7 Reasons Why You Should Get Involved in Your HOA

Moving to a home with a homeowners association? Lucky you. While these organizations often get a bad rap for being expensive and rule-obsessed, they can also make life much easier. Well-managed HOAs typically run everything from your home’s landscaping and exterior aesthetics to pool maintenance and overall upkeep of the property. HOAs also manage finances and enforce rules in housing communities. They are most common in apartment buildings, planned neighborhoods and condo communities where residents live in close proximity to one another.

If you’re preparing to move to an HOA community, consider joining your board, attending meetings and/or getting involved in neighborhood events. Not only does this make it easier to meet the neighbors, but it also gives you the power to review and change community rules that you find unreasonable. HOA responsibilities and rules vary from property to property, so be sure to thoroughly read your property’s handbook prior to moving.

If you plan to join your HOA board, start by attending meetings. Every HOA community is different. Some hold meetings once a week, others once a month. To find out more about your HOA specifics, call the property manager for details and/or ask neighbors for information. To become a board member, you’ll need to inquire about elections (when and where they take place) as well as whether or not there are already open spots available. Many HOA boards vote on leadership positions once a year, so be sure to ask about the frequency of these elections. Even if you decide not to join your HOA board, you can still make a difference by showing up to meetings, voicing your opinions and helping out around the community. Here are 7 reasons why it’s important to get involved in your HOA.

Why you should get involved in your HOA

You can protect the community’s property values

You can meet new neighbors

You can change rules and/or make new ones

You can fix problems in the community

You can gain leadership skills

You can plan community events and social activities

You can add volunteer experience to your resume

What are the benefits to living in an HOA community?

In addition to zero landscaping (read: you’ll never have to mow a yard ever again!), there are a number of perks that come with living in an HOA community. For one, your utilities (think: water, insurance and electricity) often come rolled up into your HOA fee, simplifying your monthly bill payments. Second, residents of an HOA community benefit from monthly socials and events, making it easier to meet friends and neighbors. Finally, the most popular reason for choosing an HOA community is the access to a number of amenities. Many HOA neighborhoods include golf courses, tennis courts, community parks, swimming pools, fitness clubs and more. For more information on the pros and cons of HOA living, check here.

Ready to move?

Moving soon? Check Moving.com’s extensive network of movers to find the right moving company for your upcoming relocation. Our website makes it easy to find, compare and book movers. All you have to do is submit your moving details to receive free moving quotes from a number of professionals. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!