HomeHerald Blog
Expert guides for HOA board members. Practical advice on dues collection, violation management, communication, and running your community without burning out.
Georgia HOA Laws 2027: Board Guide to SB 406 and the POA Act
Georgia HOA law changes on January 1, 2027: what governs a Georgia association today, what SB 406 adds, and the registration deadline every board must plan for.
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Georgia SB 406: HOA Registration Deadline of Jan 1, 2027
Georgia SB 406 has HOAs register with the Secretary of State from January 1, 2027: who must file, what goes in the filing, and when opting out is right.
Read moreHOA Board Communication: Private Board Chat With AI
HomeHerald's Board Chat is a private, realtime group chat for your HOA board - push notifications, @mentions, and Herald answering board-level questions about your community's real data right in the conversation. Included, no add-on.
Read moreAI That Answers Your HOA's Phone: What Herald Voice Does
HomeHerald gives your HOA a real phone number an AI answers 24/7. It recognizes residents by caller ID, checks dues, files tickets, books the clubhouse and texts a pay link mid-call - even signs up new neighbors, no app needed.
Read moreAI for HOA: At the Core of Every Task, Not a Bolt-On
AI for HOA that is built into the core, not bolted on - it reads your CC&Rs, summarizes minutes, and chases dues so your board just reviews and approves.
Read moreOur Biggest Launch Ever, Built From Your Requests
HomeHerald just shipped its biggest release yet: live budgets, meetings, insurance, contracts, a records hub, and more. Every feature came from a board member's request.
Read moreFlorida HB 1203: HOA Website Requirements & 2026 Checklist
Florida HB 1203 requires HOAs with 100+ parcels to post official records on a members-only website. What to post, the deadline, and a compliance checklist.
Read moreHOA Accounting Software: A Treasurer's Guide
The financial tooling a self-managed HOA treasurer actually needs: a live budget, cash-basis reports, bank reconciliation, and dues collection that runs itself.
Read moreHOA Compliance Software: Records, Votes & Proof
A compliant HOA board proves what it decided, shows where the money goes, and keeps the records the law requires. Here is how HomeHerald does all three.
Read moreRunning a Self-Managed HOA: Operations Guide
Running a self-managed HOA without burning out volunteers comes down to four jobs done well. Here is how a board handles each one with HomeHerald.
Read moreDifferent HOA Dues for Different Units: 2026 Guide
Can an HOA charge different dues to different units? Yes. Here's how to bill by unit type, charge opt-in services, and apply special assessments - itemized for residents, without a property manager.
Read moreNew HOA Homeowner Violations: Stop Them Before Closing
New owners break HOA rules most in their first 90 days, usually before anyone hands them the CC&Rs. The five rules they break and the welcome that prevents it.
Read moreHow Self-Managed HOAs Lose $1,800 a Year at Closing
Most self-managed HOAs leak revenue at every sale: missed transfer fees, unrecovered prorated dues, and balances that never get attached to the title. Here's where the money goes and how to capture it.
Read moreHOA Property Ledgers and Trust Accounting in HomeHerald
Every HOA payment, fine and charge is logged in real time across two ledgers. Residents see their balance, the board sees every dollar - no more 'did it post?'
Read moreHOA Welcome Letter Template for New Homeowners (Free)
A great HOA welcome letter sets the tone for a new owner's first 90 days. Here's a free template, what to include, what to avoid, and how to deliver it before the buyer's first violation.
Read moreHow to Manage Your HOA From Your Phone: iOS App Tour
A walkthrough of the HomeHerald iPhone app. Approve payments, send violations, post to the board, RSVP to events, and run your community from your couch. Included, no add-on.
Read moreHOA Closing Requests: A Better Workflow for Agents
The current closing-request workflow between listing agents and HOA boards is broken. Here's the cleaner version: agents get a private HOA portal on day one. No more 14-day waits or 9pm emails.
Read moreAmenity Automation
Book, pay, and unlock your HOA amenities automatically. Cleaning deposits are a card hold, not a charge. Smart lock codes work offline. Included in every HomeHerald community starting today.
Read moreHow to Install igloohome: HOA Smart Lock Setup Guide
Step-by-step guide to installing an igloohome smart lock and connecting it to your HomeHerald community. Hardware list, iglooaccess setup, pairing, troubleshooting.
