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HOA Landscaping and Property Maintenance Tips to Add More Green to Community Property Values
It’s often said that you should never judge a book by its cover. However, the front-line curb appeal of a community can make a difference in the value of every property in a neighborhood. This is one reason current and potential homeowners consider landscaping and common-area maintenance so important. -
Municipal Duties Move to ‘Burbs as HOAs Must Step In
John Friedrichsen, Senior Vice President & CFO of FirstService Residential parent company FirstService Corporation, is quoted in USA Today about how HOAs benefit from the value-added services provided by leading professional management companies. -
Planning an Award-Winning National Night Out Event
National Night Out is an annual event that promotes partnerships between communities, residents and local law enforcement. Celebrations can range from individual block parties to a large community festival. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to create connections between neighbors and focus on working together to make your community a safer, better place to live. This national celebration has become an annual tradition in many communities far and wide and we want to help you put together the best National Night Out event your association has seen yet. -
HOA Lighting Rules: How Your HOA Can Prevent a Holiday Light Trespass Issue
Holiday lights can brighten the community, but they also have a down side. Learn tips to minimize issues in your HOA with sensible policies. -
3 Ways to Fund Your Condominium Corporation Replacements and Major Repairs
At one time or another, every condominium corporation has to spend money on replacing equipment or making major repairs. Whether that means replacing a roof, installing a new ventilation system or any other big-ticket project, they are a necessity. But how should your condo corporation pay for them? -
Tips for Creating a Community Newsletter
Creating a newsletter for your condominium residents that will give them valuable and relevant information is harder to do than it may seem upon first glance. Here are the basic things to consider, brought to you by your property management professionals at FirstService Residential. -
Creating Positive Interactions Between Condo Board Members
Everyone brings their own assumptions and methods of completing tasks to each group to which they belong. Condominium board members are no different. While the diversity of the group can be its greatest strength, it also can create difficulties between the individual members. It is important to structure condo board meetings in a way that creates a professional and positive working relationship. Here are some tips to help boards achieve this. -
Defining Condo Corporation Leaders’ Rights and Responsibilities to Create Better Communities
When your condominium board members (and your property management team, if you are working with a professional management company) have a thorough understanding of their rights and responsibilities, it helps to create a more inviting community. Your community is more likely to be effectively managed and well-maintained, which leads to happier residents. -
Potted Plants are Not Ashtrays
It seems innocent, but a surprising number of balcony and backyard fires are unintentionally started by disposal of smoking material in a potted plant or planter box. In a condominium environment this can have, and has had, disastrous consequences. And it's not just a summertime problem. -
Preventative Roof Maintenance is Crucial to the Sustainability and Longevity of Your Roof
We can all agree there are many important elements to a housing structure, but your roof is probably the most important. Changing temperatures, snow accumulation, large amounts of rain, ice dams and high winds can all cause major damage to condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes. These harsh weather conditions can create all sorts of problems, from minor leaks to major cave-ins that can cost a condominium corporation thousands to repair. -
Seven Tips for Preparing an Effective Annual Budget
Proper condominium management depends upon the annual budget for both short- and long-term financial planning. It’s important to follow some guidelines to ensure the success of the community and protect the investment of the owners. -
Florida HOA Laws 2020
Learn more about which Florida HOA laws passed in 2020, and how these new bills will affect your community. -
Florida Phase 3 Guidlines for HOAs and Condos
Get the latest Florida phase 3 property management guidelines to ensure your association is compliant. -
4 HOA Strategies to Cut Costs and Maintain Assessments
There are valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may be able to go a different route. Here are four strategies to save your HOA money and keep assessments stable. -
Don’t Be the HOA Bad Guy: 4 Proven Policy Enforcement Tips
Enforcing HOA policies is nobody’s cup of tea, but having good policy enforcement in place helps improve the resident experience and elevates your reputation. Follow these 4 principles for healthy policy enforcement: -
New York’s Climate Mobilization Act | Frequently Asked Questions
FirstService Residential helps condo and co-op boards navigate CMA compliance, avoid costly fines and identify incentive programs that reduce the cost of building upgrades. -
Local Law 97 Updates: Building Energy Grades & Emissions Compliance
Local Law 97 impacts roughly 50,000 buildings across the city, a majority of which are multifamily residential properties. -
Residential EV Charging Stations: Benefits & Incentives for Multifamily Buildings
FirstService Residential recommends that all boards and building owners consider the installation of EV charging stations and incentives available through NYSERDA and ConEd. -
New York City Council Extends Local Law 152 Inspection Deadlines for Boards & Building Owners
As of November 2021, the New York City Council has extended Local Law 152 gas pipeline inspection deadlines for boards and building owners through June 30, 2022. -
Want to Become a Florida Community Association Manager? Here Are 7 Questions and Answers to Consider
Are you interested in becoming a Community Association Manager? It requires a passion for helping others, empathy, and dedication to providing quality customer service, among other things. Read our article to learn if it's the right fit for you. -
The 2022 Florida Legislative Session And Why It’s Important For Community Associations
On January 11, state lawmakers will assemble for the annual 60-day legislative session. This session will cover a list of key issues and promises to be an active one for community associations for two particular reasons: the impact of the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside and the skyrocketing cost of property insurance. -
FAQ: The Impacts of the New York Prevailing Wage Law on Condominiums & Cooperatives
Beginning July 1, 2022, condominium and cooperative buildings in New York City must begin to pay building workers a prevailing wage or forfeit their eligibility for the Cooperative and Condominium Property Tax Abatement. -
2022 Florida Legislative Session: Update on Key Bills
Learn about the main bills addressed this session that will impact Florida's community associations and those who live and work in them.