How to Choose an HOA Management Company in Seattle

How do you choose the an HOA management company in Seattle? We’re going to help you every step of the way with tips and tricks.

There are now over 308,613 property management companies in the US. When you need to find HOA management in Seattle, it’s important to narrow down your options. Otherwise, you could choose a Seattle property management company that lacks the services you need.

Here are seven tips that can help you find a property management company in Seattle, Washington. With these tips, you’ll have peace of mind in your choice. 

Finding the best HOA management company will ensure your community’s needs are met. The company you choose can handle a range of issues, including maintenance, dues, repairs, and more.

Start your search for the best HOA management Seattle can offer with these tips today. 

1. Create Your Recruiting Team

Before you start searching for a property management company, take a moment to establish your recruiting team. Choose a few current board members and resident volunteers. Make sure the members of your team are familiar with your community and its residents.

Your recruiting team will have an intimate understanding of the specific needs the Seattle property management company will need to meet. Your team will understand the unique challenges you’re facing.

They can help streamline your search.

At the same time, your recruiting team will ensure you meet all requirements before choosing a company.

Work with your recruiting team to make a list of concerns you have. Separate your list between “must-have” versus “wants.” Developing a list of priority items can help you narrow down your options. 

Once you establish your team, take a moment to ask around. You can gather recommendations from other property investors and residents. Then, you can develop a list of the best HOA management Seattle has to offer.

Gathering local input can help you learn from personal experiences.

Choosing a reputable property management company will give you peace of mind, too. A management company with a strong reputation will want to maintain that reputation. They’ll ensure you receive the best possible experience as a result. 

2. Establish Your Budget

Before you begin contacting potential HOA companies, consider your budget.

First, make sure to establish your list of “must-have” items versus “wants.” See if you can hire out a few items to a part-time company. You can keep some duties with your HOA board while outsourcing the rest.

Otherwise, you can consider finding a full-time operation.

Once you establish your budget, you can narrow down your options further. You won’t have to waste time with Seattle property management companies that are outside of your budget. 

Keep in mind that choosing a cheaper company isn’t always the best option. You’ll likely get what you pay for.

Instead, choose a company that can offer high-quality services within your budget.

3. Look for Experience and Expertise

The best HOA management Seattle has to offer will have experience and expertise you can depend on. During your search, determine how long each property management company has operated. Make sure they have a strong history in the industry.

A brand new company will likely have kinks it still needs to work out. They might make costly mistakes when offering their services. Instead, you’ll have peace of mind finding an established, experienced team. 

Make sure the company has experience with the specific services you’re requesting, too.

For example, if you need legal or financial services, ask about who you’ll work with. What proven methods have they used in the past? Ask the company if they can provide case studies to prove their methods are effective, too.

You can also ask about the size of other communities they manage. How many other communities are they managing? Will they have time to manage your community as well?

If the company doesn’t have the bandwidth to help your property and the residents, look elsewhere.

4. Ask for References and Reviews

Every HOA management company will try to convince you that they’re the best in Seattle, Washington. You don’t have to take their word for it. Instead, ask each company for references and reviews.

Try to speak with a client they’ve helped for at least a few years. Then, learn more about the client’s experience working with the company.

Does the client ever struggle to get ahold of someone? Have they experienced any problems while working with the property management company? How were those problems resolved?

You can also visit the company’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings for reviews.

As you read these reviews, look for comments about the company’s response times and communication styles. Is the community better off after hiring the property management company?

If you see any major complaints filed against the company, scratch them off your list. 

5. Consider Their Services

About 80% of property managers manage or perform building maintenance on top of collecting rent. Before choosing a property management company, consider what type of help you need.

Ask each company about its strengths. How can they benefit your community? What exactly do they do?

Don’t forget the list of services you need. For example, you can ask about their:

• Administrative skills
• If they can assist in reserve funding
• Their bookkeeping and accounting capabilities

Ask if the company can offer long-term planning strategies as well.

If the company doesn’t meet your needs and expectations, scratch them off your list.

6. Look at Their Vendors

An experienced HOA management company should have a list of vendors they work with. Ask about their vendors. Do they have reliable, experienced contractors they can depend on?

These contractors might include landscaping, HVAC, and plumbers.

7. Ask the Right Questions

Once you have a short list of options, interview at least three companies on your list. Ask about:

• The fees for each of their services
• Their renter screening process
• How they handle maintenance and emergencies
• Their communication and reporting methods
• What kinds of property inspections they complete

Then, sit down with your recruiting team and review your notes. Trust your gut and find a qualified company that suits your needs.

HOA Management Seattle: 7 Tips for Finding the Best Property Management Company

You don’t have to hire the first property management company you find online. Instead, use these tips to find HOA management Seattle properties depend on. With these tips, you’ll have peace of mind in your choice. 

You can find an HOA management company that can help ensure success.

Want to discuss HOA management with a member of our team? We’re here to help.

Contact us today to get started.