Can you please explain what an HOA is in simple terms? I thought our management company was part of the HOA.

Sure, an HOA is a Homeowner's Association. In simple terms you can think of your HOA as if it were a city within your city that is governed by a Board of Directors and Officers and is assisted by various committees. When you purchase your home in a deed restricted community you become a member of the Association and you cannot opt out. In other words, membership is mandatory.

The HOA exists in order to preserve and maintain the community where your city will not. The management company that works with your HOA is not part of the HOA and its employees are not members of the HOA. Only homeowners are members of the HOA. The management company is a contracted service provider that is hired to manage the affairs of the HOA on behalf of the members of the HOA.