A consulting question for ya

Started by MelissaP1 • 11 replies • 1413 views

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MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I have a quick question. It is in no way advertising anything. I am looking into possibly going into business for myself one day. One of the things I am considering is to be a HOA consultant. A person who can come in and assist a HOA with their issues. I wonder since many of you have HOA's and always seem to be wishing for a "HOA expert" to be on your board, could this be a business you would want? What would you pay someone to do this?

Mind you this is just an idea and just wanted some feedback. I thought about writing a book but think consulting would be a good idea. Right now my advice is of course free. However, there are a few things I feel outside of just advice on here that I could offer. Just let me know what you think about the idea and NOT me...LOL! Thanks!

Former HOA President

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Mel

Off the top of my head, one would have to have some professional certifications before I would consider hiring them.

I recently saw an article that upset me. It was informing people about HOA's. It was way off base and the only "certifications" by the person was they were a real estate sales agent.

As per charges (off the top of my head again) I would think in the $50.00 per hour range plus expenses but again, I want qualifications.

Hope this helps.

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

Typically the HOA experts are management companies. If they have reached the point that they need to call in an "HOA expert" expect the HOA to be a total disaster. One thing to consider are state laws. If your going to give advice, such as advice that involves legalities or management advice, you may need to be licensed. If you are not, you could face a lawsuit from the HOA for giving bad advice and not being licensed to do so. The state may step in as well.

Another thought, if your going the BOD route, since most CCR's/Bylaws state that it is prohibited that board members be paid, you would need to do it for free.

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

After writing all that, I've decided, your better off writing a book. LOL.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Thanks Steve. I wouldn't be a board member on a HOA nor would I be a management company. A management company is a subcontractor to a HOA and is NOT to run it. Something that would be in my book...LOL!

I would of course get a license and most likely incorporate myself. I would be a consultant only to help guide members through education about the rules and what a HOA means. Would not represent myself in any legal capacity. It would just be like a workshop for HOA's. Answer questions and look at what they could do better.

Not sure if there is any certificates out there for such a thing as HOA consultant. People wouldn't trust a Realtor in a HOA. They would think I would be out for personal gain that way. I do have education from college in the main areas that a HOA needs to have. Those would be some business/criminal law, project management, and business accounting. I found these the most beneficial areas of knowledge when I ran my HOA.

Thanks for the feedback. It helped me think about a few more things!

Former HOA President

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

People who hire consultants are generally those who are aware that they need assistance in a particular aspect of their business. They are smart enough to know that they do not know everything and are willing to seek help from those with the necessary expertise.

About 99.999% of all HOA boards are so incompetent that they don't even have a clue that they incompetent. You have not got a snowball's chance in hell of selling those boards any services. There is nothing you can offer that is not available elsewhere (and often for free) yet these boards do not seek out that information.

If you make a presentation to one of these boards, one of their first questions will be what your services will cost. If you tell them $50 per hour, every one of the board members is going to think to himself, "I never got paid that much so why should I pay someone else that kind of money?" Their next thought will be, "$50 per hour times 40 hours per week time 52 weeks for year. My God, she making $104,000 per year! We can't afford that."

My best advice: Don't quit your day job.

PeterD3 (Florida)
Posts: 708

Posted:

Narcissist.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

sorry was looking at my reflection in the HOA pond again...LOL!!!

Former HOA President

JayP3 (Florida)
Posts: 154

Posted:

Ha Ha ha

That was funny.

You are really full of yourself... and not much else.

PeterD3 (Florida)
Posts: 708

Posted:

Careful Jay,

She'll report any critical response to the moderator.

NancyG3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 342

Posted:

Melissa - Our Board would never use your services. They have their own agenda and think they don't need anyones advise. I think you have a good idea, but, other Boards use legal advisers. Your idea is a good one but think you should also check with an Attorney because of different State laws. Good luck.

BruceF1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 2,535

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LarryB13 on 01/10/2013 5:06 PM
About 99.999% of all HOA boards are so incompetent that they don't even have a clue that they incompetent.

Melissa,

I think Larry has hit the nail on the head. There are those on HOA boards who believe they don't need any help. They were born knowing all that they need to know.

I applaud your desire to help others by sharing your knowledge and experience. However, as Larry said, those most in need of help are not likely ask for it. I think this source (this forum) is one of the most useful. I have often suggested to other past and present board members in my community to visit this forum and view the discussions posted here. To my knowledge, not one (other than myself) has ever done so.

I don't know the source of this quotation, of if I have it right, but it goes something like this:

"He who knows not, and knows he knows not, is a wise man. He who knows not, and knows not he knows not, is a fool."

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