Portico Master HOA Website Review: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How a Minisite Can Make It Better

Ben Keller • April 2, 2025

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If you’ve ever tried to navigate your neighborhood’s HOA website and found yourself squinting through cluttered menus or searching for documents that should be front and center, you’re not alone.

Most HOA websites feel like they were built in 2005—and never touched again. That’s exactly why we built this sample HOA site for a local community using the Minisite platform.

In this post, we’re going to:

  • Break down what makes a great HOA website (with a real example)
  • Explain why our sample works
  • Share how you can extend the value even further
  • Show you how ForgeMini makes HOA websites a breeze

🔗 View the sample HOA site here.


First Impressions Matter: A Simple, Clear Homepage

The first thing you’ll notice on our sample HOA site is the clean, uncluttered header. It states the name and location of the community—nothing more, nothing less. That’s intentional.

🏡 Why it works: Homeowners and potential buyers want to confirm they’re in the right place. A clear title eliminates confusion and builds trust.

Only the Essentials in Navigation

This site features just a handful of menu items:

  • Home
  • Documents
  • Events
  • Contact

🧭 Why it works: HOAs don’t need fancy dropdowns or marketing fluff. The core function of an HOA site is communication and transparency, and this menu keeps things simple for every visitor.

Instant Access to Key Documents

Click “Documents” and you’ll find:

  • CC&Rs
  • Meeting minutes
  • Bylaws
  • Downloadable forms

📂 Why it works: Residents frequently need this information, and making it downloadable directly from the site saves the board time and emails.

Mobile-Friendly Layout, Built for Real Life

More than half of your visitors are probably browsing from a phone. Our layout uses a single column, large fonts, and smart spacing.

📱 Why it works: A mobile-friendly HOA site isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. If your documents are impossible to read on a phone, residents won’t use the site at all.

Private Communication Without Publishing Emails

Instead of listing personal contact emails, the footer includes a built-in contact form.

✉️ Why it works: It gives residents a way to get in touch without compromising privacy or inviting spam. It also keeps all messages organized and easy to forward to the right board member.

How Minisites Add Real-World Value

This sample wasn’t just thrown together—it follows the exact framework we use at Forge Graphic Design to create Minisites that are:

  • Fast to launch
  • Easy to update
  • Designed for real users
  • Affordable for even the smallest communities

💡 Unlike traditional web agencies that charge thousands for HOA sites with bloated features, we strip everything down to what actually serves your residents.

Ready to Go Further? Add These Enhancements for Maximum Value

Here’s how you can turn a solid HOA site into a great one:

1. Event Calendar Widget

🗓️ Keep residents informed about board meetings or community events.
Tools
: Elfsight, CommonNinja

2. Password-Protected Resident Area

🔒 Safely share sensitive documents like financials or legal notices.

3. Board Member Bios or Photos

👤 Help residents know who’s behind the scenes with a quick profile section.

4. Announcement Bar for Urgent Updates

📢 Highlight key alerts like water shutoffs, holiday trash pickup changes, or meeting reminders.

5. Google Map Embed

📍 Help new buyers and visitors visualize the location of the neighborhood instantly.

6. Expanded Forms for Requests or Complaints

📝 Streamline landscaping requests, facility reservations, or community feedback.

7. Newsletter Sign-Up

📬 Collect emails and send monthly updates automatically through a tool like Mailchimp.

Final Thoughts: Your HOA Deserves Better Than a Boring, Broken Website

Our sample HOA site was designed with one thing in mind: clarity and ease of use. From document access to simple contact, everything works the way it should—and that’s exactly what Minisites deliver.

If you’re part of an HOA board or manage one, we’d love to show you what a makeover could look like for your neighborhood.


Check Out The Starting Point Templates Message Ben
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About The Author

Ben Keller

Owner / Your "Web Guy"

Ben is the founder of Forge Graphic Design, a multimedia designer, and a passionate advocate for small business success. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience and a specialty in web presence design, he helps tradespeople and service pros turn their online presence into a powerful business tool. When he's not building Minisites or crafting killer hat designs through Outsiders Supply, he's spending time with his wife and young kids in Southwest Florida.

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