Why Should You Use a Professional Property Manager?

There is lots of work that goes into running an effective HOA, and much of it is done by volunteers. It can be a lot for volunteers to deal with, so hiring a professional management company can really be a positive asset. The role of property management companies in HOAs is to provide necessary support and help ensure the community is well-managed and enjoyed by all.

Some HOAs choose to self-manage, but many have turned to property management companies upon realizing how much they can benefit from this partnership. It can be well worth the investment if you do your research and find a reputable company that can meet your needs. 

Here are just a few benefits of working with a professional property manager:

Knowledge. Many boards lack experience when it comes to finance and record keeping. Professional managers have a wealth of knowledge regarding HOA management and all of the requirements that go along with it. They can connect the HOA with training and guidance to improve their knowledge and skills, while also handling many administrative tasks.

Added Resources. Property management companies work with a variety of clients with different needs. They have built connections in the community and can recommend contractors for landscaping, pest control, construction, repairs and more. This can save the HOA time and allow the board to contact several reputable companies for bids instead of having to search through dozens of listings on its own.

Clarity and Consistency. HOAs run more smoothly when rules and regulations are clear, concise, and consistently enforced. A property manager can review documents to ensure they align with the law and help to correct any inconsistencies, confusion, or potential violations. Homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that rules will be enforced fairly across the community and problems will be addressed in a timely manner.

Support. Property managers can take on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of running an HOA and free up board members to focus on more important issues. This can  allow decisions to made more quickly and efficiently since more time can be devoted to planning and discussion.

Guidance. Board members are volunteers, and many do not have previous experience running an HOA. Even if they have sat on the board for a few years, there are always new issues that arise that they may not be sure how to handle. A property manager can provide guidance on resolving problems, making clearly defined rules and regulations, and executing decisions and projects.

If your HOA could use additional support and guidance to help boost its operations, communications, and relationships with homeowners, contact Premier Property Management Services, LLC today. Discover the benefits of a strong partnership with a high-quality, professional property management company.

Tips for Conserving Water

Some areas of Connecticut are experiencing drought conditions, so we are offering some ways to conserve water in your home.

1. Rinse fruits and veggies in a bowl of water instead of under the faucet.

2. Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.

3. Reuse the water from boiling vegetables or pasta to water your indoor plants (let it cool first!).

4. If you like to drink cold water, place a pitcher in your refrigerator instead of letting the tap run until it’s cold. 

5. Don’t run the dishwasher until it’s completely full. 

6. Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket. Flushing a tissue or small piece of trash wastes 5-7 gallons of water.

7. Let your dirty pots and pans soak in the sink instead of letting the faucet run while you wash them.

8. Make sure to turn off all faucets completely after each use.

9. Instead of using running water, thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator.

10. Be sure to alert your maintenance staff if you notice a leaky toilet or faucet!

What Can A Website Do for Your Association?

Simple answer: A lot!

A website helps residents feel like they’re a part of the Association by keeping them informed of meetings, projects, etc.

When residents don’t hear about their Board’s progress, it makes it easier for them to complain! A regularly updated website gives residents no excuse not to know what’s happening and how the Board is working to make things better. It can also help residents understand the purpose and benefits of enforcing the rules, keeping their homes in good condition and voting on issues. 

A website is also a great place to store things like meeting minutes and condo docs. Being able to pull up these documents quickly is a great tool to have at meetings and to save research time … if someone has a question, refer them to the website, where they can find the information right away.

Some other things that you might consider adding are an events calendar, a link to online work order submission and a list of units for sale. The great thing about a website is that it can start small and grow along with your Association!

If your Association is ready to create their website, Premier can help! Give us a call at (860) 523-0157 today. 

How boards can avoid costly (and embarrassing!) mistakes

Obviously, we are all human and we all make mistakes. These mistakes come in all forms, from legal to management to human relations and can be minor or can cost Associations thousands of dollars. Since it’s best to avoid errors all together, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Mistakes Boards Make.

1. Abuse of Power.

In some cases, owners join the Board for the wrong reasons, including pursuing their own agendas. They end up bullying some neighbors and doing favors for others. It’s important for Board members to be able to stand up to a rogue member, and better still, learn a little more about why members wish to join the Board before electing them.

2. Unclear Roles.

Often times Board members try to take on the role of property managers. Eventually they try to cut out management all together, and this can lead to problems in communication between management and contractors/maintenance staff. Other roles Board members often try to assume are the “Nice Guy” that gives out special permission for things he has no authority over and the “Policeman” that takes it upon himself to personally enforce the Rules & Regulations. 

3. Ignoring the community rules and procedures.

Boards are governed by their declarations, rules and regulations, in-place procedures and even cities and states. Boards should pay close attention to these rules when making decisions, and should also keep them updated. Problems can arise when rules and procedures are decided verbally in Board meetings, but not translated into written documents. 

4. Not listening to owners.

It is the Board’s responsibility to make sure that they make decisions that work for the majority of the community, and not just the person with the loudest voice. 

5. Not looking toward the future.

Boards need to consider many factors when embarking on projects or doing general maintenance. While the cheapest solution could work in the short term, it may end up costing more in the long run. In these situations, advice from property managers in invaluable.

6. Violation of meeting laws.

Boards must typically conduct business and vote “in the open.”  Voting by email and having no minutes to back up decisions can open Boards up to legal problems.

7. Ignoring your experts.

Boards work with many experts including managers, attorneys, lawyers and accountants. Consequences of ignoring their advice can be disastrous and expensive.

8. Misuse of electronic communication.

While email may be a good way to communicate basic information, it’s not a substitution for real discussion/debate, and information posted on social media sites can also get Boards into trouble.

9. Not doing your research.

Reading the Board packets, checking the minutes and inspecting financial reports are all important duties of Board members, and should not be ignored.

10. Overdoing things.

Board meetings don’t need to last for hours, with each member and owners going off into their own personal issues that are more suited to submitting work orders with management. In some cases, a timer has been shown to be an effective tool to keep speakers with business for the Board sort and to the point!