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Why association boards chose FirstService Residential
Finding a property management company to partner with your board isn’t easy. Find out how we can help you. -
Community Landscapes: A guide to planning community landscaping
Beautiful landscaping is integral to any community. The right community landscaping can enhance your property values and make the area more enticing to prospective homebuyers and residents. Whether you’re investing for the first time or revamping your community landscaping, here are four considerations to keep in mind when choosing what to plant, when to plant and how to maintain what you’ve planted. -
Master association management – one company or several?
If you live in a master-planned community, you are a member of its master association. As the umbrella association for the community as a whole, the master association maintains common areas such as community roads, entrances, and amenities. -
Should you partner with a property management company? Understanding the benefits
Hiring a professional property management company for your homeowners’ association is the best way to increase property values and enhance the lifestyles of residents within your community. However, finding the management company that best fits your association’s needs can be a challenge. Should you be looking to partner with a company that has extensive resources drawing from a national presence? Or should you work with a smaller company? -
What are property management certifications?
When a property manager presents you with their business card, you might have observed a series of acronyms following their name. These abbreviations, such as CAM, PCAM, CMCA, and others, represent property manager certifications obtained, indicating their level of education and expertise in the field. -
Changing HOA management companies: A team approach
Even in the best of times, transitioning from one property management company to another is a work-intensive and stressful process. Things can go bad quickly if the transition is carried out without the necessary resources and strict attention to detail. To avoid potentially serious financial missteps during a management transition, homeowners associations (HOAs) should consider bringing aboard a management company that provides a team of experts to guide the process. -
The importance of your front desk staff and building reception
Your front desk staff is the “face” of your building – the first point of contact for homeowners and guests. As a result, each members plays a crucial role in creating your building’s image, as well as shaping the perceptions and experiences of everyone who enters. Consequently, when a resident or visitor walks through the front door – whether it’s their first time or hundredth – the reception and greeting they receive and the way they are treated can significantly impact their entire experience. -
11 Things About Community Association Management Every Board Should Know
Choosing the right community association management company is one of the most important decisions a board will make. Know what you should expect from a qualified service provider! -
12 to-do’s for ultimate HOA landscaping maintenance
A good spring-cleaning can do wonders for your community association. Here are some tips to get your started. -
15 Things You’ll Want to Do Before Selecting an Insurance Agent
Insurance is one of the most important line items on your association's budget, but it is oftentimes the most expensive. Do you know how to select the right agent? -
How to Get Rid of Millipedes and How to Prevent Their Invasion
Ah, Florida nights. Perfect temperatures. And...a disgusting mass of undulating insects climbing up the side of your building? Learn how to get rid of millipedes. -
8 Skills You'll Master as a Board President
You've been elected as the President of the Board for your community association. You're signing up for a very important job! Here are some necessary skills! -
Association Elections Are as Important as Presidential Elections
9.4 million Floridians live in communities governed by a condominium or homeowners association, paying nearly $10 billion annually to maintain them. Board elections are important because they determine who will make decisions that affect all residents. -
What to Know About an HOA Emergency Board Meeting During Trying Times
It's hurricane season again. As soon as June 1st rolls around, we are assaulted with hurricane preparedness pamphlets and emergency information at every turn. -
Who Regulates Property Management Companies in Florida?
Whether you reside in a homeowners association, condominium association or cooperative association, the one thing they have in common is that they are all led by a Board of Directors. -
Great Service: Does Your Community Association Management Team Have What It Takes?
The right support, personality and set of expectations from your community are critical for your management team to deliver exceptional results. Does yours have what it takes? -
Wondering What to Ask a Property Management Company in Florida? Here's 8 Questions
Know what questions to ask a prospective property management company in Florida? Check out our list to ensure you have all the right information before making a choice. -
Energy Efficiency for Community Associations
Many community association boards and residents would like to implement energy efficiency measures in their communities. But what about the cost to get started? -
Estoppel Certificates: 7 Myths and the Real Facts
Estoppel certificates are a critical part of any real estate transaction and can be confusing. What's included, how are they created, what does it all mean? Learn more here. -
What to Know About the Latest Trends in Property Management
As a Board member, you have a pretty good idea of what the future holds for your association, but what about the issues that pop up and are out of your control? -
First Locally Transmitted Virus Case Confirmed for Zika in Florida
In February, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency when cases of the Zika virus began to spread, impacting Florida. -
Five Simple Tips for Marketing Your Association
Nothing says a healthy community like full homes/units and bustling activity in common areas. Painting a pretty picture of a dynamic community to potential buyers takes minimal effort on the part of the board. -
Five things to consider when hiring a property management company
Partnering with a property management company is a big step. Before choosing a company or hiring a manager, you and your board should do your research to make the best choice. -
Learn About HOA Treasurer Responsibilities
A great board treasurer has skills and characteristics to tackle the responsibilities of planning and strategizing the financial livelihood of a community. The right treasurer can make a big difference!