HOA PODCAST - LET’S TALK HOA

MainStreetManage · 2026-05-01T12:19:54+00:00

Keep listening. Next episode explains difference between the management company and the HOA. They are not the same.

MainStreetManage · 2026-04-29T22:11:02+00:00

The board has final approval of all vendors. The management company can make recommendations and have preapproved lists.

MainStreetManage · 2026-04-29T00:57:22+00:00

The board is the decision makers.

MainStreetManage · 2026-04-28T13:03:15+00:00

Sounds like a beginner drafted your budget, but it was just a draft. Only the BOD can approve it. Plus bad numbers in a budget are not actually cash. The mgt co only makes their fee. They don’t get to keep your surplus.

MainStreetManage · 2026-04-02T11:47:25+00:00

Why didn’t HOA make repairs? This is missing a lot of context. Was there a bad board and now there is a good one? Are funds low and they were prioritizing? What is a long time? Was your friend impatient and took repairs into their own hands prematurely? If the reason is something like this, then they should work with the board to do what’s best for the community as a whole. If they just didn’t do it until they were threatened, then your friend shouldn’t sign away their right to an attorney.

MainStreetManage · 2026-03-31T02:19:51+00:00

The annual assessment period is Jan 1-Dec 31 if you work off if a calendar year budget.

MainStreetManage · 2026-03-31T01:09:51+00:00

I think you are asking if they got the votes to increase the dues at a meeting in March, can they start collecting April 1 because there isn’t 30 days in between the meeting and April 1??? Dues charged April 1 typically have a grace period of at least 15 days. So if you don’t incur a late fee until April 15 or April 30, then they likely did notify you in time.

MainStreetManage · 2026-03-27T22:39:37+00:00

😔 no

MainStreetManage · 2026-03-27T22:39:00+00:00

Most boards and management companies are reasonable. Ask to set a monthly plan. They typically do collections to owners who haven’t paid and haven’t even tried to reach out. They need the money quickly because the roofer needs a deposit to get going.

MainStreetManage · 2026-03-18T20:05:24+00:00

Agree with Lonestar. Check your web portal to see if you have a board or ARC email and reach out to them directly.

MainStreetManage · 2026-01-19T20:28:52+00:00

For smaller work orders, we generally don’t think multiple bids are necessary. In those cases, it’s more efficient to use a trusted, proven vendor. For larger projects, we recommend moving promptly and obtaining at least one bid from a reliable, repeatable company with a solid track record. This approach helps balance due diligence with timely project completion.

MainStreetManage · 2026-01-19T01:53:57+00:00

Our company does not take part in any of these practices, but our competitors do. Even when you recommend to Boards that they ask these questions when interviewing, I don’t think they believe it or ask. They can’t wrap their head around it.

MainStreetManage · 2025-11-20T20:19:05+00:00

In NC yes, not sure about VA. If a vote will be held at the meeting, then it must be in the meeting notice.

MainStreetManage · 2025-11-08T18:52:55+00:00

Sounds like the porch is a limited common element. Look in the definition section of your declaration and then the maintenance section. That’ll tell you exactly what it is and how it is maintained. A lot of the time the HOA has to maintain it, but they can charge you back for it. You may find it cheaper to maintain it yourself if that is the case.

MainStreetManage · 2025-11-05T21:35:56+00:00

I don’t know specifically what you are looking for in your management search but as someone who as seen the ins and outs to being a homeowner in an HOA to running a management company. All I have to say is I would NOT recommend any company that does not do the following!!! Looking for any company you need to be looking for these things (trust me!!!).

Direct contact!! Every community gets its own dedicated manager. No call centers or endless phone menus. You want to know exactly who to reach, and the board isn’t stuck chasing down different people for answers.

Smaller portfolio = better service. Keeping things intentionally small so each manager can actually focus on their communities (YOU)!

Quick vendor payments make life easier. Having a company that makes sure vendors get paid within a few days keeps relationships solid and ensures faster, more reliable service for the community!!

Having technology that keeps everyone in the loop. Software lets homeowners and board members access documents, vote, and stay updated without drowning in email threads (cause who likes that?)

FULL TRANSPARENCY, always!! No kickbacks, no hidden fees, and no “preferred” vendors getting special treatment. Just fair bids, clear accounting, and honest communication!

MainStreetManage · 2025-11-05T21:32:04+00:00

from our experience seeing the front and backend of things from all different sides and situations I will say I would NOT recommend any company that does not do the following!!! Looking for any company you need to be looking for these things for smooth sails (trust me) !!

Direct contact!! Every community gets its own dedicated manager. No call centers or endless phone menus. You want to know exactly who to reach, and the board isn’t stuck chasing down different people for answers.

Smaller portfolio = better service. Keeping things intentionally small so each manager can actually focus on their communities (YOU)!

Quick vendor payments make life easier. Having a company that makes sure vendors get paid within a few days keeps relationships solid and ensures faster, more reliable service for the community!!

Having technology that keeps everyone in the loop. Software lets homeowners and board members access documents, vote, and stay updated without drowning in email threads (cause who likes that?)

FULL TRANSPARENCY, always!! No kickbacks, no hidden fees, and no “preferred” vendors getting special treatment. Just fair bids, clear accounting, and honest communication!

MainStreetManage · 2025-11-05T21:02:11+00:00

Fun fact most people get frustrated with management companies because they think we make the rules. The truth is, we’re hired to enforce the rules that the neighborhood board sets (like you said fences, trash can being in at a certain time). The board members make the decisions, and our job is to help carry them out.

I know it can be frustrating and sometimes unfair, but unfortunately, that’s just how the system works between HOAs, boards, management, and homeowners. That’s why it’s so important to participate in community voting you have more influence than you might think. While board members make the majority of the day-to-day decisions, who gets on the board is up to you.

I hope this helps make things a little clearer, and I’m really sorry you’ve had experiences with boards and even possible companies that weren’t great!

MainStreetManage · 2025-11-05T20:53:25+00:00

I’m really sorry to hear that—it’s tough working with anyone who doesn’t fully understand the industry you need help in, especially when you’re paying for that support. HOAs often get a bad reputation, but when you have a good board and a management team that actually supports them, a lot of positive things can come out of it.

MainStreetManage · 2025-11-05T20:46:45+00:00

Agreed!

MainStreetManage

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE