Preparing for an HOA Volunteer Role
A homeowners association (HOA) is no better than the board of directors that leads it. The association must develop excellent and willing volunteers for it to be successful. Outstanding board members understand that their position is of service rather than control. They serve their neighbors; they don’t supervise them. A service-forward attitude results in a defenseless perspective, so new ideas and opinions are welcomed and not perceived as insults or threats.
Before seeking a board seat, the best candidates improve their readiness for the position. The following is a list of characteristics that board members should possess:
Read the Governing Documents
The governing documents are the framework and applicable laws the board must operate. Condominium Associates can help with this. Also, join CAI and take advantage of its resources. CAI helps homeowners better understand effective community governance. CAI offers excellent introductory publications and training courses to serve your community better in online and in-person workshops.
Understand the Business Judgment Rule
The business judgment rule separates careful board members from liability for their decisions while governing the Association. Learn the boundaries of that rule.
Attend Board Meetings
Familiarize yourself with board meeting procedures, and observe the address of current issues. At Condominium Associates, we prepare the agenda for you. We will also make sure you have the board package report. We understand that the board relies on Condominium Associates to target the main issues of the community and address them in the agenda effectively and appropriately. Our main goal for your board meeting is to keep all discussed elements on point and focused on the plan.
Talk to Your Community Manager
The manager may not endorse or oppose any board candidate (ethics bars it), but he or she can tell you what makes a good director.
Review the Annual Budget
Study the budget and see where the Association’s money goes before you pass judgment on the current board. The best way to plan for the coming year is to create a business plan. The plan should include all the goals the board would like to achieve for the following year. Doing this will help the board figure out what needs to be in the budget. The business plan should be completed as soon as possible for timely approval.
Preparing for an HOA Volunteer Role
If the board has been reluctant to raise assessments for several years and repairs aren’t being made in the community, the board may have suspended reserve account deposits.
Preparing for an HOA Volunteer Role
Board candidates often run on platforms that sound great, but the information is inadequate. The sitting board should be more involved than non-directors, so a potential board member should avoid making promises.
Contact Us
Need help putting together the proper paperwork and documents to build a strong board team? Contact your Florida association, Condominium Associates, for assistance!
