How to Be a Good Board Member
Residents trust their HOA board of directors to make sure everything operates smoothly, services are maintained, and issues are resolved promptly. A good board of directors can make the difference between the community’s success or failure, so it’s vital that each person fulfills their fiduciary duty and strives to be a good board member. Read on to learn how to be a good HOA board member.
1. Read and understand your governing documents.
While some of the content may be a bit dry, the governing documents serve as your guidelines for the operation of your association. A good HOA board member needs to know their purpose, duties, and obligations before getting started. Your governing documents consist of the following:
- Federal and state laws
- Recorded map, plat, or plan
- Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Articles of Incorporation
- Bylaws
- Rules and regulations
You should've received a copy at closing; however, your governing documents may also be on your HOA website.
2. Welcome spirited discussions.
HOA boards should welcome and appreciate spirited discussions, and even try to incorporate a little humor. Each member should feel comfortable and encouraged to voice their own opinions without interruption or fear that anyone will be rude or disrespectful. Neither yelling nor self-serving interests concerning any topic should be tolerated.
"If every decision is thoughtful, necessary, and for the good of the community, the majority will see the board as a professional and competent entity taking care of community needs." - Jesse Dubuque, Associa Minnesota
3. Understand votes don’t have to be unanimous.
Contrary to popular belief, when a vote is needed, it doesn’t have to be unanimous. The HOA president should allow just enough time for discussion and then call for a vote. It’s essential that each board member support the decision of the entire board, even if they are in the minority. Additionally, good board members don’t leave the meeting and then badmouth other board members about a decision they don’t like.
4. Have efficient meetings.
HOA board members are volunteers, so it’s important to be respectful of their time. Boards should make it a priority to have efficient meetings that are two hours or less and start and end on time. Good boards set and follow timed agendas to avoid digressions and ensure that everyone knows the approximate length of a discussion before a vote is taken.
5. Respect the advice of professionals.
While board members may be successful in their own businesses, they aren’t “professionals” in the community association world. Good board members heed the advice of professionals and listen to recommendations. Common professional partners for HOA boards include:
- Attorney
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Community association manager
- Insurance agent
- Landscaper
- Reserve Specialist
"When the board partners with the right people, your community works better, looks better, and feels better." - Rose Jurczewski, CMCA®, AMS®, Associa Chicagoland
6. Remember the purpose.
HOA board members make decisions that favor the greater good of the association, and generally speaking, to maintain, protect, and preserve the assets. Often, this is a stumbling block. When faced with voting on any matter, a board member must know what the governing documents say on the matter and should vote in favor of what is best for the association as a whole, not just one owner (e.g. an owner who can’t pay their fees) or a small group of owners (e.g. pet owners who want to let pets run free). A good board member will often consider the question, “What if everyone wanted to do this?” This is a straightforward approach to determining what is best for the association as a whole.
7. Budget realistically.
There's no glory in keeping the assessments at the same level for 12 years. While uninformed owners may applaud you, when the reality of a large special assessment arrives, your hero card is revoked. Nothing is less costly to repair as it ages, so plan accordingly. Incremental increases based on a long-range plan are easier to collect and easier on the owner’s wallet. Not having a funding plan based on the life expectancy of the common elements is irresponsible and will lead to larger issues down the road.
Professional Development Tips for Good HOA Boards
Serving on your HOA board is an honorable task. When you follow these tips and learn what makes a good board member, you'll be set up for success.
At Associa, we believe in continuous education and improvement. To make the most impact as an HOA board member, it's important to develop and hone professional skills and use them to your advantage. Download An HOA Board Member's Guide to Professional Development now.
This article was developed using educational resources and governance standards published by Associa and other nationally recognized community association organizations.