What’s the difference between software for managers vs self-managed boards?

Many software companies marketed to HOAs weren’t actually built for HOAs. They were built for another purpose, but then adopted by HOAs as a make-do solution. Large, legacy software platforms assume you have a paid staff who have the time to master their clunky features. There’s a disconnect between a volunteer board’s reality and what solutions are available.

CINC Systems
Built for portfolio management companies
Deep accounting tools, but not user-friendly for volunteers
Known for complexity and reliance on formal training

TOPS [ONE] (by Enumerate)
Longstanding name in HOA software
Powerful backend but often clunky and outdated interface
More geared toward management firms than self-managed HOAs

Vantaca
Designed for large-scale association managers
Workflow-heavy system that requires formal roles and permissions
Not ideal for small or midsize, self-run communities

AppFolio (Property Manager)
Primarily a rental property and portfolio management platform
Offers HOA tools but as a secondary function
Often feels too complex or off-target for board-led communities

Buildium
Also originally created for property managers
Used by HOAs but not purpose-built for them
Limited flexibility for HOA-specific workflows like ARC or reserve tracking

Yardi
Enterprise-level solution for large real estate and association portfolios
Expensive, complex, and overkill for most self-managed HOAs
Not designed for community-first workflows

These platforms are considered “legacy” not because they’re obsolete, but because they were built for a different era (or a different user: management companies). Their interfaces, workflows, and assumptions don’t reflect how modern, self-managed communities operate.

They often feel like using an enterprise system to manage a neighborhood BBQ.

Solume wasn’t built for management companies and then repackaged for HOAs. We started with self-managed communities from day one—specifically with board members who are volunteers, not software pros. Every feature was designed around what boards actually need: tracking dues, violations, ARC requests, reserve planning—without all the bloated extras that just get in the way.

And most importantly, it’s dead simple to use. Even the least tech-savvy person on your board can log in and actually use it.
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