Many people underestimate the HOA President’s responsibility and what they must do to keep the community running smoothly. Although this task can seem daunting at times, it can also be very rewarding.  

A board of directors governs homeowners associations. Each board member has a distinct title and set of responsibilities. The HOA president stands at the highest top of the organization and is in charge of a wide range of duties.

It is critical to understand the responsibilities of the HOA president, whether you are the current president of your HOA board, are running for the post, or are simply a regular member of your HOA. 

As president, being familiar with these responsibilities will aid you in doing your duties effectively. However, as a regular HOA member, knowing these responsibilities will enable you to assess if your present president is effective.

Here are some tips for becoming an HOA President that excels:

1. Uncontrollable Leadership

Many people believe that being the president is the pinnacle of success. However, this is different in the context of a homeowners association.

A good community association president supervises and ensures that all opportunities for success are taken, rather than micromanaging fellow directors or committees. As a result, you must possess outstanding leadership and management abilities.

2. Monitor the Finances

While the HOA treasurer is in charge of all financial matters, the president must also monitor these responsibilities. Typically, the treasurer does not make financial decisions on their own. 

However, as president, you will develop the annual budget alongside the treasurer and approve any expenditures. 

In some governing instruments, the president is also designated as the treasurer if the latter is unavailable or unable to perform their duties.

3. Attention to Detail

A president can only administer a condominium or homeowners association if they are aware of significant and minor issues. 

They should spend time reading documentation thoroughly, understanding the financial condition, learning about the community’s requirements and wants, and mastering the best approach to interact with homeowners and board members.

4. Understand Team Work 

As president, you must collaborate with the other board members on various tasks. As a result, you should refrain from making decisions on your own; there is a reason why an HOA has a board of directors rather than a single individual in charge.

Ensure that each board member has the opportunity to speak on the matter at hand during board meetings and while discussing topics that impact the neighborhood.

You must also ensure that the final choice is taken only after it has been thoroughly reviewed and determined to be in the best interests of the entire community.

5. Time Management Skills

As the HOA president, you have a lot on your plate. Because you’ll be wearing numerous hats, expect to juggle multiple tasks.

Yes, board members will assist you, but you must determine which tasks to prioritize to preserve a pleasant and attractive neighborhood. And if an urgent situation arises, you’ll need to know how to deal with it without disrupting the rest of your routine. 

Therefore, having strong time management skills is critical to keep the community running effectively.

6. Balance & Organization

Documents, meeting minutes, and more are all kept in order by a competent HOA president. On the other hand, you must know how to strike a balance between personal and “professional” life in the community. 

Because you are also a homeowner, you must balance personal and professional connections with your neighbors.

7. Outstanding Communication Skills

You represent your entire community as the HOA president. As the association’s leader, you should feel at ease speaking on behalf of your community to residents, management firms, and other service providers. In addition, you’ll interact with people from the press, local governments, and other organizations, so you’ll need to learn how to communicate effectively to maintain connections and avoid any problems.

8. Accepts Criticism Well

An HOA president will always be the target of criticism since they are in a position of authority. The entire community will examine your every move and decision. More combative residents may even openly share their unpleasant sentiments. 

Therefore, learning how to handle criticism in whatever form is critical.

You must also be able to distinguish between constructive and negative criticism. Pay attention to constructive feedback and make an effort to improve yourself. On the other hand, learn to filter out the negative kind.

9. Honesty and Equality

An HOA president should be law-abiding and fair to all of their neighbors. While flexibility is desirable in most jobs, HOA-governed communities have rules, covenants, and restrictions, which a president must be aware of and adhere to.

10. Strong Volunteerism

Being the president of a homeowners’ association is still volunteer work. It can be unglamorous, grueling, and ungrateful at times, but the main thing is that you’re helping others. Everyone benefits from a well-run HOA, including you.

All your neighbors live in harmony and peace with one another, your community is well-kept and pleasant, and your property value is maintained at perfect levels. But remember that you don’t have to complete it all! You also have to worry about your job, family, and responsibilities.

It takes a team to run an HOA. Your HOA management business, the board, and your committees will all work together to assist you in achieving your HOA goals.

11. Act As a Middleman

Many associations employ a management company to take care of day-to-day operations because they don’t have the time or resources to accomplish everything. 

Acting as a connection between your board and your HOA management business is one of the tasks of the HOA president. As a result, if your organization decides to work with one, it is your responsibility to function as the middleman.

Conclusion

The president of a homeowners’ association entails a long list of tasks and responsibilities. It can be intimidating, but remember that the board members are there to assist you. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.