Property Management Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - What Does HOA Mean? What is an HOA board?
Have questions about property management? Want to learn more about how an HOA Board is run? Or simply need some help distinguishing property types? Our Property Management Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page provides a wealth of information for homeowners, HOA Board Members, developers, and vendors. As the largest property management company in North America, FirstService Residential has vast experience developing best practices and has gathered extensive industry expertise. Benefit from our knowledge and experience by using the links below. If you want downloadable, in-depth guides, shareable infographics or success stories about other communities we've partnered with, visit our resource library. For articles on a range of property management topics, check our knowledge base.
Questions about Community Associations, HOAs, and Condo Associations
What is a homeowners association (HOA)?
What is an HOA Board?
How do I become a member of my community’s HOA?
What are HOA fees and what do HOA Fees Cover?
Why are there HOA Rules or HOA Bylaws?
How do I know my HOA’s rules?
What are CC&Rs?
Questions about Condominiums, High-Rise, and Co-ops
What is a Condominium?
What's the difference between a Condo and an Apartment?
What is a High-Rise Condominium?
What are typical High-Rise amenities?
Where are High-Rise Condominiums typically located?
What does the term Co-op mean?
What is the difference between a Condominium and a Co-op?
Questions about Managing Your Community’s Finances
What is a balance sheet? What kind of information is on one?
What are assets versus liabilities?
What is a statement of revenues and expenses?
What is a fixed asset?
What is a reserve study?
Why is a reserve study important for my community?
How can we create a good budget for our association?
What should we consider when planning a budget?
Questions about Community Developers
Why do developers work with property management companies?
What happens when a property transitions from developer control?
When should developers partner with property management companies?
Questions about HOA Board Member Roles and Responsibilities
What are the main HOA Board officer positions?
What does an HOA Board President do?
What does an HOA Board Vice-President do?
What does a Board Treasurer do?
What does a Board Secretary do?
How are Board members elected?
Questions about Property Management Careers
What does a Property Manager do?
What type of licensing and training does a Property Manager need?
What does a Lifestyle Director do?
What does a Building Engineer do?
What’s the difference between a Portfolio Manager and a Sited Manager?
Questions about Insuring Your Community
What are the most commonly misunderstood things about insurance coverage?
What should we know about insurance policies as they relate to natural disaster coverage?
What special requirements may be found in insurance coverage for disasters?
Are there requirements my association must always meet to be eligible for coverage?
What can my association do to save on our policy premiums?
What is HO-6 coverage and why is it important for our condo owners to have it?
Questions on Community Association Meetings
What is an annual meeting?
What is a board meeting?
What is a special meeting?
What is an executive (closed) meeting?
What is an emergency meeting?
Get the Latest News and Resources
Receive valuable insights and informative resources for your community! Sign up below.