Actively volunteering to serve your homeowner association helps you, your neighbors and your community. Thank goodness for the volunteers who shape your community and help keep it running smoothly. Typically, volunteers are enthusiastic people committed to worthwhile projects. This same enthusiasm can cause great volunteers to overextend themselves. That’s when volunteering pushes the limit. You need to know when to say no and when reach for a helping hand.
Condo and HOA Boards have a lot to do in managing the day-to-day association operations in addition to community improvements. It’s essential to ask additional volunteers to help implement the plans. If your community lacks enough volunteers, explore the resources of a property management company. Custom plans are available to fit your budget and needs. Overextending yourself to the point of burnout is detrimental to both you and your community.
Like most businesses, running an association requires extensive knowledge about a wide variety of topics. Identify the skills within your Board and community so you know your strengths. When an issue calls for expertise that you don’t possess, contact an area expert. Trying to research and make decisions in areas where you don’t have sufficient knowledge can put you and your community at risk.
Say no to making legal decisions without the guidance of an attorney. Legalities have many nuances, depending on the situation. Don’t try to save a little money by the do-it-yourself method. Consult your association attorney on all legal issues.
Life (sickness, family deaths, work, etc.) sometimes gets in the way of volunteer work. When it does, other Board members sometimes try to fill in. While you may be able to fill in for a month or two, it’s not a good idea for a Board member to assume multiple roles indefinitely. When one person assumes responsibility for multiple functions, it can eliminate check steps that protect the community. Find another volunteer to assume the role or hire professional services.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of your community, so use that time wisely. Seek support when it’s needed. Be thoughtful and encouraging because your volunteers are performing one of the most important contributions of all—making your community a better home.
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Wise Property Solutions is East Tennessee’s only Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC®). As the region’s leader in community association management, the firm is committed to the industry’s best practices and continuing professional development. Wise Property Solutions’ certified and highly trained property managers empower well-organized and efficient communities. The firm maintains offices in both Knoxville and the Tri-Cities.