Using Smart Phones to Communicate with Your Homeowners’ Association

As hard as it may be to recall – or for younger folks, to believe – the desktop computer was once considered the absolute cutting edge of communications technology. With your tower and your monstrous CRT monitor, you could send instant messages and electronic mail around the world at the touch of a button.

Desktop computers, of course, gave way to laptops, which paved the way for the tablets and smart phones most of us use and take for granted today. With ubiquitous connectivity right there in our pockets, the fundamental nature of how we communicate has changed forever.

But in the world of homeowners’ associations, things have not evolved much beyond the printing press. Information on paper is still the rule, and most associations have not yet converted to electronic forms of communication that will naturally include smart phones. Why is that?

A lot of it has to do with associations being formed and creating their communications by-laws before this technology even existed. Some of it no doubt is rooted in the sense of “Well that’s how we’ve always done it.” And among the older generations, there’s likely some techno-fear involved.

But whether or not homeowners’ associations currently embrace the notion of smart phone communication, in the future it won’t be optional. As younger people who were raised on this technology take positions on HOA boards, they’re going to look at printed materials the way Henry Ford came to look at horse-drawn wagons. They’re going to want to send meeting notices, minutes, updates, emergency notifications, and yes, even eviction notices electronically.

Since this change is inevitable, it makes sense to get ahead of the curve and embrace the use of smart phone technology now rather than when it’s foisted upon you. But look at the positives: electronic communications tend to be quicker, easier, and greener than traditional printed communications, and leave an electronic trail to follow back if need be. And most importantly, you won’t be left behind.

Free Ebook Download: Reducing Risk in Your Communities

About Pilera

Pilera is a best-of-class, easy-to-use, comprehensive online property management solution for apartments, condos, and associations. Pilera provides the easiest, most comprehensive data management capability available to property managers, leasing agents, boards of directors, and back-office personnel. Quickly and easily access whatever you need, whenever you need it, from wherever you need to be with office or mobile phone connectivity. You are never out of touch. Act on the document/information accessed from the office or “on-the-road” with Pilera-supported mobile capability. Contact us today!