HOA Board Qualifications: How to Become a Good Board Member
Though they are voluntary positions, board members play a crucial role in the success of an HOA. Board members are entrusted to make important decisions that promote the best interests of the entire community.
As such, running for a position on your HOA board is a decision that one should not take lightly. If you want to be a successful and effective board member, here are important qualities that you must possess.
1. Ability to Take Charge
You don’t need to be a
natural-born leader
to join the HOA board. However, a board member must be able to take charge when needed. You should use your strengths to inspire and influence the members of your community. A good leader also knows their weaknesses. When faced with difficult situations, it’s important to know how to delegate responsibility.
2. Remain Objective and Unbiased
You must be able to remain objective and unbiased in your actions and decisions, even if it means that some homeowners will not be happy. Being a board member isn’t about gaining favors from others or serving your own agenda. It takes tenacity and strength to be able to stand by your decisions and be affected by negative criticism.
3. Can Nurture Relationships
During their tenure, board members must deal with homeowners, vendors, management companies, insurance providers, other HOAs, and so on. Nurturing these relationships can make you a more effective board member. By establishing trust and having positive connections, you’re able to gain the cooperation of other people. Thus, it will be easier to implement policies and protocols for your community.
4. Can Mediate and Resolve Conflicts
It’s natural to have conflicts between board members and homeowners. However, a good board member will know how to meditate in order to come to a resolution that is amenable to both parties.
If there are difficult decisions to be made, a good board member will know how to take them to the homeowners and explain why it must be done. In addition, you must be able to keep an open mind and stay calm. Listen to what your homeowners have to say and acknowledge how they may be feeling in that situation.
5. Keep an Open Line of Communication
A good board member can keep open lines of communication with homeowners, vendors, and other board members. It will be hard to get things done if you are always unavailable or out of reach. Homeowners must also feel that they can turn to you when they have issues or concerns regarding the community. This paves the way for positive communication within the community. It also helps lessen misunderstandings and conflicts.
6. Eager to Serve the Community
Board members do not get paid for their service to the HOA. This must be clear to anyone who is planning to join their HOA board. A good board member is willing and eager to serve their community without the expectation of being paid or rewarded. The interest of the community at large should always take precedence. Board members do not serve their personal interests.
7. Always Willing to Learn
Elected board members do not necessarily need to have a background in HOA management. However, they must be willing to learn the intricacies of association management including state and local laws, financial management, and governing documents. A good board member has the initiative for continued education to be effective and successful in their role.
Do You Possess These HOA Board Qualifications?
Being an HOA board member is not an easy job. You will be faced with difficult decisions and may even run into conflict with homeowners from time to time. However, it can be extremely rewarding to see your community grow and flourish.
If you possess the HOA board qualifications above, consider running for a position during the next elections. You can channel your innate skills and talents and use them to make an impact on your community and fellow homeowners.