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Debuking the 8 biggest myths about partnering with a property management company
Debunking the Eight Biggest Myths About Partnering with a Property Management Company
May 27, 2014
Here’s one of the great ironies of the property management industry: though it’s incredibly big, it’s still a big mystery to most people. Let’s let the numbers do the talking. In the United States, 24% of homes are part of associations, with a total value of $4.65 trillion and $65 billion collected in assessments. In Canada, the industry generates about $6 billion in annual revenue with a healthy annual growth rate of 3.4%.
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Six Easy Steps To Build Your Community Budget
Six Easy Steps To Build Your Community Budget
May 22, 2014
The budget is the launchpad 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. That’s what makes it so important.
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Lightbulb with green grass and pile of dirt with plant growing out of it
Incentives Aim to Green Up New York, Reduce Operating Costs for Building Owners
May 21, 2014
A recent study found that 75% of greenhouse gasses in New York City are generated by buildings, primarily multifamily residential buildings. As part of a city-wide effort to incentivize buildings to develop programs to curb emissions, FirstService Residential held its Third Annual Green Expo & Symposium on May 15 in New York. The event featured a panel of industry experts, including FirstService Residential President Dan Wurtzel, who described the benefits of participating in city programs, as well as the opportunities to save money, help the environment and enhance property values.
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Older, stylish couple looking down at something and talking
Property Management & Community Association Board Members: Six Ways Together is Better
May 16, 2014
Homeowner and condo association board members know that their collective actions yield lots of great results. Just take a look at the minutes from your last couple of meetings and you’ll see all the evidence you need.
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Committee having a meeting around a table, smiling and laughing
Success By Committee: Five Ways to Make it Happen
May 14, 2014
All homeowner and community associations are different from one another, as they are comprised of a collaborative group of board members. Just as associations differ so do the special committees that fall under the association. You can have as many different types of experiences with committees as there are kinds of committees themselves.
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Palms trees blowing in hurricane winds
How Your Property Management Company is Your Best Friend During Hurricane Season
May 09, 2014
As a board member of a condominium or homeowners association near the coast, hurricanes are of special concern. But did you know that the best property management company can help you prepare for the season – and even minimize its impact on your community? That makes your property manager more than just a fair weather friend.
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Aerial view of expensive homes on a lake
Tips for Community Management: Selecting a Landscaping Partner for Your Property
May 02, 2014
The best property management companies agree that meticulously groomed landscaping is vital to enhance your property’s curb appeal. Industry research shows that investing in green spaces is among the top five property improvements that increase ROI return on investment for homeowners, communities and homeowner associations. It is clear that selecting the proper landscaping company is of the utmost importance, but how do you determine which company is right for your community?
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Little girl kissing puppy goodbye
Consider a Vacation Away From Your Pets
Apr 24, 2014
Vacation season has arrived, and with it, the need to pack, plan and in many cases, make arrangements for our four-legged family members. Many hotels and other accommodations are not pet-friendly, so pet owners must decide where, and with whom, to leave Muffy or Max when heading out of town. From kennels to in-home pet sitters, there are various options to fit your lifestyle and budget.
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Property manager smiling and writing on a clipboard
Four Ways the Best Service from Your Property Management Team Starts Before You Even Ask
Apr 23, 2014
For many communities, responsive service from a property management company is the best they can hope for when it comes to issue resolution. But what if you required more from your property management team? What if you held them to a higher standard, demanding that they address challenges early enough so that they never become full-blown issues at all?
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Aerial view of neighborhood
The Surprising Way to Stretch Your Association's Dollars
Apr 18, 2014
If you’re on the board of a condo, co-op, high-rise or HOA, you know that managing your community’s budget is a major priority. You’ve likely explored many ways to save money and get the best deals, while still maintaining a high level of service.
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HOA board member smiling with eyes cast downward
How to Have More Productive Board Meetings: Helping Your HOA Board Members Work Together
Apr 09, 2014
As anyone on a condo, co-op or homeowner association (HOA) board knows too well, board meetings can be extremely delicate situations. Board members don't always agree with each other, discussion about a single, minor issue can eat up entire meetings, and those who speak the loudest aren't always looking at the issues with the best perspective. Some days, it may feel nearly impossible to get anything done.
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Older couple sitting looking down at something
To Self-Manage or Not? How to Get the Best Property Management Service
Apr 04, 2014
How can I get the best service for my property? That’s a question community associations wrestle with regularly. Some self-managed community associations believe they can’t afford to hire a professional property management company to manage and maintain their community’s operations, assets, finances, common areas and other day-to-day activities.