Should our HOA self-manage or hire a management company?
An honest look at the tradeoff most small communities face.
What a management company gives you
Professional managers bring experience, vendor relationships, and time - they handle the day-to-day so volunteers don't have to. For large or complex communities, that's often worth the fee.
What it costs
Management fees are typically the largest line in a small HOA's budget, and you give up some direct control. For a self-managed community of, say, 30-80 homes, those fees can rival every other expense combined.
The middle path
Many small communities now self-manage with good software instead of a full management contract - automating dues, communication, records, and compliance reminders. That's exactly who OurHOA is built for: the volunteer board that wants to stay in control without it eating their evenings.
These guides are general education for HOA boards and residents, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules vary by state and by your community's governing documents - check with a professional for your situation.