Southern California is home to a range of climates and community types, each with its own set of unique needs. If you’re scouting a new Inland Empire property management company to serve your HOA, here are a few key things to look for.
Follow-up and follow-through
This one applies to HOA management in general, but it’s extremely important for every community, so it tops the list. Your property management company should respond quickly to your communications, even to simply acknowledge that your request has been received.
One of the most common complaints we hear from HOA boards who have switched to Keystone was that their previous management company took too long to respond or didn’t close the loop on communications.
Because communication is such an important part of great service, management companies must take advantage of all channels (board portal, member portal, emails, phone calls, online service request forms, etc.) to ensure easy two-way communication.
Refreshing aging communities
Steady growth across the region means that communities established in the 1970s and 80s may now share fence lines with recent construction. Quality Inland Empire property management requires evaluating property values in context with the entire area and working with boards of aging associations to ensure their communities continue to attract interest and drive property values up.
For many communities, this means refreshing paint palettes, replacing landscaping, and updating amenities to bring in new buyers. All these endeavors require careful budgeting, planning, and follow-through from your HOA management company.
Landscaping updates
Though part of an updated aesthetic, landscaping considerations are a huge part of Inland Empire property management. Strict water restrictions (like those in Riverside and San Bernardino counties) not only affect long-term planning but may also require immediate changes to comply with new legislation.
Property managers with experience in the Inland Empire can supply lots of ideas for drought-resistant foliage as well as work closely with landscaping companies to ensure updates proceed smoothly and cost-efficiently.
Local presence
Even though modern technology allows access to resources around the globe, a property management company with a true Inland Empire presence is important. City guidelines and regulations can vary dramatically by area. Zoning restrictions, noise ordinances – even seemingly small things like at-home fireworks usage – can be completely different inland versus at the coast.
Because of this, Keystone operates two satellite offices in the Inland Empire. Our Ontario and Temecula property management teams have a true understanding of the variations between nearby communities. Working with a company that maintains a local presence ensures your manager is deeply familiar with the laws governing your area.
The right manager for the job
Not every manager possesses the optimal skill set for every community, which is why it’s important to take the time to find the right fit. Some communities require more handholding and patience, while other communities prefer to work with a manager who takes a more autonomous role.
Because Inland Empire communities vary in size and age, it’s crucial to make sure the manager has the appropriate disposition and professional background to provide service levels that match each community’s expectations and needs.
It’s also important to make sure your manager maintains the right balance of communities in their portfolio. This enables them to dedicate the appropriate amount of attention to your HOA.
Property management in the Inland Empire comes with a few special considerations that reflect a changing area. Your management company will help your board efficiently handle your unique challenges to help the homeowners in your HOA fall in love all over again with the community they call home.
Make sure your HOA management company understands your community’s unique needs. Contact Keystone today to find out how we can help.