baords and management companies

I was on a board about 5 yers ago, and have sveral freinds that also live in HOAs.

We have noticed how more and more it appears that borads are not expierenced on there job as a bod member and allow the MC to run the affairs of the HOA instead of thre bod mrmbers.

Why is this hapening!

FRAN

Is it the BOD's does not know what they are doing or the fact that they are not micro-managing whom they hired?

We are soon to face the decision about hiring a management company. Our developer is close to turning over the HOA to we owners. While one part of me says we are an easy peezy place to manage (120 standalone patio homes, all less then 4 years old, with no amenities, money in Capital Reserve, etc.) that it might be best to hire a management company to:

1. Lead us through the transition.
2. Set Budgets, Capital Reserves, etc.
3. Educate homeowners what is needed and how to do it.
4. Maybe address some covenants issues, though more an education process then an enforcement issue.
5. Take the heat.

Then maybe a few years down the road consider self management as by then some homeowners will have enough experience to understand how the process works.

I am probably one of the few homeowners that has lived in HOA's, been on BOD's and Committees. While I am willing to "help/advise" (I am on the appointed advisory board) I can see the transition as "cluster sex" do to the inexperience of the homeowners. Last Annual Meeting most were more interested in discussing things like their personal utility bills then the developers presented budget. While the developer is honest and candid, I see the transition only as a potential to make enemies so I want a Management Company if for no other reason then to take the heat.

If things go bad, I could join in later...what a copout...LOL

Fran,

You answered your own question. It happens because the individuals volunteering for the board are not experienced and rely on those who are (or appear to be).

My personal opinion is that those who are experienced in something and do that type of work during the day do not want to do that same work as a volunteer. As an example: I work in Broadcasting repairing equipment. I do not want to repair my neighbors dvd player or tv when I get home - however, I would help them build a deck or repair their house. Why? I consider one a job and the other fun.