The Complete Beginners Guide for the Rookie HOA Board Member
Starting anything for the first time can be a challenge: tackling a new career, buying a new house, training in a new sport, maybe even bringing home a new baby. But when you find yourself a first-time elected HOA board member, things can be especially tricky: you’ve got a property (and its value) to protect, and fellow homeowners to represent. You’ve got obligations and responsibilities to fulfill, but you need to be – well, likable – as you’re doing it. This new position can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a couple of key concepts you can begin to think through that might make your early days less stressful.
HOA Board Leadership
It’s important to understand that your new role – to which you were elected by your peers – is one of service, not power. You’ll lead and serve on behalf of the homeowners, for whom you’ll be a representative voice, and on behalf of the property interests as a whole.
- Glean wisdom from former and current board members you respect, whether from your HOA or another. Ask plenty of questions, and listen to their advice.
- Talk to other homeowners – find out what their core concerns are, what’s important to them and their families.
- Read up on books covering issues like communication, leadership, teamwork, and conflict management outside the realm of HOAs. There are also lots of great resources on these topics within the field, such as the Community Association Institute.
HOA Board Logistics
Any new job or volunteer position will require you to learn the ropes at some point, and an HOA board position is no different. There may be a learning curve, but do your best to educate yourself in the logistics of your new role as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
- Study the homeowner’s association documents, and understand what your roles, responsibilities, and limits are.
- Before you begin in your new role, pay attention to the details of how meetings run, how communication is managed, and how your current board operates.
- Consider taking certification classes through homeowners groups like the Community Association Managers International Certification Board.
