Ultimate FAQ Guide For HOA Websites

Here are 11 ways to evaluate if your HOA website is secure and safe to use:

1. Check for SSL – Make sure the site has HTTPS URLs, not just HTTP. The SSL certificate encrypts data.
2. Look for padlock icon – The padlock symbol in the browser address bar indicates the site is secured.
3. Review privacy policy – Ensure they have reasonable safeguards for collecting/using any personal info.
4. See if login is required – Restricting parts of the site to residents with login provides more control.
5. Check for data encryption – Payment processing and all sensitive data transfers should be encrypted. 
6. Confirm regular software updates – WordPress, plugins, themes and other software should be updated frequently.
7. Look for site backups – Automatic regular backups help guard against data loss from outages or attacks.
8. Verify security monitoring – The site should be actively monitored for threats, anomalies, and vulnerabilities. 
9. Avoid public wifi to access – Only log in via private, secure wifi as public wifi poses risks.
10. Contact your host/developer – Inquire about the security measures they have implemented for the site. 
11. Scan for malware – Use a malware scanning tool periodically to check if anything suspicious was added.

Keep resident data safety a top priority. Continuously evaluate and improve security measures as threats evolve.

Here are some ideas for features and content to include on an HOA website:

– News & Announcements – A news/blog section to post community updates, meeting notices, events, etc.

– Documents & forms – Include governing docs like CC&Rs, rules, architectural guidelines. Have downloadable forms like architectural request forms.

– Calendar – Post board/committee meeting dates and community events. Allow residents to add/sync events to personal calendars.

– Directory – Listing of board members and committee chairs with contact info. Could expand to a full resident directory if desired.

– Payments/dues – Allow online payments if applicable. Post info about dues, payment options, due dates, etc. 

– Service/vendor listings – List vendors, contractors, landscapers, etc. that the HOA recommends or works with.

– FAQs – Frequently asked questions about policies, procedures, payments, facilities, etc. 

– Photos – Photos of community amenities and events. Could have resident photo submission section. 

– Message boards/forums – Allow residents to interact, ask questions, voice concerns, etc. Moderate for appropriate content.

– Request system – Online system for submitting architectural modification requests, work orders, maintenance requests, etc. 

– Social media links – Embed community social media feeds like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc.

The goal is to have a site that is useful for residents and promotes community engagement. Focus on ease of use, mobile responsiveness, and frequently updated content.

Here are some good options for HOA website hosting:

1. HOA-Specific Hosts – Companies like HOASites.com, HOAexpress.com, and CondoControl.com specialize in HOA website hosting. They offer tailored templates, features, and support.
2. Web Hosts with HOA Plans – Hosts like SiteGround, Bluehost, and InMotion offer plans geared toward HOAs with things like document storage, forums, and custom portals.
3. Managed WordPress Hosts – Companies like WP Engine and Pagely can optimize hosting for a WordPress HOA site with speed, security, updates, and support.
4. Cloud Hosts – Cloud-based hosts like SiteGround, Flywheel, and Kinsta allow easy scaling of resources for traffic spikes.
5. Local Web Host – A local web development agency that provides managed hosting can be hands-on for support.
6. Host Your Own Server – Larger HOAs could host their own server with full control, but require IT expertise.
7. Key Features to Look For:

The right HOA hosting combines performance, security, and purpose-built tools for effectively engaging and managing homeowners.

Here are 8 tips for finding your HOA’s website if you don’t already know the URL:

1. Search online – Try search terms like “XYZ HOA” or “XYZ HOA website” where XYZ is your HOA’s name or your community’s name.
2. Check HOA documents – Governing docs like CC&Rs sometimes list the HOA website. Also check newsletters.
3. Ask neighbors – Fellow residents, especially board members, may already know the site address.
4. Look for bulletin boards – Community bulletin boards often post notices with the HOA site info. 
5. Lookup WHOIS info – Perform a WHOIS search on your HOA’s domain name if you know it. This can provide the registry details.
6. Email the HOA board – Email your community’s property manager or board president to request the website.
7. Check social media – Search for official social media accounts associated with the HOA which may link to the website.
8. Call the management company – If your HOA uses a management company, call their office to ask for website info.

