About: Derek Greene

Serving on your HOA board means making important decisions about vendors and contractors, often without the benefit of professional procurement experience. The good news? You don't need a business degree to spot trouble. Most red flags in vendor relationships are visible to anyone paying attention and understanding what to watch for can save...

Stepping onto an HOA board for the first time can feel like drinking from a fire hose. Between governing documents, fiduciary responsibilities, and navigating established board dynamics, new members often struggle to find their footing while making meaningful contributions to their community.

The reality is that your first few months...

HOA boards can easily get caught up in daily tasks, from approving vendor contracts to responding to homeowner concerns. But effective strategic planning requires stepping back and taking a long-term view. That means assessing upcoming capital projects, anticipating regulatory changes, preserving institutional knowledge, and making investments that strengthen property values and homeowner satisfaction.

HOA boards often feel pressured to select the lowest-bidding contractor for maintenance, repairs, and major capital projects. Unfortunately, the “cheapest” option often ends up costing more once hidden liabilities, subpar workmanship, and early repair needs come to light.

Effective HOA cost management requires looking beyond the initial price and assessing...