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Rules are Rules: How to Enforce Neighborhood Covenants
Managing association covenant enforcement can be difficult in any community. Restrictions for every community can be different, and it can be a challenge to keep the rules fair, reasonable and equally applied to all homeowners. Read on for some basic guidelines that will make navigating through these issues a little easier. -
How to Choose the Best Association Management Company in Texas - 10 Questions You Need to Ask Today
How do you determine which property management company will provide you with the best service? Here are 10 questions that you should ask when consulting with property or homeowner association (HOA) management companies to help you make the important decision. -
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. -
Prioritizing and Managing Your Community's Property Maintenance and Improvement Needs
Handling day-to-day maintenance and making necessary improvements are critical responsibilities for any homeowners association (HOA). And when your serve on your association’s board of directors, they can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a good system in place to manage them. So how do you make sure that your maintenance staff is able to handle that long list of tasks that need to get done so that your community runs smoothly and retains its appeal? -
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? -
Condominium Property Management: Self-Manage or Hire a Professional?
Self-managing your condominium property may seem like it saves money, but does it really? Why the cheapest property management option may not be the best. -
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. -
Planning Your Next Virtual Annual Meeting
For New York City co-op and condo boards, virtual annual meetings are the new normal. FirstService Residential is here to help make your transition as seamless as possible. -
Tax Certiorari: Fast Facts for Boards and Owners in New York City
FirstService Residential managed properties have access to the tax certiorari experts at Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP, the premier firm in this specialized field. -
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. -
HOA Committees and Volunteers: 8 Tips to Rally Residents
An effective Utah homeowners association will not only recruit great volunteers and committee members, but will empower them to help improve the community. The question is – how do you get there? -
9 Tips on How to Improve Communication Amongst Your HOA Board
Healthy board communication is the key to enhancing your Arizona HOA’s reputation and property values. Use these 9 tips on how to improve communication to strengthen your HOA board. -
5 Things to Know About Adequate Staffing
Does your homeowners association have adequate staff for the services that you provide? Learn how to staff your community effectively. -
Beyond the Basics and Maximizing HOA Reserve Funds
Is your HOA reserving enough funds for the future? Go beyond the basics of reserve funds and learn how to maximize your investments. -
Arizona HOA Boards 101: What They Didn't Tell You
So, you want to be an Arizona HOA board member. Read our article to learn five lesser-known tips for brand-new or seasoned board members. -
HOA 101: Master These 3 Genius HOA Board Meeting Tips
Follow these three proven tips to improve your Arizona HOA board meetings and excel as an association. -
Delivering Exceptional Service: 6 Keys to a Great HOA Manager
What sets your association apart from other HOAs? Discover what types of support and training can help your manager (and association) excel. -
Board Member 101: HOA Leadership Roles and Duties
What are your HOA leadership roles and duties? To fully develop and enhance your leadership journey, begin by taking these four essential steps. -
Preparing for spring: 12 tips for HOA landscaping maintenance
A good spring-cleaning can do wonders for your community association. Here are some tips to get your started. -
Ask the Experts: Rising Costs in Community Association Insurance
Insurance costs are rising, and budgeting for higher insurance premiums has become increasingly challenging for associations. Learn best practices for managing insurance premium increases.