Hiring the right homeowners association (HOA) manager is one of the most important decisions your board will make. A great manager brings order, transparency, and value to your community. The wrong one can lead to frustration, wasted money, and ongoing headaches.
If you’re anywhere in North Texas, here are some practical tips to ensure you choose the right HOA management company for your community.
1. Look for Local Expertise
North Texas is unique—our communities vary from new master-planned neighborhoods to decades-old subdivisions with established boards and residents. Your HOA manager should understand local municipal codes, state HOA law (including Texas Property Code Chapter 82 & 209), and regional vendors. National firms often rely on remote teams or call centers, which can create gaps in responsiveness.
✅ Ask: “Will our manager be local and attend board meetings in person?”
2. Don’t Get Fooled by Brand Clutter
Here’s something many boards don’t realize: some of the largest national management firms operate under dozens of different business names. It’s not uncommon for an HOA board to believe they’re comparing 3–4 different bids—only to later discover that two or more came from the same parent company, just with different branding.
This can result in artificially inflated pricing or a false sense of choice.
⚠️ Tip: Before accepting bids, research each company's ownership or affiliations. Look for transparency and a consistent reputation. If a company won’t clearly state who owns or operates the business, that’s a red flag.
3. Ask About Technology and Owner Access
Modern HOA management isn’t just about collecting dues and sending notices. Your manager should offer:
Online payment portals
Mobile-friendly access for homeowners
Digital violation tracking
Real-time financials
At PMI Metroplex Properties, we offer a fully transparent portal that allows both boards and homeowners to stay in the loop without chasing down updates.
4. Understand the Fee Structure
The cheapest quote often leaves out important costs like:
Transfer fees
Violation processing
Annual meeting support
After-hours emergencies
Make sure the proposal includes a complete breakdown of services and fees. A reputable company will be upfront about what’s included—and what’s extra.
5. Choose Responsiveness Over Size
Some of the largest HOA management firms offer flashy dashboards and corporate polish, but they can fall short when it comes to personal service. You want a manager who answers calls, attends meetings, and takes ownership of problems—not just delegates from a regional office.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an HOA manager isn’t just a business transaction—it’s a partnership that affects your residents, property values, and quality of life. Take your time, ask tough questions, and look beyond the branding.
If you’d like a transparent proposal from a locally owned, experienced North Texas management firm, we’d love to speak with your board.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a no-pressure consultation and compare your options with confidence. https://www.bedfordpropertymanagementinc.com/associations
