Property Management Blog

Managing a community today takes focus and care. Many homeowners associations (HOAs) need effective strategies to succeed, but there's a reason FCMR reports that almost a quarter of Americans live in these communities: A real sense of pride. To help with that, HOA management services work with such groups to turn a struggling community around.

These services focus on making things run smoother. A supportive management team keeps residents happy and builds a good mood. As a result, everyone in the community enjoys a better living experience.

This article explores the best HOA management services to support your community's needs. A skilled team helps streamline operations, improve communication, and boost property values. By understanding these benefits, HOAs can ensure they run well without high costs.

Understanding HOA Management Services

HOA management services offer simple ways to support homeowner groups. These services include handling money, organizing maintenance, helping boards, and building strong community ties. They help create organized and welcoming communities.

HOA management services make daily tasks easier and help keep residents happy. Many also use modern tools to improve communication and share information.

Online platforms let homeowners quickly find key documents, build trust, and help people feel part of the community among homeowners. Key benefits of adopting these solutions include:

• Better communication between management and residents
• Quick resolutions to resident concerns
• Access to essential community resources and updates

Key Benefits of HOA Management

Expertise in property management: With professional property management expertise, HOA management services improve operational efficiency. Specialists handle compliance with local laws, ensuring that your community adheres to all regulations.

Financial oversight: Affordable HOA services include budget creation, financial reporting, and collections management. This transparency helps boards make informed decisions about community spending.

Maintenance coordination: Community management solutions streamline maintenance tasks, from lawn care and landscaping to repairs and renovations, which keep neighborhoods looking their best.

Enhanced communication: Effective communication between the board and residents can lead to stronger community ties. Management services often offer platforms for updates, newsletters, and more!

Typical Examples of HOA Management Success

Consider two communities: Community A employs professional homeowners association services, while Community B relies on volunteer efforts. Community A benefits from regular maintenance, financial transparency, and resident engagement programs.

As a result, they experience higher homeowner satisfaction and property values. In contrast, Community B struggles with inconsistent management and a lack of community spirit.

The Future of HOA Management Services

As communities evolve, so do their management needs. The future will see an increased integration of technology in  HOA management services. Innovations such as online payment systems, virtual meetings, and community apps aim to simplify communication and streamline processes.

Predictive maintenance tools could enhance community upkeep, preventing issues before they arise, much like preventative healthcare.

Invest in Your Community Today

Understanding the benefits of HOA management services is crucial for any community seeking excellence. These services not only streamline operations but also foster a strong community spirit.

Invest West Management is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience. IWM excels in delivering tailored community management solutions. Our prestigious Accredited Management Organization (AMO) designation reflects our commitment to integrity and professionalism in property management.

Team up with us for affordable HOA services, prioritizing ethical management and community success.

There are millions of evictions each year in the US, according to the US Government Accountability Office. Even a single incident can be financially catastrophic for both the owner and the tenant.

In the intricate world of property ownership, understanding your rights and responsibilities as a member of a Homeowners Association (HOA) is crucial. One aspect that often raises concerns among Vancouver, WA, homeowners is the dreaded topic of HOA evictions. This article delves into the critical elements of HOA evictions, examining the eviction process, potential fines, and the legal rights that homeowners possess within an HOA framework.

The Basics of HOA Evictions

Homeowners Associations are designed to maintain property values and ensure a harmonious living environment. However, disputes can arise from various conflicts, leading to the possibility of eviction.

Typically, eviction in an HOA context refers to the removal of a homeowner or tenant due to non-compliance with the established homeowners association rules. Understanding these rules can prevent conflicts and encourage a cooperative relationship between homeowners and their HOA.

Navigating the Eviction Process Steps

The eviction process steps within an HOA differ significantly from traditional eviction procedures facilitated through the court system. In Vancouver, WA, eviction usually follows these steps:

• Notice of Violation: Homeowners receive a notice when they violate HOA rules, outlining what actions are required to remedy the situation
• Opportunity to Respond: Owners have the right to dispute the violation, often requiring a formal response to the HOA
• Fines and Penalties: Failure to comply might result in HOA fines and violations against the homeowner, designed to enforce compliance
• Final Notice: If the issue remains unresolved, a final notice may be issued, indicating potential eviction
• Eviction Proceedings: The HOA may initiate legal proceedings to remove the homeowner if disputes persist

It's paramount for homeowners to familiarize themselves with specific bylaws, as each HOA may have varied regulations and procedures.

