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 .