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To Self-Manage or Not? How to Get the Best Property Management Service.
Some self-managed associations believe they can't afford to hire a professional property management company to manage and maintain their community's operations, assets, finances, common areas and other day-to-day activities. However, as you'll learn in this article, a professional property management company is one thing many communities can't afford to be without. -
Repairs and Maintenance vs Capital Expenditure: What's the Difference?
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. -
How to Communicate so HOA and Condo Residents Listen
Are residents in your community always aware of upcoming events, construction projects and board meetings? Do they understand their responsibilities and the policies they need to comply with? -
How to Improve Communication in Your Association
As a homeowner, you can do your part to make communication in your community association better. Find out how. -
The Do’s & Don’ts of Board Communication
Does your board know the secrets of effectively communicating with residents? -
Reserve Fund, Assessment or Loan: How to Pay for Capital Improvements
Great capital improvements improve property values. Read on to see the three ways to pay for them and the pros and cons. -
6 Questions for Self-Managed Associations to Consider
As a self-managed association, do you need a management partner? Before making that choice, ask these 6 questions. -
How Does Your Community Rate?
Do you know how your community rates to newer communities? What can you do to change your image? Find out how you can be keep your rating up in this new article by Erin O'Reilly that was featured in Management Trends. -
Alternative Amenity Programming for Residential Buildings
Following the temporary closure of fitness centers, interior lounges and other amenity spaces, boards and building owners may want to consider offering alternative programming for residents. -
Avoid These 4 Condo and Co-op Board Member Mistakes
Many condo and co-op board members make the same four mistakes. Find out what they are and what you should do instead -
Commercial Observer- FirstService’s Dan Wurtzel and Marc Kotler on Everything From Supertalls to Rent Regulation
Who better to find out what’s happening on the ground than the largest residential property manager in New York? -
Email Communication Best Practices for Coronavirus Information
Here are some email communication best practices for your building to use when sending out communications regarding the current pandemic. -
Enforcing Condo and Co-op House Rules the Right Way
How can you ensure that shareholders/unit owners comply with the established rules without your board becoming the "building bad guys"? -
From Beagles to Boxers: How to Take Care of a Dog in an Apartment
Here are some important tips and tricks to help keep both you and your furry friend healthy and happy. And as always, be sure to consult your vet or local breeder about how much daily activity is appropriate for your canine pal. -
Commercial Observer-Grading Buildings on Energy Consumption
A new law will require residential and commercial buildings to prove their energy efficiency -
How A Property Management Company Helps to Rebuild After New York City Hurricanes
A powerful hurricane can devastate even those communities that have made all of the preparations that it can. When this happens, the road to recovery and rebuilding can feel long. Fortunately, a great property management company can help. With best practices in place and the help of an experienced team, even the most insurmountable damage can be mitigated, repaired and reversed. -
How to Hold Your Next Board Meeting Through Video Conferencing
It goes without saying that how we communicate has drastically switched from in-person contact to user-friendly digital platforms since the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread. -
Technology at Home Part 2: Keeping Boards and Residents Safe Online
As board communications become increasingly reliant on web-based technologies, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to safeguard the way you share and save sensitive information. -
Technology at Home Part One – Choosing the Best Internet Package
In an effort to help our clients and their families stay safe during these difficult times, FirstService Residential’s in-house technology experts recently assembled a list of best practices and technology tips for working at home, improving password security, identifying potential scams and selecting personalized internet packages. -
Condo Board Communication: Communicate so Condo Residents Listen
Are residents in your condominium corporation always aware of upcoming events, construction projects and board meetings? Do they understand their responsibilities and the policies they need to comply with? -
How to Improve Communication in Your Condo Corporation
As a homeowner, you can make communication in your condominium corporation better. Find out how to do your part. -
Is Your Management Company a Good Communicator?
Is good communication important to your property management company? Use this questionaire to find out. -
Scary Fun: Halloween Safety Tips for Your Family and Community
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.