How to Live Your Best Life in Your HOA

Living well in an HOA can seem complicated sometimes, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. There’s no reason to feel intimidated about living in an HOA or worried about the rules or the leadership.

If you are on your HOA board and there are potential buyers or tenants who are feeling tentative about HOA life, here’s what you can tell them. You might even want to print these principles out to show to people who are thinking about moving in.

Read the Rules

It’s usually easy to get a copy of all of the relevant rules and covenants for an HOA before you move in. In fact, many states require that you allow someone to read these when they make an offer on a home covered by an HOA. However, many buyers don’t read these before they move in.

If you do read the rules, then you’ll know what’s expected of you if you choose to buy the home. Most people find that the rules aren’t as bad as they thought and that the procedures are completely reasonable. Others might decide not to move in, and that is their prerogative.

Follow the Rules & Procedures

If you choose to live in an HOA, you are choosing to abide by the rules and procedures established for that place. It really is that simple.

If you forget what the rules are, you can always look them up. Most of the time, there is also a way to talk to the management company or someone on the HOA board if you need clarification or if you can’t find the rules you’re looking for.

Work With Neighbors to Change Outdated Practices

If you feel like some of the rules or procedures for your neighborhood are outdated or no longer relevant, work with your neighbors to get them changed. Follow the rules as outlined in your covenants, then band together to vote to change things. One of the best parts of living in an HOA is that the people can make changes, as long as they do it properly and the majority of the neighborhood agrees.

Keep Conflict as Small as Possible

If you have an issue with a neighbor, talk to them before you go to the board. If you approach your neighbor gently, you’ll usually find that you can resolve things without filing any sort of an official complaint. This can be a great way to get to know your neighbors and to make a place for yourself in your neighborhood, too.

Get Involved

If you want to and you have the time, run for a position on your HOA board. You can also usually volunteer for one of a number of committees, in order to help your neighborhood function well. You’ll get to meet new people and care for the place where you live, all at the same time.

If you need help bringing new people into your HOA community, contact us at Advanced Management Inc today. Our professionals will help make your new neighbors comfortable with expert community management services.