As of 2020, more than 73 million Americans are now living in HOA communities, which is more than ever before. If you’re currently in charge of your community’s HOA, you have plenty of work on your shoulders, helping to fulfill the duties of the association and keeping community members happy. 

Have you considered outsourced HOA management to help lighten the load? If not, now is the time to do so. In reading this short guide, you’ll learn more about the pros and cons of HOA management services so you can decide if it could benefit your community or if it’s better to stick with a self-managed HOA. 

Let’s dive in!

Pro: It Frees up Your Time

As we mentioned briefly above, managing an HOA takes up so much of your time. Oftentimes, leaders of a self-managed HOA find themselves on call, even when they’re spending precious time with family and loved ones. 

HOA management companies can help free up your time by taking care of all the little HOA tasks on your plate. As a result, you can focus your time on the more important things in life. 

You might also find your stress levels go down knowing that an HOA management company has your back.

Con: It’s an Added Expense

Of course, one of the most important things to consider when hiring an HOA management company is the cost. Before making your decision, you’ll have to make sure your community can handle the added expense. 

While one option is to increase HOA fees, that could be a burden on some homeowners and could cause conflict within the community. 

However, many HOA boards feel like the services provided by an HOA management company are well worth the cost. If you prove to homeowners all the benefits of outsourcing the service, they could feel better about paying a higher HOA fee. 

Pro: It Gives You Access to Expertise

One of the other benefits of HOA management is the industry expertise that the company will bring to your community. Since these management companies have experience running communities like yours, they can bring new ideas and strategies to the table to help your neighborhood thrive. 

They’ll likely also have connections with contractors and vendors in your area, and may be able to negotiate better rates for you. Simply put, the level of service they provide is unmatched. 

Con: It’s Less Personal

When hiring an HOA management company, it’s important to remember that they won’t have the same personal connections with homeowners that board members do. This could cause homeowners to feel like their opinions no longer matter. 

On the other hand, sometimes it helps to put space between homeowners and the HOA, as oftentimes, misunderstandings can become personal. In this case, having a management company as a buffer could be beneficial. 

Consider HOA Management Services for Your Community

So, are HOA management services right for your community’s needs? After learning more about the pros and cons in this article, your board is better equipped to make the right decision. 

In the meantime, be sure to check out our other articles to read more home and lifestyle content like this. 

Jane