As time and technology evolve, so do the dynamic needs of communities. Finding the right association management company today is critical in managing daily operations and setting up your community for long-term success and sustainability.
That being said, you need to find a company with a proven track record and a solid commitment to stay ahead of the curve of community management trends and best practices to bring the best services to your community.
In this article, we’ve compiled key things you should consider when choosing a management partner.
1. Community Management
Needless to say, the backbone of a great association management company is effective community management. Regardless of shifts in technology and innovations, the focus of an effective team is still capitalized on seamless operation–from organizing board meetings to overseeing common areas and enforcing community covenants. The goal is to maintain property values and ensure community standards are upheld.
Among the recent trends in association management that you should consider is hiring a company that integrates eco-friendly landscaping practices and sustainable community development. Recent studies show that investments in green buildings make properties more valuable, with a growing number of building owners seeing a 10 percent or greater increase in asset value. These green initiatives not only improve aesthetics but align with the increasing focus on sustainability.
2. Customer Experience
Customer service in 2024 isn’t just about answering calls; it’s about delivering consistent, personalized support. Ensure that your management company provides not just certified managers (CAI certification remains essential), but also empathetic and efficient customer care.
Many leading companies now offer AI-driven customer service support for non-urgent issues, with a human backup for more complex concerns. This can improve response times while still ensuring personal attention when needed. On-call emergency personnel are still a must.
Of course, it is important to hire a management company that maintains speedy response rates to issues and concerns as well as a responsive live chat that allows you to speak to human administrative support personnel to readily and effectively resolve your concerns.
Pro Tip: Clear and open communication is still the gold standard of a successful management relationship. Ensure your management company has protocols in place for timely responses and resolution of critical issues like ACC requests or amenity access.
3. Financial Transparency
A good management company doesn’t just handle finances; they provide full transparency. In today’s digital age, you should expect real-time access to financial reports, bank statements, and invoices through a secure portal. Accounting is among the most important aspects of managing a community association and the board should have instant and reliable insights in order to make informed and best decisions.
With an increased focus on cybersecurity, ensure your management company employs the latest data protection measures to safeguard financial records. Also, if available, ask about integration with e-payment platforms, allowing homeowners to pay dues easily and securely.
4. Technology and Innovation
Technology integration in community association management in 2024 isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Community management companies offer cutting-edge solutions like online portals for homeowners to pay dues, submit requests, and monitor community updates, and mobile applications for easier and more convenient accessibility. For the board, project management tools should provide real-time updates on ongoing tasks, making decision-making more efficient.
Aside from websites and portals, many management companies are now incorporating mobile apps, allowing residents to manage everything from payments to maintenance requests on their phones as well as maintaining an active social media for transparency and access to latest news and updates about the management company and its services. Additionally, look for companies that offer tools to automate compliance and inspections, reducing manual errors.
Why Choose Tolley Community Management for Your Association?
With a track record of success for over 21 years across Metro Atlanta, TCM offers comprehensive, personalized services that go beyond basic management.
Proactive Maintenance and Inspections
We believe in proactive management. We prepare preventative maintenance schedules to track when maintenance should be performed and when items should be replaced, ensuring that your community’s common areas remain pristine through regular inspections, vendor coordination, and timely repairs.
Real-Time Financial Transparency
TCM takes its fiduciary duties seriously and is well-known for detailed accounting services and strong fiscal management. All financial information is accessible in real-time, providing board members instant access to reports and banking details.
Personalized Conflict Resolution & Covenant Enforcement
TCM uses a personalized conflict-resolution approach to maintain harmony in your community. With the latest technology and mobile application features, we ensure that all covenant violations are thoroughly documented, and violation letters are clear, consistent, and accurate.
Experienced Team
Our team has a diverse background in association management, financial oversight, property maintenance, and customer support, ensuring that every aspect of your community is managed professionally.
Technological Innovations
From easy-to-access website portals to mobile application, state-of-the-art software is included in all of the packages of TCM. We remain committed to constantly updating our software and technology, helping communities run more efficiently while saving the association money.
Responsive Customer Service Team
At TCM, we offer competent and responsive administrative management services. Our customer service team is always ready to respond to any homeowner's questions promptly. Homeowners can reach us through various convenient methods, including phone calls, emails, our website's contact form, or even LIVE chat messaging for instant support.
Proven Results
Currently managing more than 150 communities, backed by over 21 years of experience, Tolley Community Management has helped numerous communities reduce costs, increase property values, and ensure association satisfaction which remains to be our number one goal.
Final Thought:
When selecting an association management company, think long-term. You want a partner that not only addresses your current needs but anticipates future challenges and sets your community for long-term success and satisfaction—be it through effective community management, advanced communication and top-level customer services, financial transparency, or cutting-edge technology.
Ready to Bring Professional Management to Your Community?
At Tolley Community Management, we’re committed to providing Strength with a Personal Touch. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your community and become part of our growing TCM communities.