With some detective work and outreach, you should be able to track down your HOA’s website to get access to important community info!

Yes!

All too often we see prospective clients that have an existing community website, with all of their Associaiton files publicly available for anyone (and everyone) to access. 

Having a private, gated online portal for residents is generally recommended for HOA websites. Here are some benefits of including a resident portal:

– Provides a secure way to access private community documents like financials, meeting minutes, member contact info, etc. This content can be restricted from public viewing.

– Allows residents to pay HOA dues/fees online through an integrated payment system.

– Enables document storage and sharing for things like architectural guidelines, parking rules, contractor agreements, etc.

– Offers a way for residents to submit maintenance requests, improvement requests, complaints, etc. to the HOA board.

– Can provide access to summaries of residents’ individual account information like dues owed, violations, and work order history.

– Builds community with features like resident directories, classified listings, discussions, polls, and ride shares.

– Allows event RSVPs, newsletter sign-ups, and updating contact info right within the portal.

– Facilitates notifications from the HOA board on important news, meetings, etc.

– Generally improves communication between residents and the HOA.

The portal gives residents a convenient hub to access documents, make requests, connect with neighbors, and stay updated, justifying the extra security required. Proper access controls are essential.

The benefit of using an HOA Website Template is to have a ‘jumping off point’ for your overall Community Website.

A valuable HOA website template will provide a sitemap, wireframe, and overall layout that can be used.

Ideally, your site template should include basic website pages like About Us, Board Page, Contact the Association, Community Calendar, Resident Portal, Privacy Policy, etc. Provide community info and make important resources easy to find.

You can learn more about HOA Website Templates here.

Here are 12 steps for creating a useful HOA website:

1. Choose a domain name – Pick something related to the community’s name and branding. A .org domain looks professional.
2. Select a web hosting service – Look for one that is affordable and tailored for HOAs. Many have integrated payment processing and other useful features.
3. Use HOA-specific website builders – Companies like PropertyPop, and Condo Control provide templates and tools specifically for HOAs.
4. Install a content management system (CMS) – WordPress and Joomla are popular open-source options that allow you to update content.
5. Focus on mobile responsiveness – Optimize site design for ease of use on smartphones and tablets. This is essential. 
6. Include resident portals – Allow residents to log in to access documents, make payments, submit requests, etc.
7. Get professional design services – Consider hiring a designer to create a visually appealing, modern, and accessible website. 
8. Add useful features – Events calendar, document storage, discussion forums, etc. Provide content residents will find valuable.
9. Promote community involvement – Allow residents to contribute photos, comments, and suggestions to foster engagement.
10. Ensure site security – Use SSL encryption and limit access to private info. Regularly update plugins and themes.
11. Enable easy updates – Allow board members with no coding expertise to edit and add content.
12.  Back up the site – Use automatic backups in case the site ever goes down or gets hacked.

With thoughtful planning, design, and features, an HOA website can be an excellent communication and management tool for the community.

8 of the most popular apps designed specifically for HOA communities:

1. PropertyPop – Allows HOA boards and residents to connect. Includes resident portals, community calendars, document storage, work order requests, discussion forums, etc.
2. Homeownerville – Provides community management tools for HOAs. Has a feed for updates, document sharing, polls, maintenance tracking, and more.
3. Nextdoor – Facilitates neighborhood communication. Residents can post updates, recommendations, items for sale, emergency info, etc.
4. HomeBuddy – Allows residents to submit and track maintenance requests and get community alerts. The HOA portal helps manage requests.
5. ActiveBuilding – Community app with work order system, document sharing, vendor listings, events calendar, etc. for condos/apartments.
6. Building Engines – Property management solution for HOAs and condos. Includes maintenance, accounts payable, inspection tools, and resident portals.
7. Buildium – Allows HOA & Condo property managers to handle accounting and other necessary features for better community association management. 
8. Neighborhood Link – Private social network app just for approved residents of a community. Facilitates communication and document access.

