When a homeowners association or condominium board considers engaging with a professional community association management company, that decision ranks among the most significant they will make. The right partner can help protect property values, provide continuity through leadership changes, and ensure the complex work behind the scenes gets handled with expertise. The CAI article “The Perfect Match: Hiring a Community Management Company” highlights several key principles and steps for making a wise choice. Below, we explore those principles—and explain why Eclipse Community Management is especially well-suited to be your long-term partner.
Understand the Stakes: Fees vs. Value
It’s tempting to choose a management company based solely on cost. But the CAI article cautions: a lower fee isn’t worth much if it compromises service, responsiveness, or vendor quality. Especially in today’s environment, boards must carefully consider what services are included, what are extra, and whether the company has the capacity to deliver them effectively.
How Eclipse shines:
Eclipse offers transparent pricing models, an inclusive fee, clearly defined service levels, and scalable support. We believe in delivering value, not cutting corners. When you partner with us, you gain access to a full platform of services from financial and administrative support to vendor oversight, compliance, and community engagement.
Engage Homeowners Upfront
Before selecting a management company, the board should involve homeowners. Encourage owners to talk to contacts in their network who currently work with management companies in other communities. Seek out the firsthand accounts of the service provided to existing accounts. This helps surface concerns or priorities that might otherwise slip through the cracks.
How Eclipse helps:
Eclipse routinely facilitates transparent, community-wide communication plans tailored to the preferences of each person. With Eclipse managing the process, your board can rest easier knowing community members are in the loop.
Emphasize Communication & Trust
A successful board–management relationship hinges on clear, open communication and mechanisms for resolving issues that arise. The management company should be receptive to feedback and willing to address issues proactively.
How Eclipse commits:
We pride ourselves on proactive, responsive client service. We establish regular check-ins, reporting cycles, and escalation paths from day one. If service issues arise, we want to hear about them as we have internal processes to resolve them swiftly. We don’t just react; we seek alignment and feedback continuously.
Define Roles, Set Expectations, and Give Time
Once you choose a management company, the board should formally define roles and responsibilities, set performance benchmarks, reinforce communication channels, and allow time (often up to a year) for the new relationship to settle in. Resist the urge to micromanage or switch providers too quickly while also being vigilant to issues that must be addressed.
How Eclipse supports a smooth transition:
At Eclipse, we begin each engagement with a comprehensive onboarding process: roles and responsibilities are documented, performance metrics are established, and the first several months are treated as a mutual learning period. We encourage open dialogue so that both board and management grow together and avoid surprises.
Recognize That There’s No “Perfect”
As the CAI article wisely states, no management company is flawless. The goal is to find a partner whose strengths align with your community’s needs, culture, and expectations. The right attitude, clarity of process, and shared expectations make all the difference.
Why Eclipse may be your best fit:
- Tailored solutions — We don’t offer one-size-fits-all packages. We work to match services to your community’s size, priorities, and budget.
- Experienced professionals — Our team includes credentialed community managers who stay current with legal, financial, and operational best practices.
- Stability & continuity — Staff turnover is minimized, enabling consistency in how your community is managed over time.
- Open partnership approach — Your feedback is sought, your priorities respected, and communication is always two-way.
Is Eclipse Community Management the Right Partner for You?
If your association seeks a community management firm that values transparency, collaboration, consistency, and long-term alignment, Eclipse Community Management is ready to be that partner. We understand the complexities that boards face and are committed to supporting you.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Eclipse today to discuss how we can support your community’s goals. Whether you’re exploring a new management relationship or evaluating your current path, we’d love to talk about how Eclipse can bring stability, professionalism, and responsiveness to your community.
