Narrow Results
-
A guide to HOA street parking and parking rules
HOA street parking rules dictate where, when, and how residents and visitors can park within a community. Learn more about specific rules and guidelines here. -
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. -
HOA Board Education: Why HOA boards should attend classes, events and expos
Let’s face it: Just because you are a member of your homeowners association (HOA) board of directors, doesn’t mean you know everything about running an HOA. The truth is, most board members are not experts; they are simply volunteers who want to do all that they can to ensure that their community continues to be a great place to live. -
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! -
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. -
How preventive maintenance can keep your HOA ready for all seasons
Cold weather will soon be upon us, so now is the time for your homeowner association (HOA) to make sure your maintenance program is on track. As brutal as Chicago 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. Don't get caught in the cold! -
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. -
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. -
Association Reserve Funding Strategies: Ensuring Your Budget's Success
As a board member, one of your top responsibilities is to maintain and improve your community’s physical property. But it can be tricky to budget for new amenities like a dog park or gate houses, or shared, common-area assets that will need to be replaced or upgraded years down the line such as roofing or building facades. -
What to consider through an HOA appointing a new board member
You've gone from a fully functioning homeowners association (HOA) board to a leadership group with a gaping vacancy. This hampers productivity, causes confusion, and at its worst, may create worry amongst your association members. But not to fret. HOA Board turnover happens. And if managed correctly, you can fill the opening and get back to business in short order. Below are some tips to help you through the process of filling an HOA Board vacancy. -
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. -
HOA board member responsibilities explained
Becoming a board member is a great way to engage with your neighbors and create positive changes in your community. But sometimes, new volunteers have little to no experience and must learn the community's rules, the board’s responsibilities and the demands of their roles as they go -
Association Special Assessments: How to Avoid Them
For board members, special assessments are typically unwelcome necessities. They are primarily needed because reserves have been underfunded and must be supplemented to pay for large capital projects such as replacing roofs or mechanical equipment. -
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. -
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. -
HOA collections: A guide for boards and residents
As an elected board member, you have certain duties and obligations to the homeowners in your community. One of the most important of these is your commitment to protecting the financial health of the homeowners association (HOA). After all, the entire community depends on you to manage its money and keep its operations running smoothly. -
Leaking roof in winter: Why it happens and what to do
Your residents are calling on about water leaks after a snowfall. Could an ice dam on the roof be the culprit? -
How to start an HOA in your community: 10 simple steps
This article will walk homeowners and community leaders through how to create a homeowners association, highlight its benefits, and clarify some common questions. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to create a homeowners association and the responsibilities it entails. -
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. -
Creating a New HOA Policy Without Making Enemies
Whether you are addressing overnight guest parking, or approved flooring, the basic process for creating good policies and enforcing them successfully are the same. Consider these eight steps when establishing an HOA policy.