Read moreHOA Estoppel Letter vs Listing Monitor: What Buyers Need
An estoppel letter says what a buyer owes, not what the rules are. Compare it with a listing monitor and see what a buyer needs from the HOA before closing.
Read moreHerald Welcome: HOA Closings Without the Phone Tag
HomeHerald's new Herald Welcome catches new for-sale listings in your HOA and gives the listing agent a private portal with covenants, the welcome letter, and the property's current balance. Closings get faster. New owners arrive informed.
Read moreDo HOAs Still Need QuickBooks? An Honest 2026 Comparison
Most self-managed HOA boards pay $30 to $90/month for QuickBooks plus a bookkeeper. Here's what they actually use, what they don't, and what HomeHerald replaces.
Read moreEverything HomeHerald Does: 2026 HOA Platform Guide
Everything HomeHerald does for a self-managed HOA: Herald and its AI agents, iOS and Android apps, a shared board inbox, and dues chased by email, text, mail.
Read moreThe Hidden 6 Hours: Why Volunteer HOA Treasurers Burn Out
Volunteer HOA treasurers were promised an hour a week. They're at six. Here's where the time actually goes and how to get Sundays back.
Read moreHOA Software Comparison Chart 2026: Pricing, AI, Apps
HomeHerald vs 10 options side by side - PayHOA, AppFolio, Buildium, CINC, Vantaca, TownSq, spreadsheets and more - on price, AI, mobile, books and data.
Read moreHOA Email Inbox: A Shared Board Inbox, No Shared Password
HomeHerald's Email Inbox is a shared HOA board mailbox with a per-user audit trail, AI sorting, Venmo and Zelle payment matching, and AI replies. Included.
Read moreHow to Reconcile Your HOA's Bank Statement in 10 Minutes
Step-by-step monthly bank reconciliation for HOA treasurers. The volunteer-friendly version that doesn't require a CPA, QuickBooks, or a Sunday afternoon.
Read moreHOA Data Portability: Your Data Belongs to Your HOA
Most HOA software won't let you take your data with you. HomeHerald's stance: every community on every plan, including Free, can download a full backup of every record, anytime, in a format any developer can read. Here's why it matters.
Read moreHOA Event Management with RSVPs: Community Events
HomeHerald's new Community Events tool lets HOAs schedule meetings and events with one-tap RSVPs, automatic day-before reminders, calendar export, and live attendance rosters. Included, no add-on.
Read moreHOA Voting Platform: Introducing Community Voting
HomeHerald's new Community Voting tool runs board resolutions and community-wide HOA votes online with non-anonymous ballots, instant tallies, and printable audit PDFs. Included, no add-on.
Read moreHOA Work Order Software That Vendors Actually Use (2026)
HOA work order software that dispatches by email - no vendor portal, no logins. AI triages, threads replies, and closes the financial loop. From $65/month, 14 days free with no credit card.
Read moreWhat Makes HomeHerald Different: The Four Bets
HomeHerald feels different in practice. Four bets behind it: AI as the operating system, built for volunteer boards, one-click decisions, a founder's promise.
Read moreHOA Treasurer Duties: Complete Checklist for 2026
The complete HOA treasurer duties checklist: monthly tasks, reserve reporting, audit prep, and automation that cuts the role from 15 hours a month to 3.
Read moreMississippi HOA Laws 2026: Self-Managed Board Guide
Mississippi has no dedicated HOA statute, so what governs your association? A Mississippi board president explains the real rules, risks and compliance steps.
Read moreFuture of HOA Management: A Board President Goes Digital
An 18-year HOA board veteran explains why self-managed HOAs powered by AI software are the future. Robert Graham shares lessons from 15 years as president.
Read moreHOA Document Retention Policy: What to Keep & How Long
Build a compliant HOA document retention policy with our complete guide. Learn what to keep permanently, what to archive, and how to protect your HOA records with digital storage.
Read moreHOA Communication Best Practices
Email open rates hover around 20-25%. Learn multi-channel HOA communication best practices that actually reach every resident - across 5 channels, from one platform.
