Kim Brown • • 6 min. read
4 ways community association management companies can win new business
Kim Brown • • 6 min. read
9 software for self-managed HOA communities
If you belong to a self-managed HOA board, you already know what it means to wear a lot of hats. You never thought you could be a bookkeeper, project manager, mediator and consultant all in one day.
But without a full-time management company in the mix, everything from sharing updates about projects to following up on violations is the board’s responsibility. It’s rewarding work, but many find it exhausting.
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If you’ve been wondering whether there is a better way to manage an HOA, we’re happy to tell you that there is.
Current HOA software is making it more than possible for self-managed communities to maintain professional operations without burning out.
Automation, AI and unified operations allow boards to enjoy the same tools and efficiencies that professional managers have enjoyed for years.
Below is a list of 9 HOA management systems designed with mighty boards in mind. They simplify financials, make it easier to stay compliant, and keep everyone informed without having to rely on spreadsheets or messy email chains.
9 top software options for self-managed HOA communities
1. HOA Central
HOA Central is the perfect solution for self-managed communities of all sizes. It resolves routine resident questions before they reach the board, standardizes operations, and keeps records audit-ready so that volunteers know exactly where to find statements and invoices.
Online dues and assessments with general ledger mapping, and integrations with QuickBooks, Stripe and Yardi, ensure airtight financials and better cash flow.
Top features
- End-to-end workflows
- Built-in AI assistant to address common owner inquiries
- Streamlined violation tracking
- E-voting
- Vendor management
What sets it apart
HOA Central is truly an all-in-one operating system that prioritizes automation and compliance workflows for HOAs that don’t have time to complete repetitive manual work.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
HOA Central eliminates information silos and puts day-to-day board tasks in one place. Plus, in addition to the AI assistance, boards can always reach out to a real human if they require support.
2. PayHOA
PayHOA makes life easier for HOAs by replacing scattered tools with a single portal. With full HOA accounting, your team can confidently keep track of transactions and produce more accurate forecasts.
Top features
- Robust accounting
- Invoicing
- Bank integrations
- Mass communication
- Owner portal
What sets it apart
With a clear focus on simplicity over bloat, HOA boards become more productive as soon as they start using PayHOA.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
The strong core financials and easy-to-use platform mean boards don’t need additional financial tools or rigorous training.
3. HOA Sites
More than just a website, HOA Sites offers self-managed communities practical management solutions that are built into custom websites.
Expect better communication, increased productivity and enhanced community engagement, all at a reasonable price.
Top features
- Hands-on website builder with project-managed onboarding
- Accounting
- Document sharing and storage
- Event registration
- Maintenance request management
What sets it apart
The HOA-specific site structure, rather than a generic website template, ensures HOA boards can successfully leverage all of the benefits offered by the software.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
Self-managed HOAs get an exceptional product for an unbeatable price. There is no shortage of features to choose from, and HOA Sites’ customer support is outstanding.
4. FRONTSTEPS
FRONTSTEPS is a trusted software platform designed to help every who lives or works in an HOA.
From accounting to security, payments and communication, FRONTSTEPS simplifies every aspect of community management.
Top features
- Mobile-first platform
- Back-office accounting
- Payments automation
- Centralized communication
- Visitor management
What sets it apart
A focus on long-term success. Through innovative and advantageous programs and solutions, FRONTSTEPS can mature with your HOA.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
The extensive ecosystem and training content ensure self-managed communities have everything they need to address pain points and improve productivity.
5. HOA Express
Delightfully easy, yet capable of doing some heavy lifting, HOA Express is recognized as a leading website builder.
Customers consistently point out how easy it is to use HOA Express, and the breadth of features is ideal for small communities.
Top features
- HOA website
- Communication tools
- Resident profiles
- Online payments
- Document storage
What sets it apart
HOA Express is a purpose-built HOA website builder trusted by thousands. Setup is quick and pricing is low.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
HOA Express is an easy transition. Boards that were doing everything manually won’t have any trouble navigating this website platform.
6. Smartwebs
With streamlined efficiency, intuitive interfaces, and integrations, managing your community is far less daunting with Smartwebs.
This software offers all of the basics, and has some more sophisticated extras, too. It is versatile and can accommodate the needs of small and mid-sized associations.
Top features
- All-in-one accounting
- Violations
- Work orders
- Resident portal
- Vendor management
- Prescriptive AI
What sets it apart
Emphasis on speeding up traditionally slow workflows for compliance and maintenance.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
Smartwebs consolidates operational tasks that typically occupy the board’s time. Basic and advanced solutions give self-managed communities some choice.
7. EasyHOA
EasyHOA strives to help self-managed associations work smarter, not harder. Pricing is straightforward and inclusive, without extra fees for upgrades or support.
Top features
- Board-friendly accounting
- Automatic billing
- Website
- Built-in phone system
- Document management
What sets it apart
EasyHOA was built specifically with self-managed communities in mind. When you sign up with this company, expect simple solutions, clear pricing and outstanding customer support.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
This software combines communication and billing basics in a single, budget-friendly package.
8. HOALife
HOALife is a modern platform for HOA operations. It’s just the right fit for self-managed communities – powerful enough to make meaningful changes, but simple enough for people who aren’t familiar with complex management software.
Top features
- Violations
- Inspection workflows
- Communications
- Payments
- Online voting
What sets it apart
Thoughtful details such as GPS-enabled mobile inspections, automated notices, and AI rule extraction.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
HOALife was built for HOAs from day one, not retrofitted from accounting tools or generic resident portals.
9. HOA Start
Upfront pricing, free trials and in-depth support. HOA Start offers self-managed HOAs the website software and service they need to achieve long-term success.
HOA Start prides itself on delivering real solutions for homeowners.
Top features
- Website builder
- Mobile app
- Violation management
- Integrations
- Boardroom operations
What sets it apart
Tiered packages and strong website/engagement tools. If you don’t have the time to set up a website, HOA Start’s White-Glove Concierge will help plan your layout and set it up for you.
Why it works for self-managed HOAs
HOA Start offers a good mix of community-facing features, with optional concierge services if the board needs some extra help.
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