How Self-Managed HOAs Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Introduction
For many communities in Florida, the largest annual expense outside of insurance is the management contract. Full-service management companies often charge $10–$25 per unit per month, which adds up quickly for midsized or large associations.
But here’s the good news: self-managed associations can cut these costs significantly while improving service levels. Let’s break down how self-management saves money without sacrificing quality.
1. Savings on Management Fees
Management contracts typically include:
Per-door monthly fees
Additional “pass-through” charges (e.g., postage, vendor markup, resale packages)
Hourly fees for board meeting attendance or compliance support
Self-managed boards avoid these recurring per-door fees. Instead, they pay only for the actual tools and consulting they need.
📌 Typical Savings: Associations report cutting 15%–30% of their annual operating budget when moving away from full-service management, depending on the size of the community and the complexity of services.
2. No Hidden Markups
Some management companies mark up vendor invoices (maintenance, landscaping, repairs). Boards may never know the true cost of services.
By self-managing, boards hire vendors directly — ensuring transparency. The community pays exactly what the vendor charges, nothing more.
3. Control Over Administrative Costs
With third-party HOA software (like PayHOA, AppFolio, or CINC), boards can streamline:
Dues collection (online payments, auto-reminders)
Violation tracking
Maintenance requests
These platforms cost a fraction of management fees and provide professional-level tools accessible to self-managed boards.
4. Flexibility in Professional Support
Self-management doesn’t mean “no professional help.” Many boards use consultants or licensed CAMs on an hourly or retainer basis for:
Compliance questions
Document drafting
Meeting guidance
This “on-demand” approach keeps the board in control while reducing costs compared to a blanket management contract.
Conclusion
Savings are only one part of the equation — self-management works best when supported by expert insight. At JAM Consults, we set up the right systems, train your board, and provide ongoing CAM support so you never have to guess. Take control of your budget without losing professional oversight
👉 Interested in learning how much your community could save?