What are homeowners looking for from MC?

Started by JulieT1 • 4 replies • 1626 views

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JulieT1 (Georgia)
Posts: 4

Posted:

I am a Broker of a MC and want to see what homeowners are looking for in a MC. It is important to me to offer the needs of the homeowners not just the needs of the MC. If you can, please list a few things you like and dislike about MC so I can cater to the homeowners more. I like to develop close relationships with the communities that I manage, but sometimes they have been "burned" from other MC and won't "let us in" for quite a while. Once they see we are HONEST and not just there to take their money, and provide a true service, they usually open up. I have some questions: What makes homeowners look for new MC? What is the best form of support we can offer? etc..

Any suggestions that you might have would greatly be appreciated!!!

AnnaD2 (Florida)
Posts: 960

Posted:

Gosh, where should I start? I'd say the main reason for HOA's looking for a new MC is lack of attention and being ignored by them. Excuse after excuse as to why things were not done. Requesting (at a board meeting) that the MC contact certain companies or obtain bids. Only to be told at the next board meeting that they "forgot" or they left a message at a company and never heard back. Owners writing letter after letter to the MC about problems only to never, ever get a reply. Inept accounting practices. Paying other association's bills out of our operating account. Ignoring other board members who are trying to get things done, because the board president instructed them to. Only working for one person (the president) and ignoring every other member. Working at out of town offices they have so they're not available as needed. I could go on and on and on.....
Hope this gives you a little insight. Good luck!

JoeW1 (New York)
Posts: 728

Posted:

JulieT1 - IMO, the most important thing you can offer to the residents/Board members is to learn from Federal, State, Master Deed, CC&R's, and By-laws what the Board can and can not approve/decide upon and to educate and guide both with your knowledge. Disenfranchisement of owners due to a Board run-amok will deteriorate a community quicker than depreciation of the elements. Disenfranchisement of Board members due to an apathetic community is equally as destructive. Other than that, a monthly management letter (Board approved) with all residents is key.

PaulM (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 1,347

Posted:

Julie:
MC's have a usual 'modus operandi' when working with Boards and communities. They tend to lump everyone together and run all 'their' communities the 'same'. This can work out OK, except when the CC&Rs and Rules/Regs stipulate something different than the MC has been doing right along. That's why it is so important for the MC and the Board to Know Their Documents... This is where a good MC can be a positive influence, or be a negative due to their ignorance or ill regard for what the documents state.

MC's should be ready to provide the Board with their 'hands on' experience re bringing violations to court or putting out the fires, and imparting wisdom re state law for the community. A Board must be vigilant and hold the MC to their role/responsibilities as stated in the MC's contract. It is the Board who hires and fires them. Many times, the Board is lax and the MC 'gets away' with doing less and not providing the personal on-site monitoring needed.

Many times, an MC is one who works for a real estate/developer company and has, by virtue of their years with the company, been given the role of community management. An MC should be accredited, have taken the necessary courses (Community Assn. Network) required to stay abreast of ongoing changes in community living.

A good MC is the most valuable asset a community can have. In these times of people living longer lives, more will be looking for a community living environment, and it behooves the Management Companies to stay ahead of the curve.

BobM5 (California)
Posts: 34

Posted:

Most importantly, the MC must know it's place. It works for the board and not the reverse. The MC should be familiar with the CC&R's, Rules & Regs, city and state laws. The MC should have a good working relationship with vendors. The MC should belong to a professional association. Most importantly, it should be honest.

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