7 Ways to Be Heard as an HOA Homeowner

While board members are primarily responsible for making decisions in a community association, homeowners have a voice as well. Since most decisions impact them directly, boards typically provide opportunities for homeowners to give their opinions and feedback. However, many homeowners don’t realize they have these opportunities available to them as community members.

The more involved community members are, the more informed the board of directors is on their primary concerns. This information helps them make better decisions for the overall well-being of the community.

Steps to take as an HOA Homeowner

If you are looking for tips or ways to be heard as an HOA homeowner, we’ve put together a list of seven tips below for you to follow.

Believe in your abilities.

Too often, community members talk themselves out of speaking up because they have little belief in their abilities. The first step to being heard is trusting your instincts and skills. Brainstorm reasons why the board should listen to your ideas along with your strengths to increase your confidence.

Be professional.

To capture the attention of the board and other community members, maintain a warm, friendly, and professional demeanor. Very few individuals will listen to what you have to say if you are disrespectful or inconsiderate, resulting in the dismissal of your ideas.

Volunteer your time.

Homeowners associations need more help than most realize. Volunteering your time is one of the best ways to get the HOA board to listen to you. Not only will you have more time to talk to board members by working closely with them, but you will also gain their trust as somebody invested in the community.

Join committees.

There are plenty of committees a homeowner can join to help better the association, including Ad hoc, fixed, and mandatory. Each of these addresses different topics and needs of the association from new issues to finance to governing documents. These sub-committees give you a better idea of how the association works overall.

Attend meetings.

Attending monthly meetings is an excellent way for a homeowner to get their voice heard. You can expect to listen to updates on recent changes or votes the board of directors has made, as well as the chance to voice concerns and opinions during a designated time.

Give suggestions.

In addition to concerns or complaints, it is also vital that you offer suggestions or solutions to problems. Coming to a meeting with answers shows the board you are not just there to complain, but that you also want to see the community succeed and grow.

Become a board member.

Finally, becoming a board member is the best way to have your voice heard as a homeowner. Meeting monthly to discuss community issues can help you partake in the decision-making process first-hand.

For more ways to work with your association board, contact AR Management! We work with associations on property, financial, and community management.