Legal Rights of Homeowners

Homeowners possess several legal rights when dealing with an HOA. Understanding these rights not only helps in resolving disputes but also empowers homeowners in disputes. For instance:

• Homeowners have the right to fair communication regarding violations and eviction notices
• Members can contest fines and have a right to attend hearings to defend their position
• Legal advice can be sought if eviction actions are perceived as unjust or disproportionate

Furthermore, many homeowners associations provide HOA dispute resolution measures, encouraging mediation and negotiation before advancing to eviction. This is a crucial point to consider for anyone facing potential eviction, and working with a professional can help simplify the process.

Stay Informed and Proactive

In conclusion, understanding the complex process surrounding HOA evictions is vital for homeowners in Vancouver, WA. By being proactive and informed about the rules and your legal rights, you can navigate potential disputes more effectively and avoid potential issues.

Invest West Management has delivered full-service HOA solutions across the Pacific Northwest since 1979. With a hybrid work model, dedicated team access, and no surprise fees, we streamline community operations and communication. You can get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.

In a 2024 report, the Community Associations Institute stated that Washington is home to 10,850 community associations, including homeowner associations (HOAs). Over 2.4 million Washingtonians live in nearly a million (959,100) homes in these planned communities. While most are happy (67% rank their association living experience as "positive"), not every HOA resident is.

If your HOA community in Vancouver, WA, is among those associations that struggle with management issues and dissatisfied residents, now is the best time to partner with an association management company.

In this guide, the community management service experts at Invest West Management will explain how association managers can transform and benefit your HOA. Please read on.

Why Choose Professional Management?

Investing in full-service association management solutions means your HOA can access a wealth of knowledge and expertise, as these professionals:

• Understand local laws
• Implement best association management practices
• Know how to maintain positive neighborly relations

So, your community's governance can become more efficient and effective with an association expert on your team. The pro can also assume most of the HOA board's roles and responsibilities.

From there, board members can focus on enhancing the community's environment and livability.

What an Association Management Company Can Do for Your HOA

From expert guidance to better financial management, these are just some of what an expert manager can do for your HOA. Here's a quick overview of your association manager's primary roles.

Deliver Expert Guidance

With an HOA management firm, your association can become better informed and cohesive through:

• Policy and strategy advice, such as the best courses of action to take for the good of the community
• Financial management guidance, like budgeting and cost-effective maintenance strategies
• Legal interpretation of Vancouver and Washington HOA-related laws
• Vendor selection, including finding qualified contractors and overseeing their work to ensure quality
• Conflict resolution, such as mediating disputes between homeowners and facilitating constructive communication
• Community engagement and ensuring residents remain informed and involved in HOA matters

Improve HOA Operations and Finances

The best HOA management firm combines the skills and knowledge of highly experienced managers with innovative technology. With this pairing, they can:

• Streamline daily operations
• Automate many tasks, such as sending notices about HOA dues
• Promptly address maintenance issues and concerns
• Manage HOA budgets more effectively
• Keep the community's funds secure
• Ensure transparent financial reporting
• Collect HOA fees more efficiently through an online portal
• Manage community facility bookings and reservations

With all those perks and pros, residents of well-managed HOAs can stay happy and satisfied. The happier they are, the more likely they will adhere to the community's rules and laws.

Let Us Help Transform Your Community

Choosing the right association management company is vital for the prosperity of your community. At Invest West Management, we specialize in helping HOA communities prosper.

We're a local, family-owned real estate business that has served clients in Washington and Oregon for over 40 years. We're also proud to be industry leaders, having received the highest, most prestigious industry designation, Accredited Management Organization (AMO), from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). With our highly tenured management team members, we can help enhance your association.

Call us today to learn more about how our services can elevate your Vancouver, WA, community into a model of excellence!

In Washington, the median rent is around $1,600 as reported by World Population Review. Those who invest in rental properties or homeowners associations (HOAs) have plenty of opportunity to generate substantial passive income.

The role of an HOA property manager cannot be overstated regarding maintaining a harmonious and well-functioning community in Vancouver, WA. They are the backbone of homeowner associations, ensuring that community standards are upheld and that property values remain stable. In this guide, we will explore the four key roles an HOA property manager plays in community management, providing insights that can help homeowners appreciate their importance.

1. Enforcing Community Standards

One of the primary responsibilities of an HOA property manager is to enforce the community's rules and regulations. This involves not only ensuring that homeowners adhere to bylaws but also that common areas are well-maintained.