The right HOA app can help streamline community management, improve communication, and create convenience for homeowners and residents.

10 examples of well-designed, feature-rich HOA websites:

1. Penthouse Towers HOA – Clean, modern design and robust community tools like document access, maintenance requests, forums, polls, and calendars.
2. Tanner Lane HOA – Mobile-friendly site with dashboard to submit requests. News feed, event calendar, local business listings.
3. Crystal Springs HOA – Intuitive navigation, bold graphics, resident login, forms, and good use of photos.
4. Kensington Glen HOA – Sleek, uncluttered site with announcements, meetings, financials, governing docs, easy contact forms.
5. Pine Lake HOA – Active news feed, document library, service listings, resident directory, and online payments.
6. Aspen Hill HOA – Events calendar integrated with online registration and payment. Mobile app for community access. 
7. Cedar Mills Condos – Resident work order submission, documents, maintenance info, and secure account portal.
8. The Gates HOA – Interactive site with polls, classifieds, service requests, and neighborhood watch updates.
9. The Tate HOA – Well-organized documents and records, bylaw search tool, discussion forum, and convenient contact options.
10. Addison Place HOA – Mobile and desktop friendly. Intuitive menus and architecture for quick content access.

The best HOA sites make community info accessible, enable resident engagement, maintain a professional look, and are easy to navigate on all devices.

Here are some options for creating a free HOA website:

Wix – Free basic plan for drag-and-drop site building. Upgrade for more features. Limited storage and bandwidth.

Webflow – Free for limited hosting and storage. User-friendly visual editor to customize responsive sites.

Weebly – Build a simple site for free with basic features. Upgrade for ecommerce, more storage, and custom domain.

Google Sites – Create basic sites using templates. Limited design options. Integrates with other Google services.

Carrd.co – Simple one-page, mobile-ready sites. Free plan has limited pages and basic features.

FreeWebsite.com – Ad-supported free hosting and site builder. Upgrade for custom domain and more features.

Site123 – Free ad-supported site building with templates. Upgrade for white-label branding.

PlaceIT – Free logo maker and website mockup generator for concepts. Would need full building.

SquareSpace – Free 2-week trial to build site. $12+ monthly fee after trial. Full features and support.

While free options exist, paid plans often provide more robust HOA-specific features, storage, support, and customization.

Here are some of the best website builders specifically designed for HOAs:

• PropertyPop – Offers customized sites with HOA-specific tools like document storage, events calendar, forums, and online payments. Includes mobile app.
• Neighborhood Link – Easy drag-and-drop builder with SEO tools, email marketing, and integration with management software like TOPS.
• Nabr Network – Builds geo-targeted sites for HOA/condo communities with news, events, classifieds, and directories.
• CINC Systems – Websites integrate with their community management system. Includes document management, maintenance requests, and discussion forums. 
• Condo Control – Provides website, community intranet, and mobile app. Includes owner/resident portal, maintenance tracking, polls, and file sharing.
• Homeownerville – DIY builder with features like newsfeed, polls, maintenance logs, bylaw management, and sharing files.
• Bitrix24 – Robust free option for DIY site-building. Has document and access control tools suitable for an HOA site.
• Wix – Their free website builder is easy to use for creating an attractive HOA site on a budget. 

The right HOA website builder makes it easy to create a useful, feature-rich site without advanced coding skills. Focus on core HOA-focused features and ease of use.

Here are some services that can help HOAs build, manage, and improve their community websites:

HOA website platforms – Companies like PropertyPop, Homeownerville, and Neighborhood Link offer website hosting, templates, and management tools.

