Does it seem like your homeowner's association is stuck in the dark ages? Having a community website provides instantaneous, thorough access to information. Prospective owners can learn about your community before purchasing. Existing owners can access information about the community budget, covenants, meeting minutes, and neighborhood phone book or even submit and/or receive personal data relevant to the neighborhood. It's an easy, empowering service for all.

HOA websites generally come in two flavors: homegrown and template based.

Homegrown Websites These are mostly informational in nature, typically developed using a software program such as Front Page or Dreamweaver. You will probably see a simple contact form but nothing too elaborate. These sites typically require a lot of work to update information and don't allow any member interaction.

Template-based Websites Also known as a "fill-in-the-blank" websites, these are much easier to maintain and require no special computer programs or experience to maintain. They allow you to create a professional looking website in just minutes. Just fill in the text in the predetermined fields, load your photos and documents and you're done.

In addition, they usually offer many features such as: Community amenities Maps and directions to your community Classifieds for posting homes for sale and other items Photo gallery for neighborhood and event photos Event calendar Discussion forums Member directory Customizable templates to give your site a unique appearance Contact form Document sharing Board member only areas Facility reservations for your clubhouse, tennis courts, etc. E-mail newsletters Surveys and polls Member only areas FAQ's area

There are several companies that specialize in these template-based websites. The majority offer the same features, with some offering additional features for little or no extra costs. Companies such as HOA Total Access, http://www.hoatotalaccess.com, offer plans as low as $25/month and NO set up costs for a community with 100 residents; others can have set up costs exceeding $200 and charge you extra for the features that you really need.

Benefits Maintaining a community website has many benefits. Community leaders can... Communicate information to residents quickly and efficiently Engage members through polls and surveys Eliminate costly printing of newsletters, covenants, and flyers Reduce supplies, labor, and postage costs Inform potential buyers and real estate agents Save money

Having a homeowner's association website has so many advantages, so what's keeping you from getting your own?