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How To Create A Helpful Community Welcome Packet

Creating the standard for your community welcome packet can ensure that owners have access to all vital information as well as a pleasant first experience.
Mary Arnold, CMCA®, AMS® | Mar 28, 2024 | 3 min read
How To Create A Helpful Community Welcome Packet

When new homeowners join your HOA or condo association, you want to make sure that they have a pleasant experience upon arrival. As a board member in your community, you want to be confident that you foster a relationship of friendliness and trust from your very first interactions. There are a few things that you can do to make anyone moving into your community feel more welcome, but remember, buying a new home can be stressful, so you don't want to overwhelm them. A welcome packet can be a helpful tool that you can use to introduce yourself to the new owner and make them aware of the regulations in your community in a non-confrontational and beneficial way.

Welcome Packet Checklist

What Items Should Be Included In This Packet?

You want new homeowners in your association to feel right at home when they move in and feel like they're an important part of your community. This means knowing who to contact if they have questions or need help and being reminded of any rules and regulations that they need to adhere to. Here are a few things that you should always include in your welcome packet.

    • A welcome letter  

A welcome letter is a great opportunity to embrace a new homeowner in your community and congratulating them on their purchase of a new home! This is the perfect place for you to introduce your community association's board members and inform the reader what will be included in the packet. Most importantly, let them know that they're welcome and that you're there to answer any questions they have.
  • Contact information 

    Including contact information can let the new homeowner know who to get in touch with if they encounter any problems or need any further information. Include contact information for board members, along with their titles, and make sure to add info on who to contact in the case of an emergency.
  • Governing documents 

    governing documents for your community association are a helpful resource for any homeowner in your association to have. This can include information on how much dues are, when they need to be paid, and how to pay them. Also include information about if homeowners can install pools, fences, sheds, etc. and what guidelines they have to follow, and any important information they need to know about parking and trash or recycling pickup.
  • Other important information

    any other information you want to include may depend on your association, but it can be useful to have a list of local resources like restaurants, shops, government buildings, etc. and their contact information. If you have amenities or a common area that is protected by an access code, include that too! And it never hurts to give new homeowners a small welcome gift like a fruit basket, flowers, or a gift card for a local shop, restaurant, or home improvement store. 
    Download Welcome Packet Checklist

When Should A Welcome Packet Be Delivered?

It's important to remember that moving is a really busy time for new homeowners. Give them a day or two to unpack and rest before giving them the welcome packet. It can be even more beneficial for you to deliver it in person so you can form a relationship from the very beginning. You can find out some helpful information from the homeowner too, without attempting to pry too much into their personal life. Send a friendly member of your board to reach out with the welcome packet and have them start a conversation.

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