Articles
Read all about it! Here are some recent examples of how FirstService Residential has been making news.
Formalize These Four Policies in Your High-Rise Association Right Now
Living in a high-rise is unlike any other experience. The amenities, concierge-level services and proximity to cultural and entertainment options can be particularly appealing. Vertical communities can face challenges related to the close quarters of residents. Here are some policies to consider to create a more harmonious environment for all.
Tips for Eco-Friendly High-Rise Living
Eco friendly high-rise initiatives are not only good for the environment, but can be green for your association budget. How does close to $50,000 in annual savings sound? Here are suggestions you can implement for little to no cost.
Making Your HOA Community More Pet Friendly
Amenities play a large role in differentiating your community, enhancing its brand, and drawing in potential buyers. Pet amenities have risen in popularity and range from simple touches such as having dog-friendly treats like biscuits and bowls of water available in the main office, to providing on-site pet services such as grooming. Here are five suggestions for making your community more pet friendly.
The Four Fundamentals of Effective Community Landscaping
Landscaping makes an immediate statement about the brand of your community. The right landscaping can set your community apart from others and enhance property values. Here our four landscaping considerations.
Avoiding the Four Most Common Mistakes HOA Board Members Make
As a board member you invest your time, talent and passion to make decisions for the betterment of your community. While we all strive for perfection in our roles, mistakes are bound to happen. A good community association management company works closely with thousands of board members and has seen it all. Here are four common mistakes and suggestions on avoiding them.
Seven Tips for Creating Your HOA Budget
Creating your HOA budget involves many considerations. It’s not simply a month-to-month accounting for expenses. Ideally, it’s a both a short-term and long-term blueprint for sustained financial health. Here are some tips to consider.
Nine Tips for Managing Short-term Rentals in Your Community
The holiday travel season is right around the corner. Will the Airbnb®, VRBO® and HomeAway® short-term rental trend affect your HOA? Read our nine tips for managing short-term rentals and be prepared.
What It Takes to Make a Great Community
Good community living looks easy. People are smiling. Residents are enjoying amenities. And the neighborhood or building looks amazing. But behind all this, there’s a lot of hard work. Who is responsible for creating the kind of place people love to call home? How does it all come together? Let’s take a look at the essential elements that need to come together to create a great community.
Six Ways to Make Community Budgeting Easier
The budget serves as the focal point for all of the board’s initiatives. It is more than a series of numbers; it’s the framework for accomplishing your community’s objectives. The process of creating and managing the budget can feel complex and often leads to many questions. That’s where an experienced community management company with extensive resources can help. To get started, here are six budget basics your association can follow.
Four Financial Questions to Ask Your Community Management Company
Financial stewardship ranks near the top of the list of responsibilities for HOA board members. This requires proper allocation of association funds to ensure they are protected and FDIC insured, while earning the best possible rates. Adequate insurance coverage also factors into the equation. It’s a challenging balancing act, but asking the right questions can help.
How Will The California Minimum Wage Increase Impact Your HOA?
Is your HOA prepared for the possible impact of the new minimum wage increase legislation taking effect in 2017? Proper planning and budgeting can ensure your association is positioned for success. Here are some details on the new law, timing, and things to consider.
Understanding the Importance of Community Management Certifications
Acronyms like CMCA, LSM, PCAM and others are used to designate certifications for community management professionals who have achieved a level of education or expertise. What do these certifications mean? How does this benefit your association?
Reining in Pokémon Go in Your Community
Pokémon Go has taken off like few apps in recent memory. It offers plenty of benefits including opportunities to socialize and learn about local history. As is the case with most things, there can be challenges when dealing with such a sweeping phenomenon. Here are some considerations for your HOA.
Creating a Fair Living Space for Residents with Disabilities
Are you familiar with the term “fair living space”? If you’re not, you should be – it can have a profound effect on your community, your association and your residents. Here are some things to consider.
Plaster or Paint: Choosing the Best Way to Resurface Your Community Pool
Your pool is a source of fun for all of your community’s residents. Yet when it comes time to resurface it, it can quickly feel like your wading in deep water. Read our tips from experts on the pros and cons of plaster and paint.
HOA Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Summertime is swim time, and for the most part, it’s a full immersion into carefree fun. But without the right swimming pool safety practices, your residents could be at risk. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
More California Homebuyers Look for Community Amenities and Lifestyle Programs
Homebuyers are motivated to buy a new home and move to a new community for a wide variety of reasons – perhaps a desire to downsize, upsize, relocate closer to family and friends, or enhance their quality of life. But while those factors will always be important, there are two additional considerations many people find compelling – community amenities and programs for lifestyle communities. Read on for more details.
10 Steps to Create a Memorable HOA Event
You’re planning an event for your homeowner (HOA) or community association. Congratulations! After the initial excitement comes the realization it’s time to start planning the event. These simple steps will help you achieve success, bring the community together and differentiate your community.
Are You Handling Maintenance as Well as You Could Be?
Maintenance can account for an average of 25% or more of your overall HOA expenditures. This includes landscaping, common area, and building components upkeep that you pay for on a regular basis as well as those surprise projects that sneak up on you. Most boards approach maintenance programs in one of three ways. Take a look at the different types below and see which one applies to you.
How Well Does Your Community Management Company Communicate?
How well does your community management company communicate? The answer to this question is at the heart of client satisfaction. A good community management company will engage you using a variety of tools and communication channels. Here are some ways your property management company should be connecting with you.