Community management is a growing industry in the United States. As more HOAs, condominium associations, and townhome associations appear throughout the country, there continues to be a great demand for professionals to help run them. However, if you are new to community associations or the companies that manage them, you may have a lot of questions.
Do not fear. This article has all the answers you are looking for. Keep reading for more information about the most frequently asked questions about community management.
FAQ About Community Management
Community management does not have to be an intimidating topic. The following frequently asked questions and their answers will give you all the information you need to get started.
1) What is Community Management?
Most importantly, many people may be wondering: what exactly is community management?
Community management (also called property management) is the process by which a third-party company takes over certain tasks and functions in your community. The communities served by community management companies vary widely, including the following.
- Homeowner’s associations (HOAs)
- Condominium associations
- Townhome associations
- Master-planned communities
- Mixed-use development
- Retail or commercial establishments
When your community hires a property management company, you will be assigned a community manager. This person works with the Board to provide all the services needed. The most common services supplied by community management companies include the following.
- Financial management
- Administrative support
- Covenant enforcement
- Maintenance and repairs
- Inspections
- Reserve fund planning
- Communication and engagement
- Technology support
- Emergency response
- Training and development
- Vendor management
2) Do I Need Community Management?
Determining whether your community needs to hire a community management company depends on many factors. You will need to take your community’s type, its size, and your specific goals into account while making the decision.
However, the most important consideration is the Board. Most community Boards are made up of volunteers. Therefore, if your Board is missing members with specific expertise, such as financial knowledge, or if they are struggling to complete all the tasks required to run the community, you may want to consider hiring a community management company.
3) Does the Community Manager Supersede the Board?
The short answer to this question is “no.” The community manager will work with your Board. However, the ultimate decision-making power stays with the Board members. You should look at a community manager as a collaborator instead of an authority.
4) Will a Community Management Company Change the Culture of My Community?
The impact of a community management company on the culture of a community can vary significantly. However, if you choose the right company, these culture changes will be positive.
The best community management companies will do the following when they begin working with a new community.
- Attempt to blend their approach with the existing culture.
- Work with communities whose values and goals align with their own.
- Communicate effectively with the Board and homeowners.
- Customize their approach to each community.
- Be willing to take feedback and adapt their approach.
If your community is in Pittsburgh and the surrounding counties, then the community management company you need to call is ACRI Community Realty. We provide all the services and education opportunities your community needs to thrive. Contact us to learn more today!
