Here’s where you’ll find recent articles about FirstService Residential, as well as our impact on the areas we serve.
Sometimes, an unforeseen event will occur and your homeowners’ association will be left with a vacant seat on the board. Depending on the number of seats on your board, you may or may not need to fill that position immediately. Also, you will need to refer to your association’s governing documents for the proper protocol in filling that seat. What would the term limit of the new board member be? Do you need to notify your association’s membership about the vacancy and go through the entire election process again? Will you need to wait until the next annual election? Is your board ready and capable to fill this vacancy? We can help!
Do you have a lot of pet owners in your community? Does your community offer areas for these pets to play or walk on leashes? We’ve seen a growing trend in pet owners, and because of that, a growing demand in more pet friendly homeowners’ associations. There are a lot of benefits to owning a pet. As far as communities go, pets serve as a great way to get your residents to socialize with each other – and by providing a pet friendly community, you enhance the living for not only your residents, but their furry little friends too.
Being a board member for your community or homeowners’ association is a big responsibility and can seem a little daunting. Not only are you responsible for your residents, but you want to leave your community in a better position by the end of your term – after all, that’s one of the main reasons for becoming an HOA board member.
One of the most important cornerstones of your community is your homeowner association’s financial stability. Without a strong focus on finances, your association will not be able to keep your community looking aesthetically pleasing and the amenities up-to-date.
Strength can derive from diversity. That especially applies when it comes to an HOA board of directors. Having multiple points of view can lead to problem solving and dynamic thinking, but it can also lead to clashing personalities.
Communities with active resident involvement tend to have a more enhanced living experience. The best way to make sure your community is the place you and your residents want to call home is by becoming an involved and active member of your homeowners’ association. Owners have the ability to be involved by attending meetings, joining a committee, or becoming a board member.
In an ideal world, all parties in a homeowners’ association, community association, or other residential deed-restricted community would always agree and cooperate. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case – part of life is dealing with the conflicts and disputes that arise when working as a group. In most cases, people are able to resolve disputes in an amicable way through frank and honest conversations or compromise. But, there are times that a more formal process of handling the dispute is necessary for the group to come to a consensus. That is where mediation and arbitration come in.
To boost awareness, communication and safety, many communities start a Neighborhood Watch Program. These programs are headed up by residents in a joint effort with local law enforcement. If you are considering starting a Neighborhood Watch program for your community, there are some important factors to consider.
Being a part of a committee for your homeowners’ association can be valuable in many ways. If you have ever considered, or are considering becoming an HOA, condo, or community association committee member then you are on the right path to leadership. Volunteering your time to serve on your HOA’s committee is a great way to learn about what is affecting your community, gain governance experience, and connect with your neighbors on a new and deeper level. Committees are also a great way to transition into a leadership role on your homeowners association’s board of directors. There are some top qualities of effective committee members. Do you have what it takes to serve on an HOA committee?
If you are a board member for your community or homeowners’ association, one of your many responsibilities is determining a fair and appropriate amount for your association’s assessments based off of the budget, reserve study and other factors. Chances are, your community’s governing documents require an increase in assessments to be tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – a solution that standardizes the process and ensures fairness, but can also be confusing to many.
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