Friday, June 15, 2012

Orientation: It's Not Just for Employers


A smart way to head off misunderstandings with new owners is through an HOA orientation that gives them an overview of how your homeowners association works. Here's what to cover and how to get new owners to attend.

1) Understand why it's important. Many problems that arise at associations involve first-time owners or first-time association members who simply don't understand how associations work. Often new owners are surprised and confused when they're informed that they've broken a rule they didn't even know existed. So rather than start with the assumption that owners are willfully being difficult by flaunting rules, assume that new owners simply need a primer on the dos and don'ts of community living.

2) Make it fun. We've all been to orientation at a new job. If you're like most people, you perceived it as something dreary you had to get through before you got to the "real" part of the job. That's why it's important to create an orientation session in a way that makes new owners want to attend. That may include giving it a name other than "orientation," such as "New-Owner Information Exchange and Party." Within that framework, you could host a potluck mixer at a board member's home or at your community clubhouse. Invite only new owners for the first hour, during which you'll run through the information you want to emphasize. Then invite the rest of the community for the social event.

3) Cover the necessities. Start the orientation by introducing board members so that new owners will know whom to approach if they have questions or concerns in the future. Then explain very briefly how an association works, the board's role, how board members are elected, and the most effective ways members can provide feedback to the board. Also discuss what assessments pay for so that people understand the benefit they're getting by belonging to an association. Finally, go over the rules that cause the most dissent, and tell new members why it's important that they're followed and enforced. For instance, many homeowners chafe at rules governing the appearance of their homes. So tell a war story about how a neighbor—who remains anonymous and has since moved on—ignored the rules and created an eyesore that caused tension within the community. Finally, make sure you set aside time to answer questions.

4) Don't create information overload. Though you may be tempted to cram the orientation with tons of information, that would probably be a mistake. Most people's attention spans are short, and too much information will only make them feel as though they're at a mandatory training session they'll be eager to flee. That's not the right way to start a relationship with a new neighbor. Instead, just cover the important highlights of association living so that you start off on the right foot. Ask members if they'd be interested in a follow-up session and, if so, on which topics. Then let the party begin.

Courtesy: HOALeader.com
http://www.hoaleader.com/public/192.cfm?sd=2

This article is not intended to be specific legal advice. It only provides general legal information. You should consult a licensed attorney if you have a legal issue.


1 comment:

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