HOAleader.com - Tip of the Week - May 29, 2009
Published: Thu, 05/28/09
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Switching HOA Management Companies: How to Do It Right
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If you think it's time to change from your current HOA management
company to a new one, be aware of the issues that can arise
during the transition, and weigh the work necessary to resolve
current problems against the difficulties of transitioning.
"Transferring is usually confusing for the first month or two
for the owners," says Duane McPherson, division president at
RealManage, a San Rafael, Calif., association management firm
that oversees properties in Arizona, California, Colorado,
Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, and Texas.
"They've been sending their payments to one address, and that
will change. And the new management company has to get up to
speed on what's been happening and understand the complexities
of the association."
If you do switch companies, protect your association.
"Interview multiple companies, not just one," advises McPherson.
"Check to see what certifications they have. Spend time getting
to know the company and its qualifications, and get references
from other communities it manages. That's a big thing. If you
can get positive recommendations from communities that are
similar in nature, that should allow you the comfort level to
select the proper management company."
To read about HOA boards who decided it was time to switch
managers, and to get a better understanding of the manager's
side of common board-manager problems, read our new, two-article
series:
HOA Management: Owners Kick Their Management Company to the Curb
http://www.hoaleader.com/members/286.cfm
Tensions Between HOA Boards and Managers: The Managers'
Perspective
http://www.hoaleader.com/members/287.cfm
Best regards,
Matt Humphrey
President
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Recent articles posted at HOAleader.com:
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HOA Rules: Smart Rules for Home-based Businesses
In today's economy, more and more laid off workers may turn
entrepreneurial, using home-based businesses to make ends meet.
That may be bad news for your condo or homeowners association if
tensions rise over home-based businesses that make your quiet
neighborhood seem more like a commercial strip. Here's what you
must know about home-based businesses to ensure they don't change
the character of your community.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/members/288.cfm >
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Tensions Between HOA Boards and Managers: The Managers'
Perspective
A homeowners association manager offers the management side of
the story, explaining what you should expect from your manager,
steps you can take to fix problems, and when your HOA should
finally walk.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/members/287.cfm >
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HOA Management: Owners Kick Their Management Company to the Curb
If you're not sure you're getting your money's worth from your
condo or homeowners association management company, read on as
three savvy board members reveal how they realized it was time
for a HOA management company change.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/members/286.cfm >
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HOA Finances: Ask for a Second Set of Eyes to Suggest Cost Cuts
There's always room for greater oversight or a second set of
eyes, especially if you can save a couple of dollars for the
greater communal good.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/public/285.cfm >
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HOA Governance: The Most Common Complaint About HOA Management
Companies
Make sure you don't wing it with your management company.
Instead, have a written contract that spells out which services
your management company will and won't provide, how often it
will provide the services, and the fees the company will charge.
Click here to read full article:
< http://www.hoaleader.com/public/284.cfm >
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