
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, June 25, 1994                    TAG: 9406230339 
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY                     PAGE: 24    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: G. Robert Kirkland and Michael A. Inman 
DATELINE: 940625                                 LENGTH: Medium

HOW BOARDS CAN BOOST THEIR IMAGE

{LEAD} I serve on the board of directors of a community association, and I've grown concerned with the attitude some of the homeowners have. They believe board members are villains who only want to prevent residents from enjoying their homes.

Is there a way we can make everyone understand that we are owners just like everyone else? We want to serve on the board and do our best to make fair decisions. We also want more owners to be active in the association.

{REST} Negative reactions such as the ones you receive discourage many residents from serving on a community association's board of directors or committees. As you said, everyone should recognize that the board of directors and committee members are community residents with its best interests at heart.

Regrettably, this is not likely to happen. A small number of residents will always care for no one but themselves. Such folks should not live in areas with community associations.

Board problems usually arise over some type of rule enforcement or assessment increase. Usually, residents did not review the rules before buying their home. Sometimes, newcomers do not receive clear information on the association and its rules.

The best way to resolve such problems, and prevent them, is for owners to get involved in the association and for board members to communicate effectively to all residents.

Here's how both sides can achieve their goals:

For the board:

Set up policies to make sure the rules and their enforcement are regulated and uniform.

Make sure every prospective owner receives a full set of the rules.

Separate management duties from board functions. Never have a board member managing the association.

Establish checks and balances to make sure no one has unilateral power.

Post the date, time and place of all meetings, and encourage owners to attend them.

Offer all owners the chance to serve on the association's committees. The more owners who serve, the more who will know what is happening with the community.

Encourage owners with specific talents to volunteer their services. Most people are reluctant to come forward unless asked.

Educate the community. Publish a regular newsletter and send out a quarterly report. Set aside time at every meeting for homeowner questions. Hold such meetings as often as needed.

For the owners:

Read the association's documents and understand your rights and obligations.

Become involved in the community by attending board and committee meetings.

Volunteer your knowlege and experience, particularly if you have special skills.

Encourage the board to publish a newsletter and other regular communications. These will keep you informed on community issues.

Use the resources of your state and local government, plus the Community Associations Institute, if you have questions.

Run for the board of directors.

by CNB