How to Improve Communication in a Residential Community

Good communication in a residential community builds relationships between board members, trustees, residents, and property managers. An HOA board is most effective with open discussions and proper information relay. First, develop strong communication within the board of directors. Members need to be on the same page about issues concerning the community. Likewise, open communication with homeowners builds a culture of transparency and trust. 

Communication Within the Board of Directors

To manage a residential community effectively, the HOA board of directors needs to have strong communication among members. First, establish the means of communicating outside of meetings. This could be through email. Of course, communication within board meetings is equally important. Well-crafted agendas and minutes help keep discussions on track. 

FAQ – How can I improve my HOA board communications?

Communication is a two-way street. HOA newsletters disseminate information to residents, but they’re one-sided. Gathering feedback through surveys lets homeowners’ voices be heard. A good property management company streamlines your communication strategies.

Open Communication in a Residential Community

Open communication between the HOA board and residents is vital to building positive community culture. The three essential parts of communicating with homeowners are listening, transparency, and consistency.

1. Active Listening— Homeowners need a chance to voice their concerns. Take the time to hear residents’ comments and acknowledge what they say. When you listen first, you can better focus the board’s efforts on the community’s actual needs.  
2. Transparency — While not every pending issue needs to be publicly announced, the board must strive to be transparent about methods and practices. For example, homeowners are more likely to go along when they understand why you made certain decisions.
3. Consistency — Consistent messaging is key. Every HOA board needs an established system to communicate information to homeowners. Regular updates keep residents in the loop and hold board members accountable.  

Building Communication Systems

Communication in a residential community is only successful if the messages get through. So, choosing the proper channels helps reach your residents. People have different preferences in communication, so you’ll need to employ a variety of outlets. A property management company can work with the board of directors to build a centralized communication system that works. At Corner Property Management, we can develop strategies to improve communication in your community. Call 973-376-3925.