Given how unstable the global economy is, there’s immense pressure on community and homeowners associations to manage their cash flows better. As if that isn’t enough of a headache, there’s increasing competition for talent, an ageing workforce, and a veer towards virtual work.

The trouble with admin assistant hiring

It’s becoming even harder for associations to hire a property manager or two in order to keep up with competitors. When you choose wrong, it’s difficult to determine if you have adequate people for your services or not. This is because it might be that the staff you have now are simply inefficient.

When there really are too few people to do the work, it means your current employees have to juggle multiple roles and suffer for it. Pew Research reports that 39% of workers left their jobs during the Great Resignation due to working too many hours.

If your staff end up quitting, it’s going to be an uphill battle replacing them. This is especially true when you lose skilled and experienced workers who know your processes and goals from the inside out. Your competitors are sure to capture them the moment you let them go.

Thus, you need to ramp up your efforts to retain your top talents to ease the burdens of your HOA. For some, this entails improving the efficiency and quality of their work processes so their team may keep up with increasing demands from tenants, vendors, and more.

Another suggestion is to anticipate what may come this year for associations. By being aware of the 2023 HOA trends, it’s easier to know what kind of person your team needs, how to help your workers do better, and how to appeal to the ideal candidates, among other 2023 HOA tips.

2023 HOA Trends

The coronavirus is fading in terms of its effects on HOA managers’ desire to work online, but a new working environment remains. As a community manager, you must adjust to the changes which are inevitable in every industry, like the following:

HOAs are increasing

While the increase won’t be mind-shattering, expect more developments in 2023. Property developers make a lot of profit out of homeowners associations, which is one reason why we’re seeing more of them. Property owners also enjoy higher resale prices compared to similar units in ungoverned communities.

As for how this impacts your administrative assistant hiring, it means you have more competition for quality candidates. Job seekers have their choice of HOAs and communities to apply to, but you’ll want to be their first choice when they do send in their applications.

Revenues are recovering

Many associations suffered from reduced dues and income over the pandemic. They were forced to go online which required skills and knowledge in software, digital marketing, graphic design, and the internet in general. In-person showings struggled for attendance because of health protocols too.

Hiring an administrative assistant grew and continues to grow in popularity. Not only are they familiar with working remotely but also they possessed technical and soft skills necessary for supporting an HOA. Some VAs specialise in properties so you may hire a property manager for Airbnb units, for instance.

Boards are getting tired

One of the common issues that HOAs face is board fatigue. Many members are already spent from the challenges of COVID-19 and some have even resigned from their posts. Those who have chosen to stay have mentally checked out or lack concentration to deliver quality services too.

Now hiring an administrative assistant is more important than ever because of this. The routine or repetitive tasks, such as data entry, email response, and comment checking, may be delegated to them. This allows the HOA board to focus on vital revenue-generating tasks.

Digital communication is rising

Gone are the days when you had to make announcements and send reminders to tenants through the mail. Virtual platforms are on the rise, such as text messages, emails, websites, and applications. Some associations even utilise social media for connecting with residents.

When hiring a property management company or virtual assistant, make sure you choose one who knows their way around these digital systems. Owners or renters tend to be more invested and engaged in their communities when they know what’s happening in the neighbourhood lately.

Security threats are intensifying

The world is becoming a more hostile place, both physically and virtually. Many criminals are using the internet to launch attacks on homeowners and community associations. The main reason they’re being targeted is that they tend to use outdated servers and software or lack knowledge in cybersecurity.

Take your time to screen and vet candidates when you’re arranging for HOA assistance. Ask if they’re using updated software, have super secure environments, and have security applications installed. One may never be too careful in this digital era full of hackers.

People are going green

Residents and boards alike are becoming more conscious about the environment, and many laws are changing to help them make changes more conveniently. Some associations may hesitate when owners request to use solar panels and artificial turf but green upgrades are worth forgoing uniformity.

If you want to grow your real estate business in 2023, be mindful of what your target audience cares about. The good news is that HOA virtual assistants are always updated on the trends in the property management sector. They understand the value of market and competitor research, after all.

Disputes are surging

Although the world is opening up again, some individuals remain vigilant about health and safety. People are feeling more irritable and tired so even the smallest disagreement may escalate into big problems. Associations must know how to handle neighbourhood disputes properly.

The problem is when one party prefers to settle things virtually due to health concerns. With a VA, you get someone who knows how to read a room even if it’s online. They’re familiar with proper email and chat message etiquette for when you need to intervene in conflicts.

Costs are inflating

As governments continue with huge spending, supply shortages and inflation remain a threat to communities. Setting the right fees for communities and condominiums are crucial for protecting budgets and facing the rising costs of waste management, energy, water, fuel, electricity, and even staffing.

Hiring a rental property manager to work in an office is going to cost more than when you hire a property manager for rental units virtually. With a remote worker, you won’t have to spend on additional office space, equipment, and utilities. Online professionals tend to have their own stations ready for working.

Hiring an administrative assistant virtually

By staying updated on 2023 HOA trends, you also become more conscious of staffing your homeowners association. You know what kind of person you need in the coming months or how you may prepare existing employees for a shift to fully remote work.

Do you need help in administrative assistant hiring for your HOA? We at Remote Workmate are a staffing agency specialising in virtual assistant staffing. We not only screen candidates but also we train them in preparation for the work you have in mind.