-
What is a Minnesota resale certificate?
Understanding the role of a Minnesota resale certificate can streamline the process. In this guide, we’ll explore what a Minnesota resale certificate is, how to obtain one, and why it matters for both buyers and sellers. -
A guide to Georgia HOA bylaws: Everything you need to know
Learn how to amend your association bylaws, including the practical logistics required to do so. -
Tips for creating a no-smoking policy in your apartment or high-rise building
The dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke are well known, and tobacco use is now the leading cause of disease and preventable death in the United States. But smoking doesn’t just impact our personal health – it also affects the buildings we live in, potentially increasing the risks of fire and property damage, raising insurance costs, increasing legal liability and more. In addition, property management companies, condominium associations and property owners often field complaints from homeowners about how smoking doesn’t just affect their health and safety, but also their lifestyle – issues like secondhand smoke drifting into their units, increased litter and fire hazards from discarded cigarette butts, smelly and unsightly ashtrays ruining the aesthetics of common areas, and more. -
Here's What to Know About Conducting an HOA Reserve Study
If you are a high-rise Board member, resident or property owner looking for the peace of mind that insurance provides, make sure you have the correct coverage. Follow our guidelines! -
A board member's guide to managing an HOA pool
Many people want to live in a community that has a swimming pool, and if there’s one in yours, you know what kind of value it brings. While it’s great to think of all those hot days when you and your neighbors can enjoy an afternoon in the water, with it comes many responsibilities community association board members must adhere to that go beyond staying cool or keeping in shape. -
Minnesota squatters' rights: A 2025 guide
In this guide, we’ll break down how Minnesota squatters’ rights work, what steps you can take to protect your property, and how a Minnesota property management company like FirstService Residential can help you safeguard your investment. -
Summer safety tips for your HOA community
As a resident or HOA board member, summer safety tips are key to prepare for summer vacation. Discover tips for home security, utility savings, & more during the summer season! -
Tennessee board meetings: 5 rules to live by
The greatest strength of your board is the diverse perspectives of its members, but this can also present the biggest challenges. Creating the right dynamics will help your association board conduct business smoothly and efficiently. -
Six Important Things You Need to Know as a New Board Member
Some owners are reluctant to volunteer to be a condominium board member because they’ve never done it before. That’s why we developed these six essential tips for new board members to help them get up-to-speed quickly. If you consider these points as you get down to condo business, you will be successful in your new role ─ one in which you really can make a difference. -
Requirements for HOA board members: Becoming a board member
Homeowners' associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life within a community. One of the pivotal positions within an HOA is that of a board member. Serving on an HOA board comes with responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities to make a positive impact in the community. -
How to Identify and Resolve Conflict within a Condo Board
As a condominium or HOA board member, how do you deal with contentious issues? This article discusses five steps to take to foster a spirit of cooperation among board members and diffuse difficult situations. -
What is an HOA special assessment? A complete guide
In this guide, we will cover what HOA special assessments are, how they should be handled, and everything your association should know from costs to avoiding fees. -
How much does property management cost?
In this article, we delve into the world of community association management fees, addressing common questions such as how much property management companies charge, the average property management fee, the tax implications of HOA fees as well as the value of hiring a professional management company. -
2020 HOA Budget Trends: What Has Changed?
Have HOA budgets changed in 2020? Find out what 7 trends have shaped association budget planning this year. -
5 common HOA problems & board mistakes to avoid
We’ve highlighted four common board blunders and included some practical tips for avoiding them. It’s important to identify these potential blunders early to save yourself and your board time and frustration. -
Avoiding Community Conflict: Best HOA Practices for Dispute Resolution
How do you prevent conflict, avoid costly litigation and maintain a great resident experience in your community? Start by adopting these best practices for dispute resolution. -
Is HOA Agreement a Unicorn? 3 Boards Share What It Takes
While maintenance, events, committees, and budget are all crucial aspects of managing a homeowners’ association, there's one even bigger challenge that board members face: HOA agreement and alignment. Read on to discover the secret to successful alignment among diverse individuals with distinct values. -
Budgeting for Your Future: Nine Steps to Make Your HOA Dollars Count
Another budget season is here once again, and that means that the boards of homeowners associations are busy planning, analyzing—and grinding their teeth. We know that developing your HOA’s annual budget is not an easy task. However, with the guidance offered in the following nine steps, you’ll be able to get through the process more easily—and without needing to visit your dentist. -
Choosing the Right Community Management Company to Manage Amenities
A big part of what sets your community apart is the amenities it offers. This goes beyond a pool, a fitness area or a place for a rooftop party – your amenities help create a lifestyle, and that’s the most important thing to residents and association members. -
Electronic Voting in Arizona - What You Should Know
These days, you can do almost anything online—buy groceries, look for a job or even find love. But what about voting on issues that affect your community? -
Financial Health Tips for Your HOA
Maintaining your HOA’s financial health—just like maintaining your personal health—boils down to moderation and good decision making. Eating one deep-fried blooming onion every once in a while isn’t a problem. Eating three or four several times a week is. Keep your HOA financially fit with these four "health" tips. -
Before Creating a New HOA Policy, Ask These 5 Questions
Great policies can help your association run smoothly, enhance the resident experience and improve your reputation. Here are five questions to ask before creating a new HOA policy. -
5 Surprising Reasons to Raise Your HOA Assessments
If your main concern is to avoid increasing assessments, you may want to reconsider. As a board member, one of your primary fiduciary responsibilities is to protect property values, and assessments are an investment that helps do just that. -
Four steps to creating a no-smoking building policy
We have all heard about the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Arizona law addresses the dangers of secondhand smoke through its Smoke-Free Arizona Act. The Act prohibits smoking in enclosed public buildings and workplaces, as well as in enclosed, common areas of multifamily buildings.