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Let’s face it: Just because you are a member of your homeowners association (HOA) board of directors, doesn’t mean you know everything about running an HOA. The truth is, most board members are not experts; they are simply volunteers who want to do all that they can to ensure that their community continues to be a great place to live.

Even in the sunny warmth of Florida, water in a swimming pool isn't usually warm enough. Solution? A pool heater. There are several options, each with pros and cons, according to Chris Normandeau, director of FirstService Energy.

Many people want to live in a community that has a swimming pool, and if there’s one in yours, you know what kind of value it brings. While it’s great to think of all those hot days when you and your neighbors can enjoy an afternoon in the water, with it comes many responsibilities community association board members must adhere to that go beyond staying cool or keeping in shape.

Managing your pool properly is important! Learn more about maintenance, safety issues and compliance matters that go into correctly operating a community pool.

Cold weather will soon be upon us, so now is the time for your homeowner association (HOA) to make sure your maintenance program is on track. As brutal as Chicago winters can be, you certainly don't want to discover a leak in your roof during a heavy snowfall or have a boiler stop working during a record cold spell. Don't get caught in the cold!

The greatest strength of your board is the diverse perspectives of its members, but this can also present the biggest challenges. Creating the right dynamics will help your association board conduct business smoothly and efficiently.

Landscaping makes an immediate statement about the brand of your community. The right landscaping can set your community apart from others and enhance property values. Here our four landscaping considerations.

You've gone from a fully functioning homeowners association (HOA) board to a leadership group with a gaping vacancy. This hampers productivity, causes confusion, and at its worst, may create worry amongst your association members. But not to fret. HOA Board turnover happens. And if managed correctly, you can fill the opening and get back to business in short order. Below are some tips to help you through the process of filling an HOA Board vacancy.

Some owners are reluctant to volunteer to be a condominium board member because they’ve never done it before. That’s why we developed these six essential tips for new board members to help them get up-to-speed quickly. If you consider these points as you get down to condo business, you will be successful in your new role ─ one in which you really can make a difference.

Becoming a board member is a great way to engage with your neighbors and create positive changes in your community. But sometimes, new volunteers have little to no experience and must learn the community's rules, the board’s responsibilities and the demands of their roles as they go

Homeowners' associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life within a community. One of the pivotal positions within an HOA is that of a board member. Serving on an HOA board comes with responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities to make a positive impact in the community.

Your residents are calling on about water leaks after a snowfall. Could an ice dam on the roof be the culprit?

We’ve highlighted four common board blunders and included some practical tips for avoiding them. It’s important to identify these potential blunders early to save yourself and your board time and frustration.

How do you prevent conflict, avoid costly litigation and maintain a great resident experience in your community? Start by adopting these best practices for dispute resolution.

While maintenance, events, committees, and budget are all crucial aspects of managing a homeowners’ association, there's one even bigger challenge that board members face: HOA agreement and alignment. Read on to discover the secret to successful alignment among diverse individuals with distinct values.

A big part of what sets your community apart is the amenities it offers. This goes beyond a pool, a fitness area or a place for a rooftop party – your amenities help create a lifestyle, and that’s the most important thing to residents and association members.

Whether you are addressing overnight guest parking, or approved flooring, the basic process for creating good policies and enforcing them successfully are the same. Consider these eight steps when establishing an HOA policy.

Are you considering moving to a community with more lifestyle elements? How do you choose which one is right for you? Do you research and consider these five tips to ensure you find your perfect match!

Solving for these 5 common myths can help you improve your decision-making process and align as a board. Read on to learn more.

If your main concern is to avoid increasing assessments, you may want to reconsider. As a board member, one of your primary fiduciary responsibilities is to protect property values, and assessments are an investment that helps do just that.

What steps do you need to take to go from volunteer to community leader? Start with these five tactics, which can make a big impact on how you fulfill your duties and affect how residents and other board members perceive you.

There are 4 key areas to focus on if you want to ensure that your HOA Board of Directors is productive and successful. This article offers a review of each one.

Better resident experiences, improved reputation and even enhanced property values are possible through continued learning. Knowledge is power, and that’s especially the case when it comes to being a successful association board member. Learn how your continued education can pay dividends for your association.

Are you getting the best returns on your reserve funds? Most Arizona board members aren't sure. Find out six ways to improve your association's reserve fund returns, like creating an HOA investment policy.