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Bah Humbug! What to Do if an HOA Board Member is a Scrooge

December 21, 2018 / by HOA Manager

There seems to be one in every homeowners association. That one HOA board member that consistently disagrees, goes against the majority, or at the very least enjoys playing devil’s advocate. Do you have a Scrooge – a mean spirited, miserly person – on your Board? There are ways you can deal with them.

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What is a Reserve Study, Really?

December 14, 2018 / by HOA Manager

The slightly technical definition of a reserve study is: a budgeting tool based on the art and science of anticipating and preparing for major common area repairs and replacement expenses an association will face in the future.

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How to Offer a Positive Customer Service Experience in Your HOA

October 24, 2018 / by HOA Manager

Community association board members and managers might not immediately think of customer service as one of their priorities, but they should. Customer Service is typically associated with the retail industry, but it’s an integral function of any organization. The need for excellent services is just as vital to an association’s success as it is to a business that sells goods and services. 

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5 Possible Solutions to Short Term Rental Problems in an HOA

October 19, 2018 / by HOA Manager

Short term rentals have become a hot-button issue in HOA communities. More and more homeowners are choosing to rent their homes through sites such as Airbnb or VRBO as a convenient, low-cost way to earn additional income; however, the popularity of short-term rentals is raising concerns in associations and even opening them up to liabilities.

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Things an HOA Board Should Consider When Planning Next Year's Budget

October 1, 2018 / by HOA Manager

Preparing next year's budget for your homeowners is one of the most important undertakings for the HOA board. Fiduciary responsibility is something you pledged to look after for your community and this is an area where that really comes into play. There are a few things the Board should consider for next year's Association budget.

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The #1 Problem Homeowners Associations Have With Management Companies

September 7, 2018 / by HOA Manager

Are you tired of the lack of customer service from the management company your association has had for a number of years? It's possible that the company was inherited from past HOA board members. Maybe they hired the management company because they liked a specific manager, but that manager no longer works for the company and your HOA is no longer receiving the care and attention it once was. It may be time to hire a new management company to breathe new life into your association community.

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4 Tips to Find and Keep Good Vendors for Your Homeowners Association

August 8, 2018 / by HOA Manager

A new member has been elected to your HOA board. Suddenly, you learn that they seem to have a general mistrust of any current vendors of the association, perhaps because they did not choose them. They call for at least three bids on every project, no matter how small. This person seems to be trying to fix something that may not have been broken in the first place.

A board of directors will have its fair share of challenges with new board members automatically calling for new vendors, even when the ones they are working with are really solid.

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What Are the Qualities of an Invested HOA Manager?

June 8, 2018 / by HOA Manager

You’re the President of the HOA board in your community and you’re wise enough to know that you’re in way over your head - but you like a challenge and you’re ready to meet it head on. You’ve read your governing documents and know how to keep a basic balance sheet, but that doesn’t mean you understand the CC&Rs or know the difference between the operating and reserve budgets.

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Pros and Cons of Your HOA Being on Social Media

May 2, 2018 / by HOA Manager

Social media, for good or bad, is here to stay and has changed the way we communicate.  By recognizing the pros, cons, and legal issues of using these platforms for HOA communication and professional branding,  you can make these tools work for your HOA rather than against it. 

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Can't Afford a Full-Time HOA Manager? Consulting Services Can Help

March 28, 2018 / by HOA Manager

Whether your homeowners’ association (HOA) is large with a correspondingly large budget, or small with limited financial resources, there are ways to get outside help. Regardless, your board of directors will face the same challenges and responsibilities every board faces. Getting an expert to consult can help the board navigate those challenges. Often, large HOAs can afford a full-time HOA Manager, in smaller HOAs you may not have the budget for that, but you can still afford consulting services to set you on the right path.

HOA management firms like The Hignell Companies can assist a board of directors in preparing for those challenges and responsibilities. These firms provide professional knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of areas, such as:

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