Property managers must possess strong community management skills to mediate disputes and to communicate effectively with homeowners about any violations. Through fair and consistent enforcement of rules, they help foster a sense of respect and responsibility within the community.

2. Financial Management

HOA property managers are instrumental in managing the association's finances. This includes:

• Budgeting
• Collecting fees
• Ensuring that funds are allocated responsibly

Effective financial planning is vital for maintaining amenities and services, which directly impacts property values. An HOA property manager employs their property management expertise to provide financial reports and transparency, building trust among residents.

This financial stewardship is a crucial association management duty that ensures the longevity of the community's resources. It will also save time and money by preventing potential conflicts.

3. Maintenance Coordination

Another critical area in which an HOA property manager excels is maintenance coordination. They oversee repairs and upkeep of common areas, ensuring that community amenities are in good working order.

By developing relationships with reliable contractors and service providers, they ensure timely responses to maintenance needs. This involves strong organizational skills and a profound understanding of the properties they manage. Regular maintenance not only enhances the community's aesthetic appeal but also contributes significantly to property value stability.

4. Communication and Community Engagement

Effective communication is paramount in any homeowner association. An HOA property manager serves as the liaison between:

• The board
• Homeowners
• Service providers

They will:

• Organize community meetings
• Disseminate newsletters
• Keep residents informed about important updates changes

By facilitating open lines of communication, they help build a strong community spirit and ensure that homeowner concerns are addressed promptly. This ability to engage and inform residents is a key aspect of their HOA leadership responsibilities.

Leverage an HOA Property Manager

From enforcing community standards and managing finances to coordinating maintenance and fostering HOA effective communication, the contributions of an HOA property manager are invaluable. Be sure to find a reputable professional, though.

Invest West Management brings over 40 years of HOA management expertise to the Vancouver area, offering a full-service approach with highly qualified team members. Our flexible management options and consistent support are designed to help your community succeed. You can get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.

Imagine this: your HOA is in the process of voting for new Board of Trustee members. This lengthy process involves interviewing each candidate, sharing their information with community members, counting votes, and more.

And this is just one of the countless tasks that an HOA oversees daily. 

So the question is this: are you prepared to handle all aspects of community management services in your Vancouver, WA HOA? If not, you need an HOA Manager, and here are 5 reasons why.

1. Coordinates Community Activities

HOA-USA reports that the US is home to more than 370,000 homeowner associations. Of these communities, HOA Managers are tasked with coordinating activities such as:

• Board of Trustee voting
• Seasonal activities, including holiday events and decorating
• Monthly Board meetings to discuss the community

These events require careful planning, often asking members to RSVP, making homeowners association leadership an absolute must.

2. Owner Disputes

When owners find faults with their HOAs, managers become a necessity. 

Not only do these dedicated professionals understand the bylaws, but they're able to convey these rules and regulations to members. Should members fail to comply with these rules and regulations, HOA Managers are tasked with holding them accountable.

3. Legal Knowledge

Most HOA Community Managers are well-versed in the legal aspects of managing a community. This includes compliance with the following:

• Local and state laws
• HOA regulations
• Any documents, such as bylaws

If an HOA Manager requires legal assistance, they can find a reputable lawyer to assist with any community-related legal questions.

4. Annual Budgeting

These budgets account for any renovations or repairs the community needs, either over the next year or the next decade. From there, HOA Managers can create a budget that works for everyone in the community, crafting payment plans.

Some items that HOAs account for include (but aren't limited to):

• Road work, including street paving
• Maintenance of common areas, including parks and playgrounds
• Upkeep pr repairs of any clubhouses
• Snow removal
• Landscaping

These are only a handful of items that HOAs budget for, as each community has its own annual projects. Annual budgets ebb and flow to match the community's current needs. HOA Managers are responsible for creating these budgets and sharing them with members, especially if any budgets are being voted on.

HOA Managers are also responsible for being transparent with members, which might mean managing a web portal that provides homeowners access to:

• Bylaws
• Payment options
• Accounting records

And more.

5. Vendor Management

Property management support includes keeping the community's grounds well-maintained, either as repairs or upgrades. Before they tackle these projects, they have to contact vendors to find the best price for each job.

This might include:

• Lawnmowing
• Power washing
• Roof repair
• Asphalt resurfacing
• Pest management

Since HOAs rely on member fees for paying vendors, professionals should provide quotes and references when bidding on jobs. As such, HOA Managers are essential when overseeing these projects.

