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Property Management – Chatsworth – HOA

Choosing a HOA Management Company

Choosing a management company can be one of the biggest decisions a board of directors can make for the association. There are the normal items you look for in a management company such as, what is their experience and what do they offer, but there are other questions you can ask to make sure you chose a management company your association can have a long and productive relationship.

1. How flexible are the management services? Real estate is local and each community is different. There should not be a “one size fits all” solution for management services.

2. How are the decisions made for the company and what is the ownership structure? It is important to know how quickly the company can make changes to accommodate new issues with your community.

3. What is different about what the company offers? What value can they provide for the community? Not all management companies are alike and not all associations are alike. A match of management skills and community needs will provide the best chance at a long term partnership.

4. Can they provide residential home sales expertise? Ultimately, the goal of an association is to maintain property values and preserve curb appeal in the neighborhood. Can the management company assess this based on the current housing market?

5. What level of expertise is required from the employees? The community manager should have one or more designations in community association management and there should be a continuing education requirement beyond what is required to maintain licensing or designations. The more educated the staff, the better they can service the community.

6. Are the employees friendly? HOA management is not for everyone and some employees do not handle the stress well. It is a tough job especially when enforcing rules and restrictions. When dealing with a potentially volatile situation, the way the employee reacts can determine whether the situation escalates. Angry homeowners then come to the board meetings to vent to the board members. The right response from the beginning prevents this from happening.

7. What are the company’s resources? Are they technically savvy and will the association board and members have access to documents in real time? Document storage and accessibility has come a long way. A good management company should have a community website available for clients which will give access depending on the user rights assigned. Board members will have access to confidential documents not ready or able to be released to members based on legalities. Homeowners should be able to see account status and access community events. Cloud storage allows board members to access documents without having to ask for them.

The management company is an agent of the association and usually the first interaction with the association for most homeowners. Careful consideration in choosing this company will prevent unhappy homeowners and unhappy board members.

By Melanie McLaughlin

Melanie McLaughlin has managed many HOA communities in New Mexico and has obtained the CMCA, AMS, and PCAM designations through Community Association Institute.

Since 1946 the Carnahan name has had a reputation for honest and ethical Real Estate Property Management services in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Burbank/Glendale, Los Angeles, Westside and Conejo Valley areas.

The reason for our success is helping owners like you when they need it. Below is a partial list of property management services we provide to help you protect your real estate investment.