How to be the Best Homeowner Association Manager
What makes someone the best at managing a homeowners association (HOA), condo, or community association? The job isn’t for the faint of heart.
It demands a rare mix of resilience, diplomacy, organization, and technical know-how—qualities that turn ordinary professionals into community management superheroes.
Here’s what the best HOA managers have in common:
- Superheroes (of the practical kind)
- Masters of management – not governance,
- Unafraid to say “No”
- Extreme resourcefulness
- Tech-savvy instincts
Let’s take a closer look at each of these traits.
Managers are Superheroes
They may not fly or wear capes, but great HOA managers juggle maintenance schedules, contractor disputes, budgets, legal requirements, and board expectations—often simultaneously. The best managers stay current through ongoing education in property management, evolving legislation, and governance trends.
Their real superpowers include:
b) Big brains (for complex problem-solving)
c) Eagle eyes (for catching small details)
d) Owl ears (for hearing what’s not said)
Managers Manage – They Don’t Govern
This distinction is critical. Governing belongs to the board; management is the manager’s realm. The best managers know where the line is—and hold it with grace.
Think of it as the property management version of the serenity prayer:
“Grant me the strength to manage wisely, the courage to let the board govern, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Knowing When to Say “NO”
HOA managers are often overloaded with requests—some reasonable, others…less so. The best managers aren’t afraid to push back when expectations become unmanageable.
Saying “no” doesn’t mean being unhelpful. It means setting professional boundaries and helping boards understand what’s realistic—because a burned-out manager helps no one.
Resourcefulness is Super Key
Whether it’s an aging HVAC system, a parking dispute, or a tech upgrade gone sideways, new challenges arise constantly. Great managers don’t pretend to know everything—they know where to find the answer.
Resourcefulness means tapping into expert networks, understanding regulations, and giving boards viable, well-thought-out options, not just problems.
Technological Know-How Is a Must
In the 2020s, Excel and email aren’t enough. The best managers embrace technology—especially cloud-based HOA software that simplifies communication, centralizes documents, and streamlines workflows.
Digital tools help managers work smarter, not harder. From online board management software to automated action tracking, tech isn’t a bonus—it’s a baseline.
In summary
The best homeowner association managers are part strategist, part operations expert, and part people whisperer. They manage without overreaching, set clear boundaries, and adapt to change with agility. Their leadership contributes directly to smoother operations and happier communities.
Want to be one of the best? Embrace these traits—and keep learning. HOA management is hard, but with the right skills and mindset, it’s also deeply rewarding.