Find the Best HOA Manager

If you're ready to watch your community thrive, then hire the best HOA Manager in the Vancouver, WA area. From budgeting and vendor management to upholding bylaws within the community, these trusted professionals do it all.

Invest West Management offers an HOA Member Portal, plenty of vendor resources, property management, and more. Request a management proposal today and get ready to have your HOA expertly managed.

These days, 31.2% of all Washington homes are part of an HOA (according to Today's Homeowner). The question is: how many of them rate their experience as a positive one?

If you're a board member, you know some HOA residents expect more from their association. Occasionally, they may expect too much. In many cases, however, the HOA could be doing more to protect their rights.

Need help with running an HOA successfully? Read on for five HOA property management tips to keep your members happy!

1. Have a Clear Vision

When it comes to homeowner association tips, it all starts with a vision. Where do you want your association to be in the future? Knowing this is the first step toward establishing an actionable strategic plan.

Once you have a long-term plan in place, figure out which projects will help you accomplish it. For instance, if you want more new homeowners in your HOA, consider organizing more open community events.

2. Keep Residents Informed

Many community management ideas rely on communication. If your residents aren't aware of key information, you'll struggle to enact your policies. You can reach them via social media, but there's always the risk of a data breach.

The best way to keep residents informed is to use HOA management software. These dedicated tools can help you with:

• General communications
• Violation notifications
• Architectural change information
• Email discussions

3. Draft a Healthy Budget

All property management strategies require having a set budget. If you don't have one yet, draft it ASAP. In Washington, the HOA board must also provide a copy of the budget to all residents within 30 days.

To draft a budget, you'll first need to appoint a budget committee. They'll schedule dedicated budget meetings to gather the necessary information. The end goal is to ensure your budget is fair and balanced.

4. Keep Members Invested

One of the best HOA management tips we can give you is to keep your members invested. You can gauge the level of interest by your community meetings. If they're productive, you have a solid support system in place.

If your meetings aren't too popular, try to foster a sense of camaraderie among residents. Here are some things you can do:

• Welcome new homeowners
• Be friendly and approachable
• Organize social events
• Reward engagement publicly

5. Enforce Policies Effectively

Rules may not seem like fun, but following them is the glue that holds an HOA together. In a successful community, rules are enforced effectively. If you often "let things slide," you're setting your HOA up for failure.

Of course, efficient HOA practices also require efficient rules. If a rule is outdated, you shouldn't blindly follow it. Instead, use common sense and see what the board can do to change the rule.

Need Help With HOA Property Management?

The bottom line: HOA property management takes effort and attitude. If your HOA board isn't performing smoothly, the above tips will help. You can also hire an HOA manager to help you with specialized tasks.

At Invest West Management, we've been helping HOA communities in Vancouver, WA for 40+ years. Unlike many management companies, we don't charge extra for services that are part of our fixed-rate agreement!

Get in touch with us now to see how we can help your community!

Think about what makes a neighborhood feel like home: well-kept amenities, clear communication on community issues, and prompt responses to concerns. These aren't just byproducts of a functioning association; they're the results of skilled, attentive community association managers who put the needs of residents first.

Community association managers wear many hats, from ensuring compliance with HOA policies to building a thriving community where neighbors feel connected and valued. This post will outline the core roles that these managers play in shaping neighborhoods into desirable, well-maintained places to live.

1. Governance and Compliance

Community association managers (CAMs) play a crucial role in ensuring that neighborhoods stay true to their bylaws, CC&Rs, and community guidelines. This work involves regular, proactive property inspections to check for compliance issues and address them before they escalate.

CAMs may issue notices for any violations they observe, and they work closely with homeowners to resolve issues, rather than just imposing fines outright.

These managers also act as advisors to the board, offering insight on how best to apply association leadership skills in decision-making. They often help board members stay informed and aligned with state or local laws that affect the community, which is, as you can guess, not a small task.

Additionally, by serving as a bridge between the board and residents, CAMs help ensure everyone's on the same page by promoting fairness and transparency in community standards.

2. Financial Oversight

A significant part of a CAM's responsibility is handling the financial side of HOA management skills. This involves:

• Budgeting for common area maintenance
• Planning for long-term reserve funds
• Collecting dues efficiently

CAMs typically work closely with the board to review financial statements, identify trends, and develop solutions for potential budgetary issues.

By ensuring accurate documentation, CAMs support the association's financial health. This includes providing regular financial reports and organizing annual audits to help the board maintain clear, transparent records.

