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Open and effective communication among the board, management company and vendors is an important part of any community's operating budget and for improving residents' lifestyles.

A successful capital improvement project requires a lot of planning to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. Does your community know where to start?

Nothing lasts forever and you need to have a plan to replace major items and systems before their lifespans end. How do you create that plan? Start with a quality reserve study.

It’s that time of year again – budget season is upon us. You know the things to consider when creating your budget, but what drives your process? Are you focused on achieving a particular vision for your community? Avoiding conflict in the community? Solely looking to avoid increasing dues?

Is good communication important to your property management company? Use this questionaire to find out.

It’s no secret that association management is a big job. Across Minnesota, common areas require a lot of routine maintenance to uphold community standards – things like exterior light bulb replacements, landscaping and paint touch-ups. Depending on your townhome community, the scale of your amenities' needs will vary.

If you're on the board of a condo, co-op, high-rise or HOA, you know that managing your homeowner's association 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.

Without a doubt, beautiful landscaping makes life in your community more enjoyable. But did you also know that it can play a crucial role in boosting your community’s reputation in the marketplace, and consequently enhancing property values?

Great capital improvements improve property values. Read on to see the three ways to pay for them and the pros and cons.

Does your association manager have the right tools, resources and support to take your association to the next level?

Vendor relationships are a large part of serving on the board of a managed community. Every community has outside partners for services like landscaping, sanitation, cable and Internet service, pool maintenance, valet services and more. Open, effective communication with the people who service your community and residents is crucial for maintaining the lifestyle your residents expect and deserve.

Replacing a trusted vendor or finding a new one can be a challenge. How can you have peace of mind that the vendors you’re considering are right for you? Follow the tips below to help screen potential vendors and get the best fit for your association.

FirstService Residential and FirstService Energy are prepared to help boards and owners identify capital improvements or retrofits that improve a building's energy efficiency score and letter grade.

Halloween is right around the corner and before it arrives there are many precautions we must take to ensure our kids and community are safe. As we prepare to celebrate let’s go over a checklist of safety measures we can take to make sure the little ghosts and goblins throughout our community are safe.

As a board member for your condominium corporation, you know that your community depends on volunteers to operate successfully. However, finding residents who are willing to be on your board of directors, join a committee or help at an event can be challenging.

Community events are a great way for Condominium Corporations to bring residents together, create a sense of community pride and encourage a social and cohesive community environment! What better way to build relationships and enhance residents’ quality of life than to bring homeowners together to meet their neighbors and feel more connected and engaged with their local community.

Not all residential property managers have what they need to give you great service. Learn what it takes to be a great residential property manager.

Are you looking for a new career path? Why not try property management? Working as a Property Manager will allow you to connect with people to form a sense of community and help enhance their lives as residents. Learn more about how joining the property management industry could fulfill your career dreams.

Watch our final episode of Ask the Expert, to learn about leveraging your buying power with Christian Mora, National Director of Procurement at FirstService Residential.

View our third episode of Ask the Expert, featuring Andrew Stoutenburg, Regional Executive Director of Reserve Advisors, as he talks about the importance of reserve studies in financial planning.

Start off our quick, 4-part webinar miniseries, Ask the Expert, with Joe Bushey, president of VIVE (Vendor Insurance Verification Experts), as he talks about the significance of vendor loss risk.

Tune in to hear a panel of board members discuss their best advice around the topic of Committee Formation.

Get answers to frequently asked questions submitted by board members like you!

Shopping is the hallmark of the holiday season, but the influx of packages can make any condominium association struggle to stay organized. Discover ways to handle holiday packages with ease by asking four simple questions.