With 77 million Americans living in HOAs and traditional gate systems failing communities nationwide, we spoke with Nicola Kiser, Sales Representative at Gatewise, about why smart access control solutions are revolutionizing community management.
Q: Nicola, HOA boards are drowning in gate problems. What's really driving this crisis?
Nicola Kiser: The numbers tell the story. Traditional gate access control is hemorrhaging money from HOA budgets. We're seeing $107 per key fob replacement when you factor in hardware, programming, and staff time. Garage door opener repair runs $200-$600 per incident.
But here's what boards don't see coming—the five-year total. Traditional systems cost $164,000-$177,000, while smart systems like Gatewise run $47,000-$57,000. We're talking six-figure savings that directly improve your net operating income.
Q: For boards unfamiliar with NOI, can you explain what is NOI and why it matters for HOAs?
NK: Great question. NOI meaning in the HOA context is your community's financial health metric—revenue minus operating expenses. Every dollar wasted on outdated gate access systems reduces your NOI. When you're saving $100,000+ over five years with Gatewise, that's money available for real improvements residents actually care about.
Parks Associates found properties save $80,000 annually per building switching to smart mobile access control. That transforms your NOI from negative to positive growth.
Q:Modern HOA smart access control brings a lot to the table. What specifically does Gatewise offer?
NK: For buildings and amenities, we offer mobile credentials that eliminate lost keys. Our virtual callbox system lets residents manage visitors remotely—they can see who's at the gate from anywhere.
Everything's backed by cloud-based controls with real-time monitoring. No more manually cranking gates during storms.
Q: How does Gatewise address the unique challenges of HOA security versus standard apartment security system needs?
NK: Great distinction. While condo vs apartment security shares similarities, HOAs have volunteer boards managing multiple access points—main gates, pedestrian entries, amenities. 60% of board members have no governance experience, so we can't give them enterprise-complexity systems.
Gatewise provides smart access control systems power with volunteer-friendly simplicity. Board members manage everything through one dashboard. We've documented 40% decreases in management time and 65% reductions in access-related service requests.
Q: The article emphasizes mapping entry points and assessing vulnerabilities. Walk us through Gatewise's implementation process.
NK: We start by mapping every access point—main gates, pedestrian walkways, service entrances. Then we identify vulnerabilities like tailgating risks or unauthorized entries. 33% more burglaries happen in non-gated communities, but only proper access management delivers this protection.
Next, we configure role-based permissions. Residents get 24/7 access, vendors get temporary access to specific gates and doors that expire.
Q: Many boards worry about senior residents adopting technology. Is this really a barrier?
NK: This myth needs to die. 79% of adults 65+ own smartphones, and 91% of adults 50+ have them. Yes, 48% need setup help, which is why Gatewise offers multiple options—apps, fobs, PIN codes.
Q: How does Gatewise handle modern delivery challenges?
NK: Delivery access is huge. 58 million Americans experienced package theft in 2024, costing $12-15.7 billion. Communities without proper gate access see theft rates 41% above average.
Gatewise lets residents allow one-time access to delivery drivers. No more gate codes on Reddit. Your residents get their packages, drivers avoid hassles, and your gate doesn't become a congregation point.
Q: What about the long-term benefits the article mentions?
NK: Beyond immediate savings, Gatewise delivers compounding value. Properties with smart access command rent premiums up to $33.52 per unit. 67% of residents prefer smartphone credentials. When 75% of renters expect controlled access, communities without it struggle to compete.
Insurance companies offer up to 15% discounts for monitored security, with gated communities earning additional 10% reductions. Over five years, these benefits transform your community's financial position.
Q: How does Gatewise integrate with existing infrastructure?
NK: We overlay existing gates—no infrastructure replacement needed. Your functioning motors stay, we make them smart. Implementation takes under two weeks with zero downtime. Board members and management can manage everything through simple web dashboards, not complex software requiring IT expertise.
Q: What's your final message to boards still debating this transition?
NK: Look at what traditional systems really cost—not just contracts, but emergency repairs, lost fobs, staff time, resident complaints. With 370,000 HOAs nationwide and 82% of new homes in managed communities, you're competing for residents who expect modern amenities.
Gatewise isn't about technology for technology's sake. It's about solving problems that dominate your board meetings—security, costs, resident satisfaction. We deliver access control systems capability with simplicity volunteer boards can actually manage.
Book a demo to see how HOAs nationwide are transforming their communities with smart access control designed specifically for homeowner associations.
Gatewise offers a simple and modern gate entry system that provides residents with a mobile app and managers with a cloud-based management portal.
