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Tips for getting a mortgage: 6 simple mortgage loan tips
We’ve got the scoop on how to get a mortgage loan, so read on for our top six tips to increase your chances. -
What is an HOA fee and what do HOA fees cover?
Congratulations! You just bought a new home and it’s perfect for your family – just the right size, condition, location and neighborhood to meet your needs. Your new home is part of a homeowners’ association (HOA), which means you will pay HOA fees. What is an HOA fee? What do they pay for? -
What is an HOA balance sheet? How to understand it
The chief responsibility of a community association board member is to preserve, protect and enhance the community. That includes, above all else, its financial health. But you can’t affect the financial health of your community if you don’t understand where it is when you join the board. Balance sheets are the best tool for gaining that basic understanding. -
Community association manager: Responsibilities, benefits & more
Community association management is an industry filled with diversity. You'll find people from all walks of life who have chosen it as a career path, and all for their own personal reasons. What is the one commonality? It's easy to love what they do! -
What to consider when planning an association budget
Read on for more about how to best complete your next annual association budget, a budget that will enhance your property values and improve your residents’ lives. -
Should you consider a career in property management?
Whether you are a recent graduate contemplating your career path or a seasoned professional seeking a change, delving into the realm of property management can offer a fulfilling and potentially rewarding journey. -
HOA lawsuit: Why community associations get sued and what to do if it happens to you
Your community or condominium association is there to protect the interests of all of its members. However, there may be situations when one or more residents don’t believe that the association is on their side. Hopefully, everyone involved can come to a reasonable solution, but if you can’t, it’s possible that your association – and even your board members – could become the target of a lawsuit. -
Why your association needs an annual insurance review
You know that your association needs to have the right insurance coverage in place. So you have property coverage, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, directors and officers (D&O) and an umbrella policy in place. Premiums are paid regularly and on time. Did you know that’s not enough? -
Budget Communications: Understanding your association budget
There's an entire process to creating, implementing, & communicating your association budget. Learn more about how to simplify this process. -
How Can My Association Fund Capital Improvements?
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. -
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? -
3 Cost Containment Strategies to Minimize Assessment Hikes
Your fiduciary responsibility is the most important commitment to fellow homeowners. Learn cost containment strategies that can save your association money. -
Budgeting in the Time of COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting unique challenges to shaping a solid 2021 budget. Is your association budget on target to meet your short-term goals and help achieve your long-term vision? -
Can You Go After HOA Owners for Their Guests’ Damages?
Every community can expect to experience negligent or careless guests who will either cause a ruckus, or worse, damage association property. When that happens, deciding who should be held responsible for their actions can create a delicate – and potentially volatile – situation. Oftentimes, Boards may go after the owner, but they shouldn’t forge full-steam ahead without some sort of ammunition. -
Comprehensive Flooring Policy: How to Deal with Noisy Neighbors
Does it sometimes sound like your upstairs neighbors are bowling in their living room? Noises from above can be disruptive, but they might not be entirely your neighbor's fault. -
See the 2016 Florida HOA Budget Requirements
A proper budget is the cornerstone of any business, and a Condominium or Homeowners Association is certainly no exception. Here are steps you can take to make the process as painless as possible. -
What to Know About the Property Tax Appeal and Paying Property Tax - Miami-Dade and Broward Counties
Property taxes are a reality for all property owners, but they can petition for an appeal. Condo owners and association Boards can file a joint petition for property tax appeal to cover all units in the building. -
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. -
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! -
Association Parking Rules: 6 Questions to Assess Your Policy
How can you ensure that your association’s parking rules are fair and easy to understand and follow? Here are 6 essential questions to ask before you create or enforce parking policies. -
Fair Housing Act: Service Animals - A Nail without a Hammer
When it comes to service dogs and assistance animals, people often confuse the Federal American with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). Learn more about FHA and ADA laws here! -
Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Rate Increase: What it Means for Florida Associations
Earlier in the summer, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) announced a proposed 19.6% workers' compensation rate increase, concerning community associations and its impact on labor costs. -
Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption and Costs in Your Community
Get helpful tips that your HOA or condo association can do to reduce energy consumption and lower your community’s electric bills. Learn more! -
Four Ways to Assign Holiday Decoration Compliance Policies - Without Being a Scrooge
The holidays are a time of joy, cheer, softly twinkling lights and tasteful wreaths, but holiday decorations mean different things to different people. Learn four ways to manage this!