I also left this on Google because I'm questioning if this Yelp is connected to the proper group based in Fort Mill, SC.
As a former HOA board member who participated in hiring Kuester Management Group, I can honestly say that decision is one I regret.
I resigned from the board years ago, but as a homeowner in the community, I still have to interact with Kuester from time to time. Unfortunately, my experience has remained consistently disappointing.
My biggest concern is that the company appears to be severely overextended. During my time on the board, we cycled through multiple community managers, and that turnover has continued. Nearly every time I reach out, I receive a response from someone new. The lack of consistency makes it nearly impossible to build a working relationship with the people responsible for helping manage what is often a homeowner's largest investment: their home.
Over the years, I have experienced delayed responses, no responses at all, technical issues with their homeowner app, and interactions that felt unnecessarily dismissive. Homeowners pay significant HOA dues and should expect timely communication and reliable service.
What concerns me most, however, is the apparent lack of guidance provided to HOA boards. While management companies must ultimately follow board direction, they should also serve as professional advisors and provide informed recommendations. In my experience, that guidance has been lacking.
A prime example involved our community's crepe myrtles. The board approved an aggressive pruning project that resulted in widespread "crepe murder" throughout the neighborhood. Mature, healthy trees were cut down dramatically, leaving behind unsightly trunks and years of recovery ahead. The project reportedly cost approximately $35,000 and significantly diminished the appearance of the community. A management company should be willing to provide expert input or encourage consultation with qualified professionals before expensive decisions like this are made.
Communication with residents has also been poor. Important information regarding community issues and safety concerns has not always been shared in a timely manner. In one instance, I learned about a serious incident in the neighborhood only after conducting my own research.
Maintenance issues have been another ongoing frustration. There have been unresolved water leaks near my home for extended periods, including one that has persisted for years. Rather than focusing on resolving problems quickly, there often seems to be more emphasis placed on determining responsibility. Meanwhile, homeowners continue living with deteriorating conditions and unfinished repairs.
I understand that HOA management is a difficult job, and I appreciate the efforts of individual employees who have tried to help over the years. However, based on my experience as both a board member and homeowner, I cannot recommend Kuester Management Group. read more