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Five Steps to Running More Effective HOA Board Meetings
One of the most challenging aspects of being on the board of your homeowners association (HOA) can be running board meetings. It’s not always easy to keep everyone tuned into the business at hand. In addition, you have to manage the inevitable disagreements among board members. How do you keep these meetings running smoothly? -
The Six Secrets to Building Your Community Association's Volunteer Pool
Your community association 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. -
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. -
Avoid These 5 HOA Board Blunders
To help you avoid the most common board blunders, we’ve identified four mistakes and some practical ways to avoid them. By preventing blunders, you can help steer your board in the right direction, which can ultimately help improve your overall community. -
Can Your HOA Handle a Crisis? 8-Step Emergency Preparedness Plan
Is your association really prepared for an emergency? Learn how to develop an HOA emergency preparedness plan in 8 steps. -
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? -
Your HOA Board and Coronavirus: 5 Questions to Discuss
How should your HOA board handle a pandemic like COVID-19? Start by tackling these 5 questions.; -
Six Ways to Have a Better Board Meeting
Improved board meetings play a crucial role in building up your association’s reputation and relevance in the market, which ultimately helps improve property values. Learn the six principles for better board meetings. -
3 Ways to Resolve HOA Disputes and Community Conflicts
How do you resolve community conflict, prevent costly and time-consuming litigation and maintain a great reputation in the Nevada marketplace? Consider these three methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). -
3 Strategies to Keep HOA Assessments Stable and Add Value
There are valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may be able to go a different route. Here are three strategies to save your HOA money and keep assessments stable. -
Managing Waste for a Greener Community
With a growing focus on proper environmental stewardship, many associations are working toward implementing green initiatives. -
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. -
Email Communication
You may be unaware that you are opening up all of your emails to scrutiny. When using a personal or work email address to conduct association business, there is a potential liability involved. -
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. -
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. -
Habitat Magazine-Communication and Training Are Key Before Disaster Strikes
In New York City, there are numerous safety regulations governing commercial buildings and hotels, but they do not apply to co-ops, condos, or other residential buildings. -
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"? -
Build a Condominium or Cooperative NYC Fire Safety Plan
For New York City residents who call a high-rise building their home, nothing compares to vertical living. But what about safety features? Specifically speaking, in a condominium or cooperative building, fire safety education is crucial. As a unit owner, shareholder, board member or building staff member, are you educated on how to prepare for the possibility of a fire inside your building or your unit? To help educate you on this topic, we’ve compiled some important tips on fire safety and prevention that every single member in your community needs to be aware of. -
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. -
Have You Asked Yourself, "Do I Need Flood Insurance in a High-Rise?"
High-rise buildings in New York City aren’t immune to flooding. Learn the basics of flood insurance and why your NYC high-rise needs it 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 Ins & Outs of NYC Building Energy Rating and Energy Grades
FirstService Residential and FirstService Energy are prepared to help boards and owners identify capital improvements or retrofits that improve a building's energy efficiency score and letter grade.