Pros and Cons of being on my HOA board

Mark,

Six years is a long commitment. However, you can always resign if it's not your cup of tea, so you're not necessarily committed to the six years.

Pros: You are part of the decision process. If you didn't like the way the Association has been doing things, you will be in a position to affect the decisions to change how things are done.

Cons: If you do it right, it's more work then you think it is (and it's more than a monthly meeting).
You will get some thanks but mainly you will likely get complaints (that's part of being on the Board).

I have found that the more that is done that members can see (tree trimming, repairs, etc.) and the more information flows from the Board to the membership (newsletter, website, etc.) that you will get a lot more thank yous.

Here are some general resources that might help (once you have a specific job - officer position - there are more specific resources):

The Board Member Tool Kit: A GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER LEADER From CAI

DOs and DON’Ts for new HOA board members article by a FL attorney

Advice for New Board Members: After Election, the Real Work Starts article from the New England Condominium magazine


Common Mistakes New HOA Board Members Make article from an insurance consulting company (good info)

Hope this helps.

You will likely enjoy the work once you settle into it.

You are dealing with individuals.
Each have their own character, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

Perhaps, if they are giving this perception, you can work on helping it change.

If there is a board meeting prior to the election, ask if you can sit in to observe as you try to decide if it's what you want to commit to or not.

They say that being a board member/officer is a "Thankless job". I take the approach that it is a "ThankFULL" job. It really all depends on what you want to get out of it and what you want to do for others. My hardest but best lesson I learned was that the money in the HOA was NOT MY money... it is ALL the members money. I was just ELECTED on the behalf the members to manage it on an everyday basis.

Sounds kind of "Pollyanne"... However, just need to know what YOU and your neighbors want. Then incorporate it. Would I do it again? Yes... Would I do it again the same way? Not necessarily. What would I change? I would have come to this site much sooner to learn. You will find we are one of the few sites that do support and educate those who want to be on their boards or participate. Having support make a lot of difference.

Welcome, Mark. How about checking your bylaws to see if they specify 6-year terms. I've been coming to this site a long time and have never seen a term that long. Two is typical and we see three.

I'm curious about the size of your HOA? How many are on the Board? Does your HOA have a Property Mgr.? And your amenities. Any? Some? What are they?

I can see where wanting a voice in the park would be very appealing. And depending on what else is going on in your HOA, its a pretty good reason to join the Board. Are you sure it'll be established? Or is the Board at the very beginning of the process? It could be the Board will want an ad hoc (single-task oriented) Park Committee--you could get involved that way.

But I like serving on our Board. I get a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction out of my joint efforts with others. But patience is importance as some matters, that seem simple, can take a long time to be resolved. I think this especially would be the case with a board that only meets quarterly. But perhaps your HOA is fairly small...?

Pros:
You get to meet your neighbors and get lots (and lots!) of insights on human nature.
It's a great way to develop new skills and sharpen the ones you already have
You'll gain a better understanding of how your association is supposed to work - and be in a position to make changes so it'll run better.
Instead of sniping about assessments being "too high", you'll get more information on where the money goes and why - and perhaps be able to find ways to control spending.

Cons:

Things don't always move as fast as you'd like, which may get frustrating, depending on the issues
20% of the board members will do the work and the rest will just show up once a month and not contribute very much. If you're the former, it will tick you off
You have to keep up with A LOT of information - not just what's going on in the neighborhood, but about various laws that may impact how your HOA (especially the board operates). That means carving out time for continuing education

As far as the smugness of the other board members go, it may be a personality quirk and you'll see another side once you join the board and get to know them. It may also mean they're the type that are in love with the power and not enough people have put them in check. Be confident in your own abilities and open with your neighbors and you'll be fine.

Outside of taking care of your neighborhood, serving on a Board of Directors gives you some invaluable experience that can be used in other areas of your life. But that's if you take the time to properly educate yourself on just what being on a Board of Directors is about. You will also learn more about yourself than you thought possible, whether good bad or indifferent. And sadly, you will learn more about other people in your neighborhood than you care too, especially your "friends".

It was a learning experience that was hard to live through more times than not, but now on the other side of it, I am glad I served for those four years, but lol, I am not sure my family was so thrilled! :>)

The main Pro is you having a say versus let other Aholes run the place.

Good job mods

I am almost 15yrs on my board and NO ONE will step up thats why i am still here BUT what i would like to know (as i am currently the only one on my board) what happens if i resign? im in SC can we hire someone to manage our HOA? its only 17houses and no real common property except we own the road too.

Thanks Sharon yes the reason why i stay is i dont want to have to accept what goes on without having a say. So i put together a come to jesus letter to all my owners stating the facts. At this moment our management company dropped us for lack of board interest.so we are in suspesnion right not. So far i have gotten the attention of 2 of the 17owners..
and have appt with new management company ..and have temp people to sit on board so..moving along.. what a thankless job!!

thanks for you help and recievership is not a good place to go. Yes i know i am ..but we have 2 right now. and one more will step up even if its temp..