Software Package HOA Management

Started by BetsyC • 14 replies • 2695 views

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BetsyC (Texas)
Posts: 4

Posted:

Hello.

New HOA in Keller, Texas. We are in the process of taking control of our HOA from the management company. We are wanting to purchase a software package to handle accounting, ARC appliations, and general property management.

Any suggestions of what packages are good and what are great? Thank you!

Betsy Cohen

JulieS (Georgia)
Posts: 412

Posted:

QuickBooks is good for the accounting portion (invoicing, receivables, payables, etc.) You can do violation letters in Word using a standard template for various items as well as other form letters.

I would create files on the computer system by address and save everything that way instead of by name so that you have a history of the property.

BetsyC (Texas)
Posts: 4

Posted:

I wrote an access database to handle some items. I know about quick books and word for letter writing but I was hoping there was a property management software package out there that can handle everything in one package. Store all informatin and generate reports.

Thanks : )

JulieS (Georgia)
Posts: 412

Posted:

You may want to search the site for this as I know it has been asked before. I don't recall anyone mentioning a specific software related to the industry. Some software packages work together with QuickBooks so that may be an option.

RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067

Posted:

TOPS is good if you can afford it. I use Peachtree complete accounting for accounting only. All other documents are filed on the computer in word, PDF, and image formats.

LuciusD
Posts: 139

Posted:

Betsy,
Are you familiar with Community Associations Institute? Their bookstore has the following:

CAI Treasurer (download version)
Accounting Software for Self-Managed Homeowner and Condominium Associations and Cooperatives.

Just google on "CAI"

BetsyC (Texas)
Posts: 4

Posted:

Thank you to everyone! Will check it all out.

Betsy

JosephW (Michigan)
Posts: 882

Posted:

There's a list of companies that have condo/HOA software at:
http://www.communityassociations.net/directory_national_new.html

Joseph West
Official HOATalk.com Sponsor
Community Associations Network, LLC
www.CommunityAssociations.net
*See legal notice below (end of page) or go to www.hoatalk.com/legal

MelissaG2 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 8

Posted:

I was just doing a search to find info on HOA software and found this post. We are a self managed HOA in Pa with 108 townhomes. We have been using TOPS since 2002 and unfortunately have expierienced many problems with it. We are hoping to find someting better and more user friendly.

EricG1 (Illinois)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Can you provide any details on the problems you have experienced with TOPS software? We are evaluating our options among software choices, and TOPS is on our list of packages to consider. I would be interested to know more about your experience with it.

JM2 (Oregon)
Posts: 439

Posted:

Hi Betsy:

About three years ago, the HOA I work for started using a program designed more for commercial real estate, called Spectra. Don't use it. We are currently researching different programs/packages. Not everybody is thrilled with TOPS. There are a number of master-planned and large scale HOA's that are looking for other options. One fascinating one I've seen materials about is called SenEarthCo, it's web-based and looks interesting.

Do a whole lot of research before you invest, since you're likely to be stuck with whatever package you choose, for a long time; and the longer you have it, the more time it will take to move to a different package and set up everything.

No software package is perfect; you need to try your hardest to get one that meets as many of your needs as possible, while being work-able rather than work-around-able.

J. Patrick Moore, CMCA

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

There are some forms available at an Office Supply store. They cover items such as incorporating and few other subjects related to HOA's. The forms with CD's are available where you find forms for "Selling your own home" etc... They may not have all the forms available but you should get a general idea of what is available. The forms run under $20 typically. Some come do come with CD's but some don't. They also allow for different states laws as well.
I've never had to use them as we were already setup. However, if we were in transition or needed to create some forms, I would have used them.

Former HOA President

WandaM (California)
Posts: 19

Posted:

What procedure did you use to terminate the management company?

JoyH (North Carolina)
Posts: 14

Posted:

CINC Systems or contact an outside accounting company to do the books and provide reports.

WandaM (California)
Posts: 19

Posted:

Thank you JoyH, will investigate.

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