For every community association, assessment income is the engine that keeps the neighborhood running. It funds landscaping, insurance, utilities, maintenance, reserve contributions, and the countless day-to-day obligations that protect property values and preserve quality of life. When owners fall behind, the impact is not abstract—it creates real pressure on budgets, delays projects, and can unfairly shift the burden onto those who are paying on time. That is why strong, disciplined collections practices are not optional. They are essential.
A recent review of 2025 collections recoveries across our client communities shows just how meaningful the right process can be. Across 13 recent recovery events benefiting 11 associations, Eclipse helped recover more than $89,000 in delinquent assessments and related balances. That works out to an average recovery of nearly $6,900 per event and more than $8,100 per association represented in the sample. Even more impressive, the three largest recoveries alone totaled more than $51,000 which are real dollars returned to associations that can now be used for operations, reserves, and community priorities instead of remaining stranded in aging receivables.
Results like these do not happen by accident. They come from having a management partner that will help craft a clear collections policy, consistent internal controls, and systems that keep delinquencies from slipping through the cracks. Effective collections require more than sending an occasional reminder. They demand structure: timely notice cycles, accurate owner ledgers, documented escalation steps, coordinated follow-up, and a repeatable process for moving to formal action when needed. When that framework is in place, associations are in a far stronger position to recover what they are owed while maintaining fairness, compliance, and professionalism.
That is where Stephanie Welter, Eclipse’s Director of Finance, makes such a difference. Stephanie brings the experience and process oversight that successful association collections require. Her leadership helps ensure that delinquent accounts are escalated appropriately when voluntary resolution does not occur. Just as importantly, she understands that collections is not simply about pursuing balances, it is about protecting the financial health of the association as a whole.
Boards evaluating management partners should pay close attention to this issue. A strong collections program is one of the clearest indicators of operational discipline. It shows whether a management company has the systems, accountability, and financial leadership necessary to safeguard association revenue. At Eclipse, we believe collections should be proactive, transparent, and process-driven. With the right policies, the right automation, and the right oversight, associations put themselves in a much stronger position to maintain the financial stability their communities deserve.
If your board is looking for a management partner that understands the importance of timely collections, disciplined escalation, and financial accountability, Eclipse is ready to help. Reach out to us today!
