Living in a community association can be a great experience. Still, it’s important to remember that there are rules and regulations to ensure everyone enjoys their time living there. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to get the most out of your community, get involved in community events, and get to know your neighbors.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Life in a community association can be a lot more enjoyable if everyone puts effort into making it a warm and welcoming community. So don’t just hole up in your home - get out and meet your neighbors! There are countless ways to break the ice and show fellow members that you’re looking to build relationships within the community. Whether attending events together, stopping for quick chats in passing, or simply sending smiles and waves of welcome to new residents, it won’t take long before you start feeling right at home with your new friends.

Be a Good Neighbor

While it is important to welcome new neighbors with open arms and enthusiasm, you can’t forget to live up to your responsibilities as a good association member. After all, if each of us follows the rules, there’ll be no need for further enforcement from the board! However, if neighbors have an issue, a simple conversation should usually do the trick. When someone new moves in, do them (and yourself) a favor by inviting them to your community’s meetings so that they can get up-to-speed on what’s going on in the community, the rules and regulations, and how they’re enforced.

Understand the Lingo

Living in a community with an HOA can be a breeze when you understand the lingo that comes with it. Knowing the ins and outs of terms like “Governing Documents,” “Homeowners Association,” “Board of Directors,” and “Management Company” is key to ensuring that you don’t feel more lost than Lindbergh over the Atlantic. Understanding what each of these means - and how they may affect how you live - is essential for enjoying your experience living within an association. Without knowledge and understanding of these terms, homeowners may be walking a slippery slope with restrictions that could have been avoided if they had just taken some time to understand what the governing documents said.

Get Involved

Getting involved in your community association is often a rewarding experience. Whether you’re meeting new people and attending meetings, joining a committee, voting at elections, or giving feedback to community leaders, getting involved can create a much more enjoyable living experience for everyone. We know your days are busy, and it’s tempting to stay inside and mind your business. But, if every neighbor stepped up and got involved in just a few small ways, imagine how much stronger and connected our community could be!

Take Advantage of Community Amenities

Being part of a homeowner’s or community association often means , like a swimming pool or fitness center. And it would be a shame not to make the most of those perks! After all, neighborhood members are paying for those things through their dues – so why not take advantage? So don’t be afraid to let yourself have some fun and check out all the different services your HOA offers. And, if that new neighbor is unfamiliar with the community’s amenities, take a few minutes to show them around!

Meet Board Members

When new residents move into a community association, they should introduce themselves and meet board members. Don’t be intimated - these are just your friendly neighbors volunteering their time to look out for everybody. Getting to know them and being on a first-name basis helps everyone reach common goals. In addition, it allows you to help lift the ‘board member’ hat off their heads once in a while so they can participate like anyone else in all the fun activities the neighborhood has to offer!

Now that you know how to be the best HOA member possible go and practice these tips! Get to know your neighbors, introduce yourself to the board, and take advantage of all your community has to offer. Soon enough, you’ll be living in the neighborhood of your dreams – one where people are friendly, considerate, and follow all the rules.

If you'd like to learn more about how your community association can make the most of its amenities and get members involved, reach out to the experts at CAMS today on our website or at 877.672.2267.

About CAMS

In business for over 31 years, CAMS is North and South Carolina’s premier community management company. With experienced local managers in each of its nine regions, CAMS is dedicated to providing innovative solutions to the community associations it serves. Additionally, CAMS was featured on Inc. Magazine’s 2022 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. To learn more, visit www.camsmgt.com/choose-cams.