• Content creation – Hire a copywriter to create engaging text content like blog posts, update notices, articles, etc.
• Photography – A photographer can take high-quality photos of the community’s amenities and events to use on the site.
• Consulting – Web consultants can audit a site and make recommendations to improve functionality, SEO, etc.
• Email marketing – Services like Mailchimp and Constant Contact can help send email newsletters to residents.
• Web hosting – Managed web hosting tuned for HOA sites with features like backups and security.
• Access control – Services that implement login portals and access permissions for private info and documents. 
• Website security – Companies that run automated scans and tests to ensure site security.
• Maintenance & support – Ongoing support for managing content, performing updates, and fixing issues.
• Analytics & reporting – Provide stats on website traffic, engagement, conversions, and other metrics. 

The right services and partners can save HOA Boards time, improve the resident experience, and ensure the website operates smoothly.

Here are some examples of highly effective condo association websites:

• The Metropolitan on the Park – Sleek design, mobile friendly, document library, forum, work orders, and resident portal.
• 1500 Ocean Drive – Easy navigation, events calendar, online payments, maintenance info, and good visuals. 
• Waterway Condominiums – Robust community tools like classifieds, polls, newsletter signups, and contact forms.
• The Remington – Clean layout with dashboard, document access, contact directory, and news feed.
• Harbour View Manor – Logins for owners and tenants, records, forms, payment portal, meeting minutes, and rules.
• Crystal Shores Condos – Mobile app, photo gallery, bulletin board, bylaws, board elections, and convenient contact options.
• Twin Lakes Towers – User-friendly layout, work orders, account statements, event RSVP, and searchable docs.
• Sunset Plaza Condominiums – Dashboard with maintenance, documents, forum, resident directory, events, and forms.
• Sea Mist by the Ocean – Mobile friendly, resident logins, online fee payments, maintenance requests, and news.
• Clearwater Keys Condos – Payment portal, document access system, service directory, events, and contact forms.
• Key features that make these sites effective are intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, robust community portals, integrated services like payments and work orders, and a professional clean look.

Maintaining frequently updated content is also essential.

Here are some key things to look for when reviewing an HOA Sites demo:

– Template options – HOA Sites offers several professionally designed template options to choose from for ease of creating an attractive site.

– Customization – Explore how easy it is to customize colors, fonts, layouts, etc. to match your HOA’s brand.

– Content management – Assess the CMS dashboard and how intuitive it is to update text, add photos, create new pages, etc. 

– Document storage – Check how documents like CC&Rs and architectural guidelines can be organized and accessed.

– Interactive features – See what community engagement features are available like forums, polls, listings, and maintenance requests.

– Mobile responsive – Review how the site looks and works on mobile devices and test navigation.

– Security – Ask about site security measures, data protection, and resident portal access.

– Support – Inquire what ongoing support, training, and maintenance is included.

– Pricing – Review the various packages to assess what features you gain with each plan.

– Testimonials – Read testimonials and examples from other HOAs that use HOA Sites.

– Ease of use – Assess the admin interface and make sure non-technical HOA leaders can manage the site. 

Take advantage of a thorough demo to ensure HOA Sites fit your community site needs before purchasing. Try creating sample content and explore the platform from an HOA resident perspective.

Here are some examples of well-designed sample HOA websites:

Creekside HOA 

• Clean, modern template 
• Prominent community news feed 
• Events calendar and RSVP feature
• Governing documents access
• Board member directory
• Online architectural mod requests
• Contact form and quick links

Winding Oaks HOA

• Photo slider showing community amenities
• News, meeting minutes, rules documents  
• Resident directory and classifieds
• Service request system
• Calendar and community events forum

Hillcrest Village HOA

• Dashboard showing account balance, docs, work orders
• Mobile-friendly design
• Photo gallery, neighborhood news, meeting minutes
• Online payments system
• Board member bios and contact page

Fairways HOA

• Documents library with searching/filtering
• Architectural guidelines and request forms  
• Blog-style news updates and email signups
• Service listings with Yelp reviews
• Quick links menu and site search

These samples demonstrate useful features like news and events, document access, service requests, directories, and a visually appealing, easy-to-navigate site. A good sample reflects features needed for your specific community.