If you think it's time to change from your current HOA management

company to a new one, be aware of the issues that can arise

during the transition, and weigh the work necessary to resolve

current problems against the difficulties of transitioning.

"Transferring is usually confusing for the first month or two

for the owners," says Duane McPherson, division president at

RealManage, a San Rafael, Calif., association management firm

that oversees properties in Arizona, California, Colorado,

Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, and Texas.

"They've been sending their payments to one address, and that

will change. And the new management company has to get up to

speed on what's been happening and understand the complexities

of the association."

If you do switch companies, protect your association.

"Interview multiple companies, not just one," advises McPherson.

"Check to see what certifications they have. Spend time getting

to know the company and its qualifications, and get references

from other communities it manages. That's a big thing. If you

can get positive recommendations from communities that are

similar in nature, that should allow you the comfort level to

select the proper management company."

To read about HOA boards who decided that it was time to switch

managers, and to get a better understanding of the manager's side of common board-manager problems, read our new, two-article series:

HOA Management: Owners Kick Their Management Company to the Curb

Tensions Between HOA Boards and Managers: The Managers' Perspective

Best regards,

Matt Humphrey

President