-
Association Budgets: Mapping Out Your Strategic Plan
Dive into the details of creating a strategic plan for your homeowners association. -
Getting Your Building’s Spring Cleaning Started
The spring season is a time for renewal and a fresh look, so being able to properly landscape around the building is of utmost importance. -
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. -
What's Your Association's Maintenance Style?
Maintenance issues are something every Twin Cities community association deals with, whether it’s damage caused by a harsh Minnesota weather or regular upkeep, on average, maintenance can account for 25% or more of your association’s overall expenditures. -
Slow and Steady: 5 Surprising Benefits of Raising Your Dues
It’s that time of year again – budget season is upon us. You know the things to consider when creating your budget, but what drives your process? Are you focused on achieving a particular vision for your community? Avoiding conflict in the community? Solely looking to avoid increasing dues? -
How an HOA preventive maintenance plan can keep your community cool, calm, and collected
Cold weather will soon be upon us, so now is the time for your homeowners association (HOA) to make sure your maintenance program is on track. As brutal as Missouri winters can be, you certainly don’t want to discover a leak in your roof during a heavy snowfall or have a boiler stop working during a record cold spell. -
The Surprising Way to Stretch Your Association's Dollars
If you're on the board of a condo, co-op, high-rise or HOA, you know that managing your homeowner's association budget is a major priority. You've likely explored many ways to save money and get the best deals, while still maintaining a high level of service. -
A Smooth HOA Management Transition Starts With Good Communication
Most homeowners associations (HOAs) in Nevada are managed by a community management company. So hiring a new management company is a pretty common occurrence in our state. -
Four Elements of Great Community Landscaping
Without a doubt, beautiful landscaping makes life in your community more enjoyable. But did you also know that it can play a crucial role in boosting your community’s reputation in the marketplace, and consequently enhancing property values? -
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. -
Maintenance, Capital Improvements, Useful Life: Is Your HOA Prepared?
Is your maintenance job turning into a capital improvement? Is it possible to extend the “useful life” of a component? Learn more about maintenance, capital improvements and useful life. -
Great Communication: The key to HOA vendor management
Vendor relationships are a large part of serving on the board of a managed community. Every community has outside partners for services like landscaping, sanitation, cable and Internet service, pool maintenance, valet services and more. Open, effective communication with the people who service your community and residents is crucial for maintaining the lifestyle your residents expect and deserve. -
Vetting Vendors: A path to success
Replacing a trusted vendor or finding a new one can be a challenge. How can you have peace of mind that the vendors you’re considering are right for you? Follow the tips below to help screen potential vendors and get the best fit for your association. -
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"? -
Four Ways to Keep Your Building Safe and Clean
Living in close proximity to other people can come with challenges, especially during cold and flu season. -
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 Your Condo or Co-op Can Help with Hoarding Cleaning Services, NYC
Hoarding is a disorder than can be dangerous to everyone in your NYC condo or co-op building. Learn how to handle hoarders in your building today. -
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. -
The New York Times-Like Restaurants, Buildings Will Get Grades
Next year, New York City buildings will be required to display their marks on energy efficiency.