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The Corporate Transparency Act: 6 things board members need to know
Although there are mixed opinions about whether the CTA applies to condo and HOAs, FirstService Residential is proactively assisting board members serving condo and HOAs in understanding and navigating this act. -
Texas property management laws: A 2025 guide
In this article, learn the basics of Texas property management laws. From recent legislative changes your association should know to tenant rights and HOA/COA rules, read our guide for all the insights. -
What is a Minnesota resale certificate?
Understanding the role of a Minnesota resale certificate can streamline the process. In this guide, we’ll explore what a Minnesota resale certificate is, how to obtain one, and why it matters for both buyers and sellers. -
A guide to HOA approval
In New England, HOA approval is the process of getting permission from your homeowners association (HOA) before making certain changes to your property. Learn more in our guide. -
A guide to unenforceable HOA rules in California
In this piece, we will cover common unenforceable HOA rules in California, how they can be addressed, and everything you need to know about enforceable HOA guidelines. -
VA resale certificate: What it is, why it matters, and how to get it
In this article, learn what you need to know about resale certificates in Virginia, from what they are and when they are needed to how they are used and costs. Learn more! -
NYC Local Law 97: 2025 Compliance Update from the Department of Buildings
What is required for NYC condos, co-ops, and rental buildings to comply with Local Law 97? Read updates from FirstService Energy and the Department of Buildings (DOB). -
Setting Pet Policies for Your Community: What You Need to Know
Learn how to approach pet policies to ensure that they are respectful, safe and compliant with the law. -
Mediation? Arbitration? Avoidance?! Best HOA Practices for Resolving Conflict
How do you resolve community conflict, avoid costly and time-intensive litigation and maintain a great resident experience? Use these three methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to keep the peace. -
2020 HOA Budget Trends: What Has Changed?
Have HOA budgets changed in 2020? Find out what 7 trends have shaped association budget planning this year. -
5 common HOA problems & board mistakes to avoid
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. -
Avoiding Community Conflict: Best HOA Practices for Dispute Resolution
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. -
Is HOA Agreement a Unicorn? 3 Boards Share What It Takes
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. -
Budgeting for Your Future: Nine Steps to Make Your HOA Dollars Count
Another budget season is here once again, and that means that the boards of homeowners associations are busy planning, analyzing—and grinding their teeth. We know that developing your HOA’s annual budget is not an easy task. However, with the guidance offered in the following nine steps, you’ll be able to get through the process more easily—and without needing to visit your dentist. -
Choosing the Right Community Management Company to Manage Amenities
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. -
Creating a New HOA Policy Without Making Enemies
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. -
Financial Health Tips for Your HOA
Maintaining your HOA’s financial health—just like maintaining your personal health—boils down to moderation and good decision making. Eating one deep-fried blooming onion every once in a while isn’t a problem. Eating three or four several times a week is. Keep your HOA financially fit with these four "health" tips. -
5 Myths About HOA Board Decision Making
Solving for these 5 common myths can help you improve your decision-making process and align as a board. Read on to learn more. -
Before Creating a New HOA Policy, Ask These 5 Questions
Great policies can help your association run smoothly, enhance the resident experience and improve your reputation. Here are five questions to ask before creating a new HOA policy. -
5 Surprising Reasons to Raise Your HOA Assessments
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. -
Five Tactics to Transform from HOA Board Member to Community Leader
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. -
4 essential Arizona HOA strategies your board should know
What 4 HOA strategies do successful boards have in common? Read on to find out. -
Four steps to creating a no-smoking building policy
We have all heard about the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Arizona law addresses the dangers of secondhand smoke through its Smoke-Free Arizona Act. The Act prohibits smoking in enclosed public buildings and workplaces, as well as in enclosed, common areas of multifamily buildings. -
Helping Your HOA Board Stay Productive and Successful
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.