Welcome to Your New Lifestyle

Community Associations Community Pride HOA

New Homeowner Orientation for Association Living
Moving can often leave people exhausted and unfamiliar with their new surroundings. Those early days provide a golden opportunity for a Welcome Committee to establish a relationship that will be lasting and rewarding for both the new homeowners and the association. The board should establish a Welcome Committee consisting of homeowners who have a positive attitude about the community. Their task is to contact new residents and set up a meeting with them soon after they move in.
The community manager receives information on pending settlements (closings) in order to prepare the resale package disclosures to the buyer as required by the state. He or she is often the first contact after the purchaser signs on the dotted line, especially if the new homeowners need building access items such as keys or entry cards. The community manager should be tasked with obtaining contact information at this time and receive written permission from the new residents to pass the contact information to the Welcome Committee.
The Welcome Committee members should be charged with serving as initial resident spokespersons of the association. They should be knowledgeable of the community’s governing structure, as well as its committees, clubs, programs and activities. It is helpful for the Welcome Committee to provide a handout to new residents consisting of an introduction, explanation of the value of volunteerism to the association, and a list of committee and club names and contact information. Include a copy of the latest newsletter, resident directory and community website access information.
Those new to association living will benefit especially from a visit by the Welcome Committee. New residents may not have read the resale package. They may not know of the community’s amenities and services included in the association fee. They may not have toured the clubhouse or other amenities with their Realtor. They may not know that living in a community association provides an added layer of benefits over and above those who do not live in a community association. The Welcome Committee might be the first to give them the good news!
This is the time to set a positive tone with new residents, providing a warm welcome and encouraging volunteerism. The association will reap the benefits by establishing a high level of involvement right from the beginning.
This article is provided by Mid-Atlantic Management Corporation.