Search

As you begin to work on next year’s budget, it’s important to look for ways to save your building money to offset those unplanned expenses and potential revenue shortfalls.

Maintenance fees are an investment in the future of your building. Don’t be afraid to increase co-op or condo fees slowly and steadily to maintain high property values.

Nothing lasts forever…and when it comes time to replace your high-rise roof, community pool or to add new amenities, your association will need to determine how to pay for it. All of these things – significant repairs and replacements, as well as new construction – are considered capital improvements.

As building managers begin property inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community. 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.

It’s budget season! Are you stressed? Concerned about a potential dues increase or a large capital project that’s looming in the future? The word “budget” can be scary, so thinking about creating next year’s budget is daunting for many homeowners boards. We’d like to change that. In fact, we don’t want you to view next year’s budget as a task at all.

Cold weather will soon be upon us, so now is the time to make sure your condominium maintenance program is on track. As brutal as Ontario's 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.

With the cold weather in the Ontario air we all would love to find ways to save money as condo owners. There are a lot of helpful tips that we as homeowners can start before winter arrives and continue during the remainder of the winter season.

Safeguarding an Ontario condominium corporation’s operating and reserve funds is one of the main fiduciary duties of all board members, not just the treasurer. This means that boards must protect the financial interests of the corporation and its members by making sure all funds are properly managed, invested and protected.

As a board member for your condominium corporation, you know that your community depends on volunteers to operate successfully. However, finding residents who are willing to be on your board of directors, join a committee or help at an event can be challenging.

Nothing lasts forever…and when it comes time to replace your high-rise roof, community pool or to add new amenities, your association will need to determine how to pay for it. All of these things – significant repairs and replacements, as well as new construction – are considered capital improvements.

We understand that boards don’t want to ask residents to pay higher association dues. But costs go up, despite best efforts. Learn the surprising benefits of small, steady increases to your board and homeowners!

If you’re looking for comprehensive information about the different types of association meetings, ask a seasoned board member or your property manager for information and guidance. Meanwhile, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions about annual and special meetings.

Watch our final episode of Ask the Expert, to learn about leveraging your buying power with Christian Mora, National Director of Procurement at FirstService Residential.

View our third episode of Ask the Expert, featuring Andrew Stoutenburg, Regional Executive Director of Reserve Advisors, as he talks about the importance of reserve studies in financial planning.

We know budget season is stressful and we want to help! Avoid common mistakes & d ownload our budget survey results to discover key areas to consider when planning next year's budget.

Discover our top takeaways around the three fiscal duties of Care, Priority, & Responsibility for your condominium association.

Discover our top takeaways around the three fiscal duties of Care, Priority, & Responsibility for your condominium association.

Discover our top takeaways around the three fiscal duties of Care, Priority, & Responsibility for your condominium association.

For some communities, the end of the year is a time to pass on the spirit of giving to its staff.

Before you begin outlining the financial steps for your community, keep these 7 HOA budget bloopers in mind.

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.

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.