What Edmonton condo boards should be planning for five years from now

Some owners are reluctant to volunteer to be a condominium board member because they’ve never done it before. That’s why we developed these six essential tips for new board members to help them get up-to-speed quickly. If you consider these points as you get down to condo business, you will be successful in your new role ─ one in which you really can make a difference.

Everyone brings their own assumptions and methods of completing tasks to each group to which they belong. Condominium board members are no different. While the diversity of the group can be its greatest strength, it also can create difficulties between the individual members.
It is important to structure condo board meetings in a way that creates a professional and positive working relationship. Here are some tips to help boards achieve this.

Rules are essential in a multi-family community. They layout expectations for the residents and promote a spirit of co-operation amongst the group. When the board-set policies are violated, a defined set of steps should occur to encourage compliance.

It is important for a condo board to craft their policies thoughtfully, looking at the rules from all angles to determine the balance between the need, property values and homeowner freedom.

Here are eight steps to consider when developing policies for your condominium.

Short term vacation rentals are popular with both travelers and the homeowners that rent to them. Perhaps you have stayed in a home that was advertised on Airbnb or VRBO. Maybe you have rented your home this way. For the most part people love this alternative to staying in a hotel or a B & B.
 
But what are the implications when the home is part of a multi-family community? What about the common areas and amenities for which all the owners pay upkeep? There can be insurance implications as well. This article discusses some ways the risks to the condominium and its residents can be reduced.

Once your condominium board makes the decision to change to a new property management company, the transition process begins. A good management company will have proven processes in place to ensure the changeover proceeds as smoothly as possible.

It is important for condominium boards to consider ways to keep their corporations relevant in an ever changing world. Complacency can make your community less desirable to residents and prospective home owners. Consider these five tips to help your multi-family property continue to flourish.

A good budget provides the framework for the successful operation of a condominium corporation. Sometimes condo board members are daunted by this important undertaking. We have broken the task down into manageable steps to help you create a financial plan that will accomplish your goals.

You love your dog and want him to be accepted by your neighbours. However, he has a few bad habits that sometimes make him less-than-welcome in your multi-family community. Don’t despair, often the difference between a not-so-good dog and a good community citizen is as simple as training. Here are seven tips that will help you strengthen the relationship between you, your dog and the people around you.

Volunteerism is vital to the success of a condominium corporation. The board is made up of volunteer homeowners as are any committees that may be formed. Even though volunteering is important, it is often difficult to convince people to step up. Here are five tips to help encourage more residents to become involved.

Many condo residents love the lifestyle that comes with living in a high- or mid-rise condominium building. It could be the amenities, the views or the convenience that attracts them, but there’s no question that for some it’s the right choice. But how often do people think about fire safety? It’s important to plan for the event that we all hope will never happen to us – here are a few things to consider to be prepared for a fire emergency.