Read moreHOA Spreadsheet vs Software: When to Switch (2026)
Still running your HOA on spreadsheets? The real cost of free, what a volunteer board needs instead, and how boards make the switch in about 10 minutes.
Read moreSelf-Managed HOA Transition: The 60-90 Day Checklist
Considering self-managing your HOA? Follow this 60-90 day transition checklist to switch from a management company smoothly. Try HOA software free for 14 days, no credit card.
Read moreSelf-Managed HOA Guide: Save Thousands Without a Manager
Learn how self-managed HOAs save $250-$2,500/month, what's required, and whether DIY management is right for your community. Start free, no credit card.
Read moreDealing With Difficult HOA Residents: A Board Member's Guide
Proven strategies for handling difficult HOA residents - from chronic complainers to rule violators. De-escalate conflicts, document everything, and protect your board with practical tools.
Read moreHow to Handle HOA Violations Fairly (Step-by-Step Guide)
A fair HOA violation process protects property values without creating conflict. Learn the complete enforcement framework, common violation types, and how AI keeps it consistent. Free tools included.
Read moreHOA Violation Letters That Don't Start Neighbor Wars
HOA violation enforcement doesn't have to create conflict. Learn how to write fair violation letters, build a consistent process, and use AI to remove personal bias from HOA enforcement.
Read moreHow to Manage an HOA Without Losing Your Weekends
Spending 15+ hours a week on HOA management? Learn how self-managed boards cut their workload in half with automation, delegation, and smarter tools. Start free, no credit card.
Read moreHOA Board Member Burnout: Causes and Solutions
HOA board burnout leads to empty seats, poor decisions, and community decline. Learn the 7 causes and proven fixes to keep your volunteer board engaged. Start free, no credit card.
Read moreHOA Annual Meeting Checklist: Plan & Run It Right (2026)
Plan a successful HOA annual meeting with our step-by-step checklist. Covers notice, quorum, elections, proxies, budgets, and follow-up. Try HOA software free for 14 days, no credit card.
Read moreHOA Board Meeting Tips: Run Meetings That Actually Work
Transform chaotic HOA board meetings with proven agenda templates, time management tips, and conflict strategies. Stop dreading Tuesday nights.
Read moreHOA Meeting Minutes: Template & Complete Guide (2026)
Master HOA meeting minutes with our free template and expert guide. Learn what to include, what to avoid, and how to stay legally compliant. Start free, no credit card.
Read moreThe Hidden Cost of Late HOA Dues & How to Fix It
Late HOA dues cost more than the unpaid balance. Learn the real costs of delinquency and proven collection methods. Automated collection starts free.
Read moreHOA Reserve Fund Guide: Planning, Funding & Excel Templates
Learn how HOA reserve funds work, what a reserve study covers, and how to avoid special assessments. Protect your community's finances. Start free, no credit card.
Read moreHow to Collect HOA Dues: The Definitive Guide
Stop chasing neighbors for money. Learn how to collect HOA dues with automated reminders, flexible payments, late fees, physical mail escalation, and a clear collection policy.
Read moreHOA Financial Management Guide: Treasurer Tips That Work
Master HOA financial management with this treasurer's guide to budgets, reserves, and audits. Avoid costly mistakes. Start free, no credit card.
Read moreHow to Start an HOA: Complete Formation Guide (2026)
Step-by-step guide to starting an HOA - from incorporation to your first assessment. Includes costs, legal docs, and tools to get operational fast.
Read moreHOA Board Member Duties: Complete Role-by-Role Guide (2026)
Every HOA board member duty from president to treasurer: fiduciary obligations, time commitments, how state law changes the job, and what to automate.
Read moreWhat Are CC&Rs? Plain-English HOA Guide
CC&Rs govern everything in your HOA, from fence colors to pet policies. Learn what they are, how to read them, and how AI can help enforce them consistently.
Read moreHOA CC&Rs Explained: How to Read Your Community Rules
Learn what HOA CC&Rs are, how to read them, and which sections matter most. Understand your community's governing documents with AI. Start free, no credit card.
Read moreHOA Management for Beginners: Complete Board Guide
New to your HOA board? This guide covers everything from CC&Rs to dues collection, violation management, and resident communication. Free software included.
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