The Stewardly Blog
Practical guides for HOA board members who want to spend less time managing and more time improving their community.
The Best Software for Self-Managed HOAs in 2026
Most HOA software is built for property-management companies, not volunteer boards. Here is what actually matters when you self-manage — and how the leading options compare.
How to Build an HOA Annual Budget (Step-by-Step Template)
A clear annual budget is the backbone of a financially healthy HOA. Here is a step-by-step process — and a simple template structure — any volunteer board can follow.
7 Signs Your HOA Board Needs Software (Not a Management Company)
Drowning in board admin doesn’t automatically mean it’s time to hire a management company. Often it just means you’ve outgrown spreadsheets. Here are seven signs you need software instead.
How to Switch from Spreadsheets to HOA Software (Step-by-Step)
Spreadsheets are where most self-managed HOAs start — and where they eventually get stuck. Here’s a low-stress, step-by-step way to move your dues, ledger, and records onto real software.
The Hidden Costs of Free HOA Software
"Free" HOA software is rarely free. Between payment markups, missing features, and the volunteer hours you spend working around the gaps, the real cost can dwarf a flat monthly plan.
AI HOA Software: What “Does the Work for You” Really Means
"AI-powered" is on every software homepage now. For an HOA board, what does it actually do? Here are the concrete, time-saving things AI can handle today — and what to ignore.
Why Homeowners Stop Reading HOA Emails (and What to Do Instead)
Open rates on HOA newsletters average below 20%. The problem isn’t the content — it’s the format, the timing, and the channel. Here’s what works better.
How to Run an HOA Board Meeting That Doesn’t Take Three Hours
A structured agenda, clear roles, a consent agenda, and a no-sidebar rule can cut most HOA board meetings in half — and make sure decisions actually get done afterward.
Building an HOA Maintenance Calendar That Actually Gets Followed
Deferred maintenance is the most common reason HOA reserves run short. A simple recurring schedule — split into monthly, seasonal, and annual tasks — prevents most of it.
HOA Meeting Minutes: What to Record and What to Leave Out
HOA minutes are legal records. Too little detail creates liability; too much creates a different kind. Here’s what actually belongs in the record — and what doesn’t.
California HOA Laws: A Board’s Guide to the Davis-Stirling Act
A plain-language walkthrough of the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act for self-managed California boards — meetings, records, budgets, elections, and enforcement, without the legalese.
Florida HOA Laws: A Board’s Guide to Chapter 720
What self-managed Florida boards need to know about Chapter 720, Florida Statutes — meetings and notice, records access, budgets and reserves, elections, and fining, in plain language.
Texas HOA Laws: A Board’s Guide to Chapter 209
A plain-language guide to Chapter 209 of the Texas Property Code — the Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act — covering meetings, records, elections, fines, and enforcement for self-managed boards.
Arizona HOA Laws: A Board’s Guide to the Planned Communities Act
A plain-language guide to Arizona’s Planned Communities Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 16) — covering meetings, records, budgets, elections, and enforcement for self-managed boards.
Colorado HOA Laws: A Board’s Guide to CCIOA
A plain-language guide to the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (C.R.S. § 38-33.3) — covering meetings, records, budgets, elections, and enforcement for self-managed boards.
Nevada HOA Laws: A Board’s Guide to NRS Chapter 116
A plain-language guide to Nevada’s common-interest ownership law (NRS Chapter 116) — covering meetings, records, budgets, elections, fines, and enforcement for self-managed boards.
North Carolina HOA Laws: A Board’s Guide to Chapter 47F
A plain-language guide to North Carolina’s Planned Community Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 47F) — covering meetings, records, budgets, elections, fines, and enforcement for self-managed boards.
Washington HOA Laws: A Board’s Guide to WUCIOA
A plain-language guide to the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (RCW 64.90) — covering meetings, records, budgets, elections, fines, and enforcement for self-managed boards.
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