How to Pay HOA Fees: Top Ways HOA Management Services Can Help You

How to Pay HOA Fees

Understanding how to pay HOA fees can be difficult. This complete guide outlines the top ways HOA management services can help you through the process.

If you’re an HOA board member, you may wonder how to make it easier for owners to pay HOA fees.

HOAs typically collect fees from owners of managed community properties to aid in maintenance and operations. However, some single-family homes also charge community association fees.

Owners may frequently ask how to pay HOA fees or if there’s an easier way to do it. It’s important that owners pay HOA fees. However, it can prove burdensome managing a pile of handwritten checks every month.

To learn how an HOA management company can make it easier for owners to pay fees, read on.

What Are HOA Dues?

Every homeowner’s association community is different. However, there are a few ways that HOAs commonly use fees.

For instance, an HOA might use fees for city services. These services might include trash removal as well as water and sewage utilities.

If your HOA uses your fees for these items, the owners won’t receive bills from the city. The board will manage these utilities for them.

Owner fees may also go towards insurance. Typically, the insurance will only cover damage to areas managed by the HOA.

These areas include the common spaces outside of owners’ condos. For this reason, they’ll need insurance for the spaces that they’re responsible for inside or outside their homes.

An HOA might also use fees for lawn care. However, this will vary depending on where you live.

Most often, HOAs use monthly fees for ongoing maintenance and repairs. These fees will go toward maintaining common areas and shared structures.

For instance, the HOA might maintain the outside walls of the building and the roof. They might also maintain the parking lot and any roadways on the property.

Finally, HOA fees may cover special amenities and services. For instance, some communities feature pools and fitness areas.

Other communities may have added security. For instance, some communities may restrict access using a gate or a door person.

Owners may frequently ask, “Where do I pay HOA fees?” Before answering that question, let’s take a look at why HOA fees are important.

Why It’s Important for Owners to Pay HOA Fees on Time

Typically, HOA fees are for expenses that owners would normally pay out-of-pocket. When they pay their HOA fees, they may even save money on certain items.

Also, HOA services can make life easier. If, for instance, an owner isn’t a fan of yard work, the lawn service included with their home adds extra value.

If an owner misses an HOA payment, the board may have one or more options. More than likely, however, you’d simply send an outstanding payment notice if an owner misses one payment.

The notice may also inform them of any late fees. Typically, the HOA will continue to charge late fees until the owner catches up on their payments.

The notice may also warn the owner of legal consequences. If the owner remains delinquent, the board may decide to take legal action.

HOAs have a few options if an owner stops paying their fees. They could file a lien against the owner’s property.

Alternatively, the HOA could file a lawsuit. In extreme instances, the HOA may foreclose on the owner’s home.

Know the Laws About Paying HOA Fees and Foreclosure

Some states have limits regarding HOA foreclosures. However, some states have no restrictions. In those states, an HOA can foreclose on an owner’s home if they owe only a few hundred dollars.

Some HOAs, however, are fairly forgiving. A more lenient association may allow an owner to enter a payment plan to catch up on their payments.

The rules regarding late HOA fee payments and foreclosure are varied. Nevertheless, it’s a lot to manage all this work along with collecting fees.

However, there’s a better way. An experienced HOA management company can take the work off your hands—more on that in a moment.

With this in mind, let’s find out the answer to the question, “How do I pay my HOA fees?”

How to Pay HOA Fees

Hopefully, your HOA hired an expert management company. If so, owners can pay their HOA fees online, saving you a great deal of time and effort.

Online payments provide extra convenience for homeowners. It allows HOA members to pay their dues easily and securely. An online HOA payment portal typically accepts credit cards, direct debit, and ACH payments.

Some portals connect to banks, credit card companies, or payment networks. This access enables your HOA to accept payments using a variety of methods.

Some HOA payment portals even use the latest payment methods. These methods might include prepaid cards, e-checks, and digital wallets.

Making Payments Easier for Members

If you’re an HOA board member, you may wonder how you can make it easier for members to pay their dues. The solution is an exceptional HOA property manager. An HOA property manager can also take over all the other association volunteer duties that consume your valuable time.

However, it’s important to find the right property manager for the job. The wrong property management company can cost you a lot of time and money.

You can start your search for the perfect management company by visiting your local real estate association. More than likely, they already know the best management companies in the area.

You can also speak to other HOA board members. Board members are a great resource for finding out about the best local services.

It’s also important to make sure that a management company offers a range of services. You want to make sure that they can manage all the tasks of running your HOA—including collecting HOA fees.

HOA Management Made Easy

Now you know how to put an end to owners asking how to pay HOA fees as well as the work related to collecting payments. If your association doesn’t use an expert management company, you may want to show the board the benefits of hiring a knowledgeable firm.

An experienced HOA management company can make your life easier. They can take over the enforcement of rules and the collection of HOA dues.

An exceptional HOA management company will put your needs first. Also, they’ll help your association save money. Furthermore, they’ll make sure that it’s profitable.

VerraTerra Real Estate Services is your go-to source for top-notch HOA management. Contact a VerraTerra property management expert today.  Connect with us online for a free HOA consultation.