Forgetting about an important HOA task can be a bit like finding a loose nail in a large building. It might seem small, but a tiny mistake can slowly snowball into a much bigger problem.
You can prevent that from happening by streamlining your processes via an owner portal. Before taking the next step, read on for five essential features to look for in an owner portal.
1. Payments
One of the most valuable features of any HOA owner portal is the ability to process payments. This reduces admin and allows your HOA homeowners to settle all HOA fees and other expenses.
It also helps you streamline your financial tasks for your HOA. You can easily track late payments or create reports on income over time. It also allows residents to check their payment history, reducing inquiries.
Look for portals that offer flexible payment options, including bank transfers, debit cards, and credit cards.
2. Document Repository
You'll accumulate many essential documents as an HOA, including meeting minutes, inspection reports, and HOA rules.
The best way to handle this paperwork is to store it securely in one place. So, when searching for an owner portal for your HOA, check to see if it offers a document library.
Ensure that the library is secure and has user management features, which means only certain people with the appropriate permission can access it.
3. Maintenance Requests
An owner portal is the best place for residents to report maintenance issues and for the HOA to track them.
It's a must-have feature in a portal you buy. Look for a user-friendly one that lets you see maintenance jobs on one screen. A portal that sends notifications, such as alerts, is also helpful when a job is late.
Those notifications will also help you stay on top of inspections, ensuring you complete them promptly.
4. An Event Management Facility
HOA community events are a great way to promote harmony in your HOA. It's one of the significant benefits residents get when buying an HOA property. Owner portals can help you manage these events.
Look for ones that allow you to create events and publish them online. One offering notifications is helpful because it means residents don't miss something important.
Categorizing events is also beneficial so residents can filter between community meetings, family or residential events, or important dates.
5. Surveys and Polls
Getting feedback from your community is a great way to determine priorities. Look for an online portal that makes this easy.
Portals that allow you to set up surveys or polls mean you've got all the information you need in one place, which is also more convenient for your residents.
Finding the Right Owner Portal for Your HOA
An owner portal is an essential toolkit for every well-run HOA. But it's important to find one that's a good fit for your needs. Use these five features to help guide you in your search.
PMI Cornerstone already has the most streamlined process for running an association, including the best owner portals. We could help make your HOA management in West Cobb, Georgia, a breeze. Find out more here.
