Before I leap head first into some whoop-ass, who here has ever sat on a HOA board? Can you tell me your experiences? I generally don't have a problem with them, but our HOA has started doing stupid shit, and really the only way I see of stopping it is to run for a position on the board.
Just asking for advice. Yes, I realize many hate HOA's...I get that. That is not what I am asking. Thanks.
7 years as Pres of our little 41 home HOA
I did it to protect my property values. It worked. I sold my place for right at 2X what I paid in 15 years, neighborhood next to us, built by same builder within a year of ours, disbanded their HOA early on, pickups on blocks in front yards etc..houses selling for 1/2 our street
Some notes:
1- Clearly written covenants. Approved by 2/3 of the residents
2- Consistent enforcement. I had two Board members resign because I wouldn't budge on allowing them to do shit that they admitted other homeowners couldnt do per the covenants
3- Very open meetings. We posted agenda, invited everyone, and even did live streaming on key issues, emailed minutes to all
4- Funding Reserves each month without excuse
5- keeping HOA fees low. Ours were $45 p/mo
6- Pushing through, with 2/3 signatures, a addition to covenants allowing max 15% of homes to be rentals at any one time and no short term rentals.
7- We were forceful about making sure new homeowners received a copy of the covenants and even sent a copy and a Board member to most closings
8- Hired Management company but only BOARD could make spending decisions
9- Enforcement- regular monthly property walk through's with at least 3 Board members and encourages homeowners to join. First offense was written notice w/14 days to correct, 2nd offense for same was another written notice and another 14 day warning that on the final day, penalty/fines would be levied (so 4 weeks to correct). Homeowner had a choice to come and make their case at an emergency Board meeting any Monday they chose
10- Always an odd # of Board members so no tie votes that went nowhere