Looking for ways to reward homeowners for following rules?

Started by LesleyK • 16 replies • 1641 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

LesleyK (Florida)
Posts: 7

Posted:

I'm on the Grievance Committee of my HOA. The task at hand is to reprimand those homeowners that are not following the rules. I'm a true believer in the power of positive reinforcement and I'd like to switch this around to reward those that are following the rules so that they may be the example to others. I've thought about a "Yard of the Month" award that would basically consist of a sign in a homeowner's yard based on votes from other homeowner's. Or maybe, "Neighbor of the Month" for a homeowner that went out of their way to help a neighbor. Does anyone else take this approach with their homeowners? If so, what types of behaviors do you reinforce? How do you fund the effort? Do you have online or other types of voting? What types of rewards are provided? Thanks much.

GeraldT4
Posts: 1,022

Posted:

Hi LesleyK - Every so often this concept comes up for discussion and opinions follow, for and against. I'm against the concept of rewards because those that follow the rules are supposed to do so in the first place. They know this buying into the association type of lifestyle. Bestowing a reward upon one person, and not on another may have the reverse effect because, more often than not, each owner tries to be a good neighbor in their own way and may therefore feel slighted. The end result of what you are trying to achieve is community spirit, and IMHO should not be gifts. In that way there are so many things you can do to promote inclusiveness and community spirit. Those not complying may feel a twang of guilt. Bees with honey if you know what I mean. I always propose the alternative which is to hold bake sales, gatherings, movie nights, wine and cheese parties, etc. The basics of neighborly living.

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

I agree with Gerald.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Lesley,
I too am not a huge fan of rewarding members for doing what they are required to do and that is to follow their CC&Rs and all of the other stuff that comes along with association living. It is what they are supposed to do.

Community activities like Gerald suggested are positive reenforcement for a community that works together and wants to be considered a big happy family. These people would be this way with or without rewards so it the ones who don't give a rats about being part of the "family" I love "Yard of the Month" but it still won't work for the ones who should get involved but don't. So you have to be careful because those people get more distanced by lack of participation.

LesleyK (Florida)
Posts: 7

Posted:

I've been reading through some of the old postings from 09-24-06 and 01-06-07 that touched on this topic.
1) Loved the idea of a newsletter to build a sense of community. And even with the nay-sayers, I still think it would be beneficial to "recognize" (not necessarily reward) homeowners for some fun/festive things. From this website I was able to find some fun/festive recognition ideas, such as:

Most festive door wreath
Most colorful potted plants
Most festive Welcome Sign
Green/healthy Lawn
Decorative Night Lighting
Creative Use of hardscape materials (pavers, trellises, etc.)
Fragrant Borders (rugosa or saltspray rose, lilac)
Best decorated for the holidays

2) Love the idea of holding bake sale, meet and greet, movie night, etc... to get to know neighbors and build that sense of community. Has anyone ever tried to put together a welcoming committee that would bring fresh-baked bread, a pie or some flowers to new home owners that move into the community?

HaroldS (Arizona)
Posts: 906

Posted:

"I've thought about a "Yard of the Month" award that would basically consist of a sign in a homeowner's yard..."
Do your documents ALLOW signs in yards? LOL. Harold

JC3
Posts: 290

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LesleyK on 03/11/2008 12:42 PM
From this website I was able to find some fun/festive recognition ideas, such as:

Most Most Most Green/healthy Lawn Decorative Night Lighting
Creative Use Fragrant Borders ( Best decorated for the holidays

You already alienate me because I'm too old and decrepit, not to say financially challenged, to take part in such things, let alone having a snowball's chance to win.
I'm lucky to get the weeds pulled before the boogy-man comes round.

JC3
Posts: 290

Posted:

Quote:

PaulM (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 1,347

Posted:

LesleyK: I personally agree that to reward one who is doing what is expected, as in following rules, is overkill and an association expense perhaps not fairly budgeted. I understand your interest though, because too many times its the ones who Do NOT comply who get the attention, etc.

Rather than wanting to compensate in some way those who are complying, how about a nice note from the Board to those in the community who are very pleasant neighbors due to their observance of the rules/restrictions, etc. which everyone is to abide by. I'm sure you could expand on it very nicely just to let them know "they" are appreciated. What about using a nice quality Thank You note? The verbiage could be typed up on a computer, pasted in, and then personally signed by each Board member and Prop. Mgr., if applicable.

A nice touch and very good of you to think about it.

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

i am always torn about rewarding someone for doing the minimum expectations... Am i really rewarded for showing up to work on time every day? Should i be?

But, i love the idea of positive reinforcement, and I love the idea of little thank you notes from the board, as long as you make sure to spread them around fairly. a thank you for paying on time, all year. for attending the owner's meeting. for volunteering on a committee. For helping out with a storm clean up, etc..

as for "best yard of the month", I love that idea too, but it should be a slightly higher standard than just doing what is expected. those rewards and recognitions should be set up with clear guidelines and directions for those who strive to achieve higher goals (and still follow the rules). Best landscaping should be higher than "average landscaping", best seasonal decorations should be special, etc..

SuzyC
Posts: 36

Posted:

How about a homeowner of the month award? It sounds silly, but i have seen this done in a private community. It is an actual sign that looks a bit like a realtor sign.. and it is was posted on their property, front door or porch.

SuzyC
Posts: 36

Posted:

GeraldT4
Posts: 1,022

Posted:

Why not send a letter to the entire community that says thank you to all those owners that understand the importance of paying their maintenance fees on time, abiding by the rules and regulations, and take that extra step to make improvements to their home by first following the guidelines outlined in the governing documents. It is neighbors like you that keep everyone's investments competitive with the marketplace.

This rather than cherry pick a few, or send out individual thank you notes.

Welcome committees, or welcome packages are great. As long as it doesn't become too Stepford, that's creepy.

LesleyK (Florida)
Posts: 7

Posted:

My intent is not to alienate anyone. Which is why we would have a variety of recognition opportunities, those that didn't cost a homeowner money. Which is why I'm inquiring to this discussion forum. As well, we are thinking about a welcoming committee and a newsletter so that all community members are involved. We do not have many elderly people in our community - most are young families with children. However, possibly the idea of thank you notes would help to include those folks that are not gardeners or decorators.

DonnaN (Massachusetts)
Posts: 1

Posted:

Lesley, I like the idea of a some type of regocnition for a neighbor going out of their way to promote community and help mankind, but your Yard of the Month idea is very condescending to your neighbors. A Yard of the Month award? This is a professional association - not a retail store like Walmart or a middle school.

GeraldT4
Posts: 1,022

Posted:

DonnaN - I didn't always agree with you, and interesting is that many of the concepts that Lesley quoted from an old post were mine such as yard of the month, etc. That old post, if I recall was just asking for ideas, not to get into any debated on pros and cons. Since that time I've learned a lot and come to the same conclusion as you and others that rewarding may be condescending. I believe that Board members should receive a recognition award when their terms are done and they don't re-run. We give out mahogany books that open up with a clock on the inside and engraved with their term of service and achievements. It's not that expensive and Board members without doubt go the extra mile and should be recognized in some small, non-monetary way, for their service.

Again, bees with honey. IMHO send all owners a letter stating thank you to all those that do x, y, and z. It will communicate volumes to all those involved.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Gerald,
Again, time for Laszik? The above is DonnaN. I am DonnaS. And I agree with you. WOW!! What a concept.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here