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Pros and cons of living in a high-rise and high-rise management
In this article, we’ll discuss the main characteristics that make up high-rise living, operational and budget trends for board members, and everything you need to know if you are interested in a high-rise community! -
The Corporate Transparency Act: 6 things board members need to know
Although there are mixed opinions about whether the CTA applies to condo and HOAs, FirstService Residential is proactively assisting board members serving condo and HOAs in understanding and navigating this act. -
Don’t Be the HOA Bad Guy: 4 Proven Policy Enforcement Tips
Enforcing HOA policies is nobody’s cup of tea, but having good policy enforcement in place helps improve the resident experience and elevates your reputation. Follow these 4 principles for healthy policy enforcement: -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Don’t Be the HOA Bad Guy: 4 Proven Policy Enforcement Tips
Enforcing HOA policies is nobody’s cup of tea, but having good policy enforcement in place helps improve the resident experience and elevates your reputation. Follow these 4 principles for healthy policy enforcement: -
Reserve Funds: HOA Budgeting Tips to Improve Your Returns
Are you getting the best returns on your reserve funds? Most Arizona board members aren't sure. Find out six ways to improve your association's reserve fund returns, like creating an HOA investment policy. -
Is Your Association Manager Equipped for Success? 3 Questions to Ask
Does your association manager have the right tools, resources and support to take your association to the next level? -
How Do You Manage HOA Reserves During a Crisis?
It’s vital to prepare for the future and take steps to protect your association reserve funds. Here are 3 ways to manage reserves during a crisis. -
Reserve Funds, Assessment, or Loan: 3 Ways to Pay for a Capital Improvement Fee
Great capital improvements lead to better property values. Read on to see the three ways to pay for them and the pros and cons for each. -
Seven High-Rise Insurance Tips for Associations and Unit Owners
Many people who live in cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale appreciate the rewards that come with living in a high-rise building. Some of the unique advantages include great amenities, security and even concierge services. High-rise buildings are also unique when it comes to insurance coverage. Besides the individual policies that unit owners need to have, the building and common areas must be covered as well. -
The Facts about Synthetic Turf
Considering synthetic turf for your community common areas? Understanding the facts on what it's made of, benefits and disadvantages, and how it will affect children or pets will make all the difference when determining if synthetic turf is the right choice for your community! -
Seven Best Practices for HOA Budgeting
Do you dread preparing your HOA’s annual budget as much as you dread stepping outside of your Arizona home on a summer afternoon? You’re not alone. For many HOA boards, it’s their least-favorite task. But look at it this way: You’re making sure that your HOA remains financially stable, and that’s an important job. -
3 Strategies to Keep HOA Assessments Stable and Add Value
There are often valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may want to take a different route. Here are three cost-saving strategies. -
Getting Your Strata’s Spring Cleaning Started
As strata managers begin their inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community. -
Things to Consider When Creating Your Strata’s Budget
As a homeowner, you want to live in a place that accentuates your style – from a beautiful sense of arrival or exquisitely decorated building lobby, complete with freshly pruned trees and lush landscaping – but unless your strata council has strategically planned out your strata’s budget, you can forget all of that. -
What Goes Into Strata Fees?
Condo living has its perks: amazing urban locations close to public transportation, being part of a community without having to do yard work or home maintenance, enjoying amenities like fitness centres, party lounges and pools at your doorstep. Just don’t forget that those perks come at a price – a monthly strata fee. What are strata fees and how are they determined? -
Beware of These Five Budget Busters
As a board member, one of your principal responsibilities is stewardship of the association’s finances. A lot of that boils down to one thing: the annual budget. Unfortunately, for many board members, “annual budget” is just another term for “big headache.” It doesn’t have to be that way. By staying aware of common budgeting pitfalls, you can make the creation of your annual budget less of a hassle – and ensure an entire year of minimal money woes while you’re at it. -
Five Qualities of an HOA Treasurer
The HOA board members of your community association serve many important leadership functions. This article will discuss the role of treasurer and the impact they have on the health and future growth of your community.