Having a homeowner association website is a tremendous plus when it has all the right stuff and kept current. Members access the budget, rules, policies and governing documents with a few button clicks. Prospective owners learn about the community before closing the deal. Need to know information is available 24/7, saving time, money, providing a platform for efficient communication and helping define a community identity. HOA websites come in different formats and slants, depending on who is paying the bill.

Developer Marketing Website
Developers spend considerable money these days promoting HOA projects online. The sites are beautiful, intended to attract buyers and increase profitability. They usually include floor plans, architectural renderings, 360 degree panoramas and other hot buttons for buyers. They rarely include information about the HOA operations, what really matters in the long haul. State laws usually requires written disclosure of this information in a phonebook size stack of documents which is carefully perused by each buyer before closing (NOT!).

Developer websites often wisely choose a web address that reflects the community like www.NottacareCondos.com. This address can be transferred to the homeowner association upon turnover or, at least, when the developer has no further use for it. The HOA can often transform it for operations use while retaining the high quality graphics.

Fill in the Blanks Website
Template based websites are designed for ease of use. This is particularly important when using volunteers to maintain the website. Simply fill in text, documents and pictures into predetermined fields and upload the result quickly. Some of these "fill in the blanks" websites are more focused on HOA business than others that include distractions like advertising, weather and stock reports. Ad supported websites are generally cheaper but annoying for the users.

Homegrown Website
Website building software is available, like Microsoft Front Page, that is relatively simple to learn and allows quite a bit of creativity in look and layout. Having the ability to make changes instantaneously is a huge advantage.

The truly effective HOA website requires thought and planning. Here are some tips for achieving success:

Define the Benefits:

• Enhance property values

• Communicate information quickly

• Transmit maintenance and service requests

• Platform for neighbor communications

• Notification system for HOA meetings and social events

• Reduce supplies, labor and postage costs

• Conduct polls and surveys

• Inform buyers and real estate agents

• Save money

Engages the Members
When critical information is included on the websites, members can be directed there frequently. In time, it will become a matter of habit for many. A real bonus of the internet is that it's open for business all the time. No more phone tag.

Fast Track Communications
Having the ability to broadcast email the members is more than just efficient. Many communications never happen at all because of the time and money it takes to assemble a mailing. Email eliminates those hurtles by allowing newsletters, meeting minutes and notices to move fast and free of charge. To encourage use of HOA email communication, offer HOA members a rebate or credit of, say, $25 a year if they agree to accept email communications. The HOA will be money ahead.

Maintain Fresh Content
As the central information distribution vehicle, the website requires regular updates to remove the old and add the new. It needs to be at the top of the To Do List. If the website is out of date, traffic will soon fall off and folks will return to their old ways. Fresh content tied with broadcast emails pointing to the website will encourage members to use it.

• Include Basic Information

• HOA Name

• Address, location, directions and map

• Mailing address

• Community description (like, 86 condominiums with clubhouse , pool, park and walking paths)

• Management Information. (company name, manager, contact information)

• Board Information (name, office held, contact information)

• Include Special Features

• Downloadable Documents and Forms

• Activities Calendar

• Resident Directory (get privacy release from all listed)

• Newsletter Archive

• Minutes Archive

• Pictures of Social Events

• Online HOA fee paying

• Do It Right

Get a web address of your very own. While free website services are enticing, committing to a private URL will make it much easier to find and demonstrate long term commitment.

Budget Time & Money. Commit adequate manpower and funds to produce a professional result.

Include all the "right stuff." For a list of "must include information," see Regenesis.net HOA websites.

Having a homeowner association website has so many advantages, it's foolhardy to do without one. The affordable and user friendly options are many so there is little excuse for not making the move.

Published: October 5, 2005

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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 .