Self-Management vs Professional HOA Management

Deciding whether to continue to self-manage or bring on professional property management is one of the biggest decisions that HOA boards face. A major determinant of management approach for many HOA boards is cost – is it worth it to increase HOA fees to cover the cost of professional property management? If your board is evaluating this question, keep the following considerations in mind as you make your choice:

• Community Size

If you have a small community with little to no common areas, it may make sense to continue to self-manage. In mid-size to larger communities, the management complexity increases, and a professional property manager may become more beneficial. For example, in a larger community, administrative tasks, such as responding to daily calls and emails from residents and vendors, processing invoices, and maintaining the website can become a significant time burden for board members who self-manage their HOA. Managing all these administrative tasks on top of a full-time job is enough to drive even the most dedicated board member to burnout. A professional property manager can take over the day-to-day administrative tasks so that board members can focus on leading for the future, rather than managing for the present.

• Onsite Employees

Does your community employ full-time groundskeepers, janitors, security guards, or receptionists? If so, it may be useful to have a professional property manager to handle payroll, HR issues, benefit questions, and employee grievances. Just like in any business, taking good care of your employees is essential in minimizing turnover and improving productivity.

• Knowledge of HOA Laws

Florida and the federal government have very specific laws that govern HOA associations.  These laws include the Florida Homeowners’ Association Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, among others[1].  Being out of compliance with these laws can expose your HOA to lawsuit and fines. Does your board of directors have a solid background in complying with these laws? Professional property management companies, like CCM, are up-to-date on HOA legal requirements and, should legal counsel be needed, have contacts with top attorneys with expertise in HOA laws.

• Comfort with Handling Awkward Situations

Board members are community members, which can create uncomfortable situations when it comes to issuing fines, enforcing rules, and addressing violations. A professional property manager can serve as a buffer to avoid pitting board members against recalcitrant neighbors, while ensuring that the HOA rules are followed.

 Self-managing a mid-size to large HOA can be a full-time job for board members. To minimize board member burnout, ensure access to the necessary expertise to efficiently run the organization, and maintain amicable relations between board members and the rest of the community, it may make sense to invest in professional HOA management. If your board is deciding whether professional management is worth the cost, contact CCM today to learn about the value that professional property management can bring to your HOA.

Consolidated Community Management (CCM) is a full-service property management company specializing in condominium and homeowner association management in Broward and southern Palm Beach Counties.  We are committed to working together with community Boards of Directors to develop management plans tailored to the unique requirements of each community and their residents.

CCM provides a quality of service that is unique to our industry and consistently delivers a distinct competitive advantage.  Our concentrated, extensive local presence and knowledge of community associations results in lasting partnerships and superior service.  We have built our industry reputation on employing the best in the business and assigning only a limited number of properties to each Property Manager Team.

Our team at Consolidated Community Management provides expert property management services at competitive prices.  Contact us today by calling (954) 718-9903 for Broward, (561) 465-7639 for Boynton Beach, or clicking on ccmfla.com.

[1] Homeowners’ Protection Bureau. Florida Homeowners’ Guide to HOA Laws — Homeowners Protection Bureau, LLC (hopb.co). Accessed May 18, 2021.