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Capital improvements vs repairs and maintenance: What’s the difference?
Maintaining your buildings’ assets is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The common areas require a broad range of routine maintenance and repairs to keep them looking good and operating smoothly. -
9 tips about board of directors conflicts of interest
It’s a term that gets tossed around quite a lot. But “conflict of interest” is a real and genuine threat to your association and its proper stewardship. Understanding what the term means – as well as how to recognize and avoid conflicts of interest– can go a long way toward ensuring the strength and stability of your community and eliminating many concerns. -
FirstService Residential Executive Discusses Offbeat Second Home Investment Locations and Trends
While exclusive communities like the Hamptons or Malibu will always be attractive locations for affluent vacation home buyers, several new trends are emerging in the growing second home market. -
Property management jobs: The best-kept hospitality career secret
If you’re a recent (or about-to-be) college grad looking for your perfect career fit, here’s a helpful checklist to help you narrow down your choices: -
Hiring a reserve study company: Five things to know
In our guide to capital improvements , reserve studies and their relationship to capital improvements and preventive maintenance were discussed at length. -
Seven tips to finding a reserve study company
Your reserve fund is what helps your association anticipate its future– and budget for it, too. This fund gives you the power to maintain the quality of your community by allowing for projects that are both necessary and expensive (like a future roofing or paving project, for instance). -
Can HOA fees increase? The benefits of raising HOA dues
What exactly are HOA dues, and can an HOA raise dues without notice? In this article, we’ll explain what HOA dues are, HOA fee increase limits, and five benefits of small, regular increases. -
What is a community association manager?
In this article, we’ll expand on "What is a community association manager?" and dive into all key characteristics of this profession, including role responsibilities, certification requirements, and more. -
Surprising ways to stretch your HOA's dollars
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. -
Mortgage loan tips: Preparing and applying for a mortgage
We’ve got the scoop on how to get a mortgage loan, so read on for our top six tips to increase your chances. -
What is an HOA fee and what do HOA fees cover?
Congratulations! You just bought a new home and it’s perfect for your family – just the right size, condition, location and neighborhood to meet your needs. Your new home is part of a homeowners’ association (HOA), which means you will pay HOA fees. What is an HOA fee? What do they pay for? -
What is an HOA balance sheet, and how do you read it?
The chief responsibility of a community association board member is to preserve, protect and enhance the community. That includes, above all else, its financial health. But you can’t affect the financial health of your community if you don’t understand where it is when you join the board. Balance sheets are the best tool for gaining that basic understanding. -
Community association manager: Responsibilities, benefits, and more
Community association management is an industry filled with diversity. You'll find people from all walks of life who have chosen it as a career path, and all for their own personal reasons. What is the one commonality? It's easy to love what they do! -
A guide to planning your association budget
Read on for more about how to best complete your next annual association budget, a budget that will enhance your property values and improve your residents’ lives. -
Should you consider a career in property management?
Whether you are a recent graduate contemplating your career path or a seasoned professional seeking a change, delving into the realm of property management can offer a fulfilling and potentially rewarding journey. -
HOA lawsuit: Why community associations get sued and what to do if it happens to you
Your community or condominium association is there to protect the interests of all of its members. However, there may be situations when one or more residents don’t believe that the association is on their side. Hopefully, everyone involved can come to a reasonable solution, but if you can’t, it’s possible that your association – and even your board members – could become the target of a lawsuit. -
Why your association needs an annual insurance review
You know that your association needs to have the right insurance coverage in place. So you have property coverage, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, directors and officers (D&O) and an umbrella policy in place. Premiums are paid regularly and on time. Did you know that’s not enough? -
Budget Communications: Understanding your association budget
There's an entire process to creating, implementing, & communicating your association budget. Learn more about how to simplify this process. -
How Can My Association Fund Capital Improvements?
Nothing lasts forever…and when it comes time to replace your high-rise roof, community pool or to add new amenities, your association will need to determine how to pay for it. All of these things – significant repairs and replacements, as well as new construction – are considered capital improvements. -
3 Cost Containment Strategies to Minimize Assessment Hikes
Your fiduciary responsibility is the most important commitment to fellow homeowners. Learn cost containment strategies that can save your association money. -
Budgeting in the Time of COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting unique challenges to shaping a solid 2021 budget. Is your association budget on target to meet your short-term goals and help achieve your long-term vision? -
See the 2016 Florida HOA Budget Requirements
A proper budget is the cornerstone of any business, and a Condominium or Homeowners Association is certainly no exception. Here are steps you can take to make the process as painless as possible. -
What to Know About the Property Tax Appeal and Paying Property Tax - Miami-Dade and Broward Counties
Property taxes are a reality for all property owners, but they can petition for an appeal. Condo owners and association Boards can file a joint petition for property tax appeal to cover all units in the building.