Spotting Great Community Association Managers and Building Relationships

Spotting Great Community Association Managers and Building Relationships 

As an association board member, your community manager plays a crucial role in the success and well-being of your community. Building a strong relationship with them is essential to ensure effective communication, efficient operations, and a harmonious living environment for residents. Here are some key tips on how to spot great community association managers and foster a positive connection with them.

Spotting great managers

1. Look for Expertise in the Industry: A great community manager will possess extensive knowledge in managing community associations. They should be familiar with industry best practices, local regulations, and HOA principles.

2. Emphasize Conflict Resolution Skills: Conflicts are inevitable in any community, but a great community manager should be skilled in mediating disputes and fostering effective communication. Their ability to resolve conflicts within the HOA board and among residents is crucial for maintaining a harmonious community.

3. Seek Natural Leadership Qualities: A strong community manager should be a natural leader who can inspire and motivate others. Look for someone who takes the initiative, demonstrates proactive decision-making, and can effectively guide the board and residents toward common goals.

4. Ensure Familiarity with HOA Rules and Regulations: Community associations operate within specific rules and regulations. A great manager should be well-versed in these guidelines to ensure that the community remains compliant with legal requirements and best practices.

5. Assess Knowledge of HOA Accounting: Financial management is a significant aspect of a community manager's role. Look for a manager who is familiar with HOA accounting practices, budgeting, and financial planning to ensure the community's financial stability and transparency.

Building a Strong Relationship

1. Open Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with your community manager. Encourage them to share updates, challenges, and progress regularly, and provide feedback when necessary. Establishing a direct line of communication between the board and the manager can improve efficiency and resolve issues promptly.

2. Acknowledge Their Expertise: Respect the experience and techniques your community manager brings to the table. Be open to new ideas and consider alternative approaches to managing community issues. Remember, their outside perspective can offer valuable insights and improvements.

3. Provide Necessary Resources: To implement policies effectively, ensure that your community manager has the necessary resources available. Every policy or initiative may require specific budget allocations, facilities, or equipment to succeed. Work together to ensure these resources are adequately provided.

4. Collaborate on Future Planning: Work together with your community manager to develop long-term plans that align with community goals and practical logistics. Review recent progress, identify areas for improvement, and make decisions on how to move forward. Involving the community manager in strategic planning strengthens their commitment to the community's success.

Spotting great community association managers requires assessing their expertise, leadership qualities, conflict resolution skills, and knowledge of HOA operations. By fostering open communication, acknowledging their expertise, providing necessary resources, and collaborating on future planning, you can build a strong and positive relationship with your community manager. This collaboration will lead to a thriving community where everyone's needs are met, and the community's goals are successfully achieved.