One of the most difficult decisions an HOA board can make is who to hire to manage their properties and community. A great HOA management company can be a lifesaver, ensuring smooth and stress-free management. A not-so-great HOA manager, however, can cause a number of headaches. If you’re an HOA board member in Bozeman, MT, looking for someone to manage your community, here’s a helpful guide for our top questions to ask potential HOA property management companies during interviews.
Benefits of Working With an HOA Management Company
Before diving into what questions to ask, you must first understand the ‘why’ behind hiring an HOA management company for your community. Partnering with an HOA manager who shares your values is bound to ensure your association thrives. In addition, finding someone to manage the association can be fruitful, especially if the board has full-time jobs or other endeavors to look after.
Hiring an HOA management company in Bozeman can be difficult, however, if you don’t know where to start. Plus, due to the large number of companies in our area, it can be challenging to determine which is the best fit for your association.
Before drafting your interview questions, it’s a good idea to sit down with the board and identify your values and goals. What is most important to you? How do you see your community evolving in the next five years? What expectations do you have from an HOA management company?
Here are 8 of the best questions to ask potential HOA management companies during interviews:
-
How long have you been in operation?
One of the significant advantages of hiring a HOA management company in Bozeman is their local expertise and history. If they’ve been around for a long time, it’s likely that they are well-versed with the unique challenges and opportunities the Bozeman community presents. From understanding local ebbs and flows to knowing the best maintenance practices for properties in this climate, their knowledge can save you from costly mistakes.
-
What is your mission statement?
A large number of HOA management companies in Bozeman won’t have a well-defined mission statement. However, finding one that does shows that they’ve thought about who they are, what they care about. They may make a good business partner.
-
How will you communicate with the board?
Communication is key in HOA management, especially when dealing with homeowners and finances. Ask your potential HOA manager their process for communicating with the board. Some may send monthly statements, annual reports, and even attend some board meetings on an as-needed basis.
-
How will you add value to our community?
A great HOA management company will not just look after your properties, but will do what they can to make your properties thrive. They’ll go above and beyond simple maintenance and care to make your homeowners feel at home, involved, and truly part of a community.
-
How do you handle HOA due collection?
Make sure the company has a streamlined and efficient due collection process in place to minimize any delays or issues. Also be sure to ask about their financial reporting processes. Transparency in homeowners associations is absolutely essential from both an integrity and legal standpoint.
-
How do you handle maintenance and repairs?
Ask about their approach to property maintenance and repairs. Do they respond within a set time frame? Do they outsource vendors to handle the issues? Timely attention to issues can save you money in the long run.
-
What is your fee structure?
Some HOA management companies may charge different fees for the type of structure, such as single-family homes vs. multi-family and mixed-use homes. Be clear about their fees up front so you can accurately assess the cost of their services.
-
How do you handle HOA community complaints and disputes?
Neighbors living side-by-side will inevitably lead to conflict. An HOA manager is the at the front-lines of disagreements, to they should have a well-defined approach to conflict resolution.
Take the Next Step Toward a Happy, Stress-Free HOA Management Experience
Leading a homeowners association in Bozeman can be a rewarding endeavor, but it comes with its challenges. By partnering with a professional HOA management company in Bozeman, you can mitigate many of these challenges and enjoy the benefits of a well-run association.
Contact Ironhorse Management today and let us guide you to success. By partnering with us, you’re not just managing your HOA; you’re cultivating a thriving community in Bozeman.
More tips and advice for working with HOA management companies can be found in our Complete Guide to HOA Management.
