HOA Vendor and Amenity Market Research Report

What a good one includes

• A clearly defined peer group of three to five local HOAs of similar age, size, and style to ensure comparisons are highly relevant.
• Detailed cost breakdowns of major recurring contracts like landscaping, trash removal, security, and property management fees.
• An assessment of neighborhood amenities, comparing what your community offers—like pools, pickleball courts, or clubhouses—against regional standards.
• A comparison of monthly or annual homeowner dues, reserve fund allocation percentages, and history of special assessments among peer communities.
• An analysis of vendor performance metrics, such as response times and maintenance frequencies, to prove that lower costs do not mean inferior service.
• A list of data-backed recommendations and talking points your board can use during upcoming vendor contract renewals.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Comparing your association to master-planned communities with triple the budget or completely different amenity profiles.
• Looking only at the bottom-line price of a vendor bid without factoring in the specific scope of work, frequency of service, or insurance coverages.
• Relying on outdated market data or national averages instead of localized, current-year quotes from vendors active in your immediate zip code.
• Presenting raw, unorganized data to the board without summarizing the key takeaways or translating the numbers into actionable budget recommendations.

Frequently asked questions