Joining your association’s board is a big decision. It’s a commitment that often feels like taking on a second job (without the paycheck). Before you put your name on the ballot, it’s worth asking: Is this the right fit for me right now?

Serving on the board can be rewarding. You’ll have a voice in shaping your community, solving problems, and protecting property values. But it also comes with responsibilities, time commitments, and some tough conversations. The best way to set yourself up for success? Start with clarity.

That’s why we created the “HOA Board Candidate” workbook. It walks you through six key questions to ask yourself before putting your name on the ballot, so you can make an informed decision on if (and why) you want to serve. Download it, print it (or pull it up on your device), and use it as a guide while you read through this article.

Why This Matters

Running for the board is about sustainability.

Once the initial excitement fades, what will keep you motivated? How will you balance your time? What’s your vision for the future of your community?

These questions matter. Answering them now can save you a lot of stress later.

6 Questions to Consider Before Running for Your HOA Board

Photo Of Man In Deep Thoughts

1. Why Are You Running?

This is the most important question. It's what will keep you grounded when the initial excitement fades. Serving on the board can be rewarding, but it’s also challenging. When the tough decisions come, what’s going to keep you motivated?

Start by identifying at least two solid reasons for running. These should go beyond “it sounds interesting” and connect to something meaningful for you and your community.

Thought Starters

  • Is there something you want to fix in the community? If so, how realistic is that goal? What steps would you take, and what happens after it’s fixed?
  • Do you want to help your neighbors? Why does that matter to you personally?
  • Is there something specific you’d like to add (like a new amenity, committee, or event)? How would you make it happen and maintain it long-term?
  • Are you seeking leadership experience? If so, how will you use that responsibility wisely?
  • Are you looking for a way to give back locally? Why is your HOA the right outlet for that?

Tip: Write your answers down (if you’re using the workbook, it has spaces for each). Seeing your thoughts in black and white helps clarify your motivation and gives you something to revisit when challenges arise.

Clear Hour Glass on Brown Wooden Table

2. Can You Dedicate the Proper Amount of Time?

The second big question: Do you realistically have the time? Many compare being on the board to having a second job. While the workload varies by community and role, it’s still a commitment.

What to Expect

  • Plan for 5–10 hours per week on board responsibilities. That’s a little more or less than an hour a day.
  • Most board meetings happen in the evenings or on weekends, but you may need to meet vendors during the week or respond to homeowner concerns anytime.
  • If your association doesn’t have a management company, expect more hands-on tasks like coordinating repairs or handling compliance issues.

If your current life stage (work, family, health) makes this unrealistic, it might not be the right time. And that’s okay! There are other ways to contribute to your association without overextending yourself.

Long-Term Commitment

Terms are usually 1–3 years, but here’s the reality: some boards struggle to find volunteers, so you might stay longer than planned. Ask yourself now, if no one else steps up, would you be willing to continue? Knowing your boundaries upfront helps avoid burnout later.

Photo of a Woman Thinking

3. Are You Eligible to Run?

Why isn’t this first? Because if you’re motivated and have the time, eligibility issues can often be resolved. Most associations require:

  • You’re a member in good standing (meaning dues are current and no unresolved violations).
  • You meet any additional requirements outlined in your association’s Bylaws, which you should review before submitting your nomination.

If you’re not in good standing, don’t give up. Work with your management company or board to resolve outstanding issues. Taking that step shows commitment and responsibility, qualities every board needs.

Pensive lady taking notes in notepad

4. What Role Will You Be Able to Fill?

Every board member brings something unique to the table. Think about your strengths: professional experience, personal skills, and even hobbies. Are you great with numbers? Comfortable speaking in front of a group? Skilled at organizing details or creating clear presentations? Even if it feels small, those abilities matter!

Your skills may align with a specific officer role. While most officers are elected to the Board first, roles like President, Secretary, or Treasurer are assigned afterward. Knowing where you can contribute helps you (and the board) succeed.

Common Officer Roles & Helpful Skills

President‍

‍Role: Leads meetings, sets agendas, and ensures the board stays on track.

‍Helpful Skills: Leadership, time management, public speaking, and the ability to build consensus.

Vice President

Role: Steps in when the President is unavailable and supports continuity.

‍Helpful Skills: Adaptability, problem-solving, and strong communication.

Secretary

Role: Records meeting minutes, sends notices, and maintains official records.

‍Helpful Skills: Organization, attention to detail, and clear writing.

Treasurer

Role: Oversees the budget, manages assessments, and prepares financial reports.

‍Helpful Skills: Accounting or finance experience, analytical thinking, and transparency.

A Grayscale of a Lady Justice Figurine

5. Do You Understand the Basic Responsibilities?

Serving on your board of directors comes with fiduciary responsibilities, which means acting in the best interest of the association. These duties are legal obligations. They protect both the community and you as a board member (ensuring decisions are fair, transparent, and legally sound). Understanding them is essential before you run.

The Three Core Fiduciary Duties

Duty of Care

‍Make informed decisions. This means reviewing materials before meetings, asking questions, and considering the long-term impact of your choices.

Duty of Loyalty

‍Put the association’s interests above personal gain. Avoid conflicts of interest (like voting on contracts that benefit you or a family member).

Duty of Obedience

‍Follow the governing documents and applicable laws. The Board can’t make decisions outside its authority, even with good intentions.

6. Are You Familiar with the Language of HOAs?

Even if you’ve lived in an HOA for years, the terminology can feel overwhelming at first. Words like “quorum,” “CC&Rs,” and “special assessment” might sound like legal jargon, but don’t worry. You’ll pick it up quickly through what I like to call HOA-osmosis.

Want a head start? Check out our blog post: HOA Terms Explained: A Simple Guide for Georgia Homeowners

It covers 39 essential terms (from bylaws to reserve funds) so you can walk into your first meeting feeling confident.

Final Thoughts

Joining your HOA board is a big responsibility, and a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in your community. Hopefully, these questions have helped you think through whether this commitment is the right fit for you.

If you haven’t already, download our “HOA Board Candidate” workbook. It’ll help keep all your answers in one place, making it easy to reference when preparing your nomination statement (and act as a reminder of why you wanted to serve when motivation runs low).

By downloading, you’ll also subscribe to our newsletter, where you’ll receive more helpful resources, updates about new blog posts, and board-specific advice to support you throughout your term.

I wish you the best in your efforts to run for your HOA board! If you have questions along the way, feel free to reach out, even if we don’t manage your association. We’re always happy to share guidance and help you succeed.