3. Maintenance and Vendor Management

Maintaining a neighborhood's physical environment often falls to the CAM, who coordinates everything from routine upkeep to urgent repairs. These managers build relationships with reliable vendors and often use an in-house property management team to handle routine maintenance tasks. This setup helps ensure that the community benefits from cost-effective and dependable service.

CAMs typically conduct regular site inspections to identify any potential issues early to keep residents satisfied and property values stable.

4. Community Engagement and Communication

CAMs play an essential role in keeping residents informed, engaged, and connected. They employ community engagement strategies such as newsletters, online portals, and regular meetings to make it easy for residents to stay updated on:

• Events
• Policies
• Community news

Choose the Right Community Association Managers for Your Community

Efficient community association management is key to a well-maintained, harmonious neighborhood. From enforcing guidelines to supporting community engagement, these four core roles highlight the impact of skilled community association managers.

At Invest West Management, we bring over 40 years of HOA management expertise to the Vancouver area, backed by a full-service approach and highly qualified team members. With flexible management options and consistent support for your community, we're here to help your association succeed. Reach out to us today to learn how Invest West Management can support your neighborhood association.

Around a third of Washington's homes are situated in homeowners associations, according to Seattle Agent Magazine. This highlights the need for quality community managers.

Sadly, many of the HOAs in Washington and around the country provide unsatisfactory service to residents. If this describes your situation, it usually comes down to poor HOA leadership from your HOA board of directors.

The best way to make positive change is to hire HOA management services. In today's post, we'll discuss some of the key neighborhood management benefits your community will see when you hire professional help. Keep reading and you'll be able to turn your HOA around sooner rather than later.

HOA Accounting Services

All HOA homeowners pay monthly dues to enjoy the perks of their association. The funds are pooled together to pay for things like property and community maintenance, new amenities, and repairs.

If the money isn't being properly managed, the funds won't be enough to cover what the community needs. In the end, it's the community that has to pay. The HOA will be forced to raise HOA fees to compensate for their own financial mismanagement.

One of the top advantages of HOA managers is that they'll bring accounting expertise to the table. They'll quickly assess your community's financial situation, performing fee collection, bookkeeping, and budgeting duties that can improve the financial health of your HOA.

Improved Maintenance

Community maintenance is crucial for a couple of reasons. First, it ensures homeowners feel safe and comfortable in their community. Second, it generates interest from outside investors.

When people want to buy into your community, it boosts property values for the entire HOA. Some communities have property values as much as 4% higher than similar non-HOA homes.

To enjoy a well-maintained community, you need local vendors. A community manager will bring strong vendor relationships to your HOA. Whatever your community needs will be a call away for the right HOA management service.

HOA Governance

One area where HOA leaders really let homeowners down is governance. HOA boards are made up of volunteer homeowners. It creates a strange power dynamic when they have to enforce the governing documents on their rule-breaking neighbors.

However, if rule breakers aren't punished for their actions, they'll continue annoying other homeowners and creating havoc in the community. A good HOA manager will run your community by the governing documents everyone's agreed to follow. They'll punish bad actors and create a more calm and cohesive community overall.

The Top Community Managers in Vancouver, WA

Great community managers can quickly implement the tactics discussed here and fix your HOA once and for all. They'll provide strong leadership and bring your HOA board to a level every community member is happy with.

For communities in Vancouver, the best option for HOA management is Invest West Management. Our comprehensive HOA management services include everything we've mentioned here and so much more.

We're also part of one of the country's largest property management groups. Contact us today to discuss your needs and we'll tell you how we can help.

There are more than 358,000 U.S. neighborhoods governed by a homeowners association (HOA). There are many advantages to living in an HOA, including a higher standard of living and retention of property values.

HOAs are operated by dues paid by residents, who expect value from their contributions. This includes things like holiday decorations for the neighborhood. Meeting such high demands can be stressful for the HOA.

If you are a board member looking for HOA holiday decorating guidelines, keep reading. Below are several that will help you make your Vancouver community festive, fun, and safe.

Check HOA Festive Rules

Holiday decorations compliance should be at the top of your list. The neighborhood may already have in place holiday decor rules HOAs must follow.

These include for grounds, buildings, and common areas. They may relate to color schemes or the types of decorations allowed.

For instance, an HOA may restrict the use of overtly religious displays by the HOA. Others may permit them, as long as are tasteful and inclusive of the diversity of residents' beliefs and traditions.

