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
Published: January 15, 2003
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
 Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues.Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at . |
