Modern community management in Illinois: Expert insights from Barbara Al-Saigh

FirstService Residential has been the trusted leader in Illinois property management for more than six decades, serving communities across Chicagoland and beyond. With a commitment to proactive leadership, local expertise, and a depth of resources, FirstService continues to set the standard for residential community management.

We sat down with Barbara Al-Saigh, Senior Vice President at FirstService Residential Illinois, to discuss what makes Illinois communities unique, the challenges they face, and how FirstService delivers solutions that simplify life for residents and board members alike.
 

2026 Illinois property management trends and insights: Q&A with Barbara Al-Saigh

What makes Illinois residential communities so diverse?

"Illinois is home to a wide range of community types like high-rises in downtown Chicago, sprawling master-planned developments in Romeoville, and single-family neighborhoods in suburbs like Schaumburg and Barrington. Each has distinct needs, from urban compliance regulations to lifestyle programming for 55 and better. Our ability to tailor solutions for these diverse communities is what sets us apart."

Barbara Al-Saigh, Senior Vice President at FirstService Residential Illinois
  

How does FirstService leverage local expertise in Chicagoland?

"Local expertise is critical. Our managers live and work in the same neighborhoods they serve, whether it’s Elmhurst, Oswego, or Tinley Park. This proximity allows us to build strong relationships and apply sound judgment when addressing community-specific challenges."

Learn more about our trusted property management and learn how local expertise plays a role here.
 

What role does scale play in delivering better service?

"Scale gives us access to top talent, advanced technology, and vendor partnerships that smaller firms simply can’t match. For example, our exclusive banking programs and insurance solutions help communities reduce risk and maximize financial resources"

How do you help boards with capital planning and compliance?

"We provide detailed BENCHMARK reports for high-rises and master-planned communities, offering actionable insights for budgeting and long-term planning.

Compliance is another area where our depth of resources matters. Our team stays ahead of Illinois regulations, including recent updates to the Common Interest Community Association Act and Condominium Property Act, overseeing that boards remain compliant without added stress."

Interested in downloading our free BENCHMARK reports?

• Click here to download our master-planned community report.
• Click here to download our high-rise report.

What recent regulations should Illinois boards be aware of?

"Recent legislative changes include updates to heating and cooling requirements for age-restricted communities and new administrative rules requiring community association management firms to be licensed and insured. These changes increase operational complexity, but our proactive leadership makes compliance less intimidating for our clients."

Read our article 'Illinois HOA laws: A complete guide' for more insights on local legislation and compliance.
 

How does FirstService support sustainable staffing?

"Staffing challenges affect every firm, but with FirstService, boards can feel confident knowing our scale and reputation attract and retain top-tier talent. This means consistent service and minimal turnover—an advantage smaller competitors simply can’t match."

What technology solutions do you offer?

"We’re at the edge of contemporary technology FirstService Residential Connect, and HODA® (Homeowner Digital Assistant) provide quick convenience to residents. Residents can book amenities, submit service requests, and access community documents 24/7, while boards benefit from real-time financial reporting. This is a major game change in our approach to customer-focused services. Community association managers have a technical edge, whether it’s a proprietary platform or AI powered digital assistant. Association managers have more time to advance the boards’ plans and boards get to maximize their greatest asset, the manager. This is something smaller competitors can’t compete with."

Want to learn more about HODA? Click here for more information.

Learn more about FirstService Residential Connect here.
 

How do you foster transparency and trust?

"Transparency is the cornerstone of our approach. From clear financial reporting to open communication channels, we provide boards and residents with the information they need to make informed decisions."

Can you share examples of communities you serve in Illinois?

"We’re proud to manage communities across Chicagoland, including high-rises and co-ops in Chicago, townhomes in St. Charles and Batavia, master-planned communities in Plainfield, and single-family homes in Homewood-Flossmoor. Each area presents unique needs, from luxury amenities in Gold Coast high-rises to large recreational features in suburban master-planned communities."

How does FirstService give back to local communities?

"Community involvement is a part of our DNA. Our Illinois team volunteers at organizations like Feed My Starving Children and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. We’ve raised over $250,000 for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital through our annual Vendor Fair and Expo."

Why FirstService Residential?

"Managing a community is more than maintaining property it’s about creating a place residents are proud to call home. With our commitment to proactive leadership, strong relationships, and innovative solutions, FirstService Residential helps Illinois communities thrive."

What residents are saying

"Our board has worked with FirstService for years, and their depth of resources and sound judgment have been invaluable. They helped us navigate complex compliance issues with ease."

J.K., Board member in Schaumburg, IL

"The team’s transparency and proactive leadership make a real difference. We feel confident knowing our community is in good hands."

L.M., Master-planned resident in Barrington, IL

Final Thoughts from Barbara Al-Saigh

"Our mission is simple: to make life simpler for boards and residents. By combining local expertise with the scale and resources of North America’s leading property management company, we deliver solutions that reduce risk, enhance property values, and create vibrant communities."

Intersted in professional property management for your Illinois community? Contact us today to learn more about how FirstService Residential can help.