintenance (called “carefree” by developers and real estate agents). But carefree doesn’t come free. It just means that someone else handles it for you. The Board often discovers that “someone” is the Board and asking for money to get the job done is an insult. This thinking is best summed up, “The HOA can’t afford (reserves, manager, landscape contractor, pool contractor, etc.) but I personally don’t want to do any of it myself.”

  • Intractability: Even the most successful Board lobbying effort battles some opposition to the bitter end. Some just refuse to cooperate. That’s human nature. As long as the majority come around, you’ve succeeded. The biggest critics often become the staunchest supporters once the Board has proven successful.

  • Fear & Trust: Some fear what tomorrow will bring and need a higher degree reassurance. These folks make decisions slowly or not at all for fear of making the wrong one. They rely heavily on those they trust. This is a great responsibility for those that accept it. For the HOA Board, this means making informed decisions and treating seriously the trust that has been given to you.

    Even though these mindsets are largely emotional, they are very real and don’t go away. They must be overcome for the Board to move business along. It’s the “people” aspect of the HOA business. These people are the HOA’s customers and if they aren’t buying, business comes to a standstill. Persuasiveness through patience, planning, and prodding. It’s a mind bending experience.

    For more on this topic, see www.Regenesis.net


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