Communicate Changes to Residents

Like with any other event or project, make sure to communicate the holiday decor plan with community members. Give them dates for when displays will be put up and taken down, and abide by this plan as closely as possible.

Prioritize Safety

Be sure that your holiday decorating plans do not jeopardize the safety of the community. Electrical wiring in common areas could be a hazard for pets or young children who use the space. Consider any potential fire hazards and take precautions to eliminate them.

Ensure decorations do not obstruct walkways or entrances to buildings. Also, make sure there is no danger of them falling from a height or toppling over.

Limit Noise and Light Levels

Many holiday displays include festive lights and music. If you decide to have this in areas near residences, be sure these elements are not disturbing the people who live there.

Keep music levels to a minimum and ensure no bright lights are shining directly into windows or blinding drivers as they pass by. Use timers to shut down the displays during late-night hours to further limit the chances of disturbances.

Choose Eco-Friendly Options

Another good rule of thumb for holiday decorating is to limit waste. Where possible, choose recyclable decorations. Consider using LED lights and, again, put them on timers to minimize energy waste.

Quick Cleanup

A final HOA holiday decorating guideline is to have the neighborhood back to pre-holiday status early in the new year. Line up volunteers and have a plan in place to take down, store, or dispose of decorations soon after the holidays.

Neighborhoods with decorations left up for many weeks following the holiday give off an appearance of laziness. Timely deconstruction of displays will get the project behind you and make sure your community members are happy.

Learn More About HOA Holiday Decorating

HOA holiday decorating is a great way to add fun and cheer to your neighborhood. Follow the tips above to ensure a safe, enjoyable environment for your community.

For more than 40 years, Invest West Management has been providing the highest quality real estate management assistance to clients throughout Washington and Oregon. We offer a range of services, including managing Vancouver, WA, HOA guidelines and providing board resources. Reach out to us today to learn more.

According to The Foundation for Community Association Research, around a third of Washington's homes are in homeowners associations. But how many of these homeowners are actually happy with their HOAs?

All over the country, homeowners report widespread HOA mismanagement. An association is only as effective as the people running it, so if you aren't getting what you want out of your HOA, it might be time to change some strategies.

In today's post, we'll go over some of the top strategies for association management group success in Vancouver. With the right HOA management techniques and association leadership strategies, there's no telling where your HOA could go from here. Keep reading and get the effective community management you've always wanted.

Strong Communication

At the heart of all good homeowners associations is communication between management and homeowners. If you don't have open lines of communication, management will make decisions that aren't always in the best interest of homeowners.

The best way to get everyone on the same page is through HOA meetings. If you can keep meetings organized, you'll hear from homeowners on all of the most important issues. Once you have their opinions, you can make informed decisions about how to proceed with running the HOA.

Prompt Fee Collection and Accounting

HOA fees pay for everything the community needs. If you don't have a strong collection process, you won't just lack funds, you'll also confuse homeowners. You should collect fees at the same time each month and deal with missed payments promptly.

Once you've got the money, you'll need good accounting methods to ensure you're maximizing it. Mishandling money will result in having to raise fee amounts, which will only frustrate homeowners who are on a budget. Take fee collection, bookkeeping, and budgeting seriously and you'll use the money wisely.

Adherence to Rules

The governing documents of an HOA tell homeowners how to act. When you've got upwards of 50 homeowners living under a set of rules, rule breakers become commonplace. It's how you deal with them that sends a message to the larger community.

When you're a volunteer HOA board member, it's tricky to issue penalties to your neighbors. If you fail to deal with bad actors, however, you'll lose the faith of community members who follow the rules. Don't be afraid to issue fines and penalties to set a precedent of compliance in your HOA.

Regular Maintenance

One of the biggest joys of living in an HOA should be the community itself. If it's well-maintained, safe, and comfortable for homeowners, they'll feel as though they're experiencing the best of HOA living.

When you fail to take HOA maintenance seriously, it can get out of control quickly. You need to keep local vendors on a regular schedule, whether it's garbage pickup or landscaping.

An Association Management Group Can Help

Running an HOA is a complex and all-consuming task. It's no wonder that so many associations are frustrating their homeowners. If you follow these tips, yours can be as effective as any in the state.

Of course, the other option is to hire an association management group to help. At Invest West Management, we're Vancouver's top option for HOA management, offering all of the services mentioned here and more. Contact us today to learn how we can turn your community into a success story.