Helpful Training Tips for New HOA Board Members
As a newly appointed member of your Aurora, CO, HOA board, you may feel excited and a little overwhelmed at the same time. After all, you now have a significant role in shaping and managing the community you live in.
While being an HOA board member can be a rewarding experience, it also requires a certain level of knowledge and skill to perform your community management duties effectively. If you’re a new HOA board member looking to learn the ropes, keep these five tips in mind to give you a head start in your training.
Familiarize Yourself with the Vocabulary
One of the first things you should do as a new HOA board member is to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary used in the community management world. While you may be familiar with some terms like “assessment” and “governing documents” as a homeowner, other terms may sound unfamiliar to you and are used exclusively by board members in the course of their administrative and financial duties. However, these terms play a crucial role in the functioning of your HOA. Understanding them and their implications will help you communicate and make informed decisions as a board member.
To work more effectively, you’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of who does what in your association. Having a thorough understanding of everyone’s roles and responsibilities will help you navigate through your personal responsibilities as an HOA board member. The more you know about how your community association is run, the more confident you will feel in making decisions that impact your community.
Learn Procedural Guidelines
Most new HOA board members are excited to get started in their new roles and begin making the changes they want to see in their community. However, as a governmental body, you’ll need to abide by all procedural guidelines and ensure you’re upholding your fiduciary duty.
To ensure this, familiarize yourself with all of your homeowners association’s procedural guidelines. This includes board meeting frequency, agendas, approvals, and budgetary decisions. Each aspect of HOA management, for the most part, must follow the rules outlined in your community’s governing documents. While you may be excited to jump into your new role, you’ll need to be familiar with the guidelines to follow and ensure you uphold them at all times.
Consult the Community Associations Institute
The Community Associations Institute (CAI) is a national organization for HOAs that offers educational programs, publications, and online resources. They are a leading source of information and advice for HOA residents and board members, with educational services dedicated to helping you run your community more effectively.
As a new board member, CAI resources can help you understand the intricacies of your role, educate you on best practices, and provide valuable insights for effective HOA management. The courses offered by CAI cover topics such as financial management, governance, and community operations, providing a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of HOA management.
Keep Learning
Homeowners associations and the laws that govern them are ever-evolving, so being an effective board member requires constant learning and staying updated on industry trends and best practices. To enhance your performance as a board member, both initially and long-term, attend educational seminars, conferences, and workshops whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Additionally, try to keep up with the latest technology and industry developments. New automation tools, online voting systems, and communication platforms can help you streamline processes and improve communication within your community. Not only can this make your job more efficient, but it also helps improve resident satisfaction and the overall success of your HOA.
Ask Your HOA Management Company for Help
As a new HOA board member, you may have a lot of questions and concerns. If your community works with HOA management companies, never hesitate to ask them for help. Your management team has a wealth of experience in the community association industry and can guide you on the best practices and procedures for effective HOA management.
Some HOA management firms may also provide training and educational resources for new board members, such as webinars and workshops. They can also assist in reviewing governing documents and advising on financial matters, making it easier for you to handle your other responsibilities as a board member.
If you’re an HOA board member needing guidance on how to best enable your HOA’s success, look no further than The Management Trust. We can help take some of the responsibility off your plate and manage everything from financial services to vendor coordination. This allows you more time to engage with community members and focus on big-picture decisions, optimizing your community association management for maximum success. To learn more about how The Management Trust can help your Aurora, CO, community thrive, give us a call at 303-750-0994 or fill out our online contact form today.
