How To Best Prepare Before Hiring an HOA Management Company
Finding the proper community management for your one-of-a-kind Tacoma, WA HOA can be demanding, especially if it’s your first time seeking community management services.
Every HOA community management company has its strengths and weakness, and some are certainly better than others, so it’s essential to take the time to find the community management firm that’s right for you. Before hiring your next HOA management company, consider these four factors to secure the best management firm for your needs.
Know Why You’re Seeking an HOA Management Company
Before you begin interviewing potential HOA management firms, it’s essential to understand why you’re seeking community management services and what you’re looking for exactly.
Are you lacking clear leadership? Are there communication issues within the community? Are administrative tasks slipping through the cracks? The problems you’re looking to address will help formulate the questions you ask each candidate, so be clear in what you’re looking for and why.
Asking about these specific areas will help you narrow down your options to those that will most effectively implement positive change for your community.
Create a Scope of Work
Approach each potential HOA management firm with a clear scope of work that outlines what responsibilities and duties you want them to take on.
Being clear about the community management services you’re seeking will help you narrow down which companies offer the services you’re seeking. Doing so will also allow each firm to create a proposal that includes all the services you require.
Pay Attention to the Details
Once you’ve begun narrowing down potential HOA management firms, hone in on the small details that can help you discern whether they are likely to meet your needs.
For example, do they reply to all emails or other communications quickly? Are they always friendly and patient? Are they honest about their strengths and weaknesses?
You should also contact references and read third-party reviews to get a more objective opinion of their services and capabilities. Every company will paint itself positively, but honest resident opinions can go a long way in accurately informing you of the HOA management firm’s true capabilities.
Think About the Long Term
Hiring an HOA management company can, in many ways, mimic hiring a new employee. Not only do you want to be confident in their technical skills, but you also want to verify their commitment to your company, their enthusiasm for work, and even their culture fit so you can make the best decision for the long run.
Don’t be afraid to ask pointed questions during the interview process to help you decide whether or not an HOA management company is right for your association. You can ask technical workflow questions such as what types of internal tracking mechanisms they have in place, and you can ask broader, culture-oriented questions such as what their management philosophy is.
Whatever you need to know to make the best long-term decision for your community association, don’t hesitate to ask while you have the chance.
If you want a long-term community management partner that genuinely cares about your HOA and offers comprehensive community management services, look no further than The Management Trust. We’ve been an industry leader for more than 30 years, with more than 1,500 communities served nationwide. To learn more about our full range of community management services for Tacoma, WA HOAs, call The Management Trust at (253) 472-0825 or fill out our online contact form today.
