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HOA best practices for improving board effectiveness
Whether you are a board member who wants to ensure your board is doing everything it can to succeed or a resident who wants to get involved in the governing of your community, we have identified the best practices that can help you get the answers you need. -
Keeping your community on track during the holiday season
Holidays can be a lot of fun when you live in a planned community, condo or co-op. But when you are on your association’s board of directors, they can also be a lot of work. You have to make sure all the prep work is done, decorations are up, vacations are covered and parties are planned. Can a group of volunteers—as dedicated as you may be—possibly get it all done? And do you dare wish to do it with minimal stress, too? -
Understanding the HOA board's role in preventing association fraud
As a homeowner who lives in an association, you put a lot of trust in the people designated to manage your association’s money. So it can come as quite a shock if you discover that one of those people has been stealing from your association’s funds. Fraud can leave you and your neighbors feeling betrayed and vulnerable. -
HOA board vs management company: 6 ways to work together
Homeowner and condo association board members know that their collective actions yield lots of great results. Just take a look at the minutes from your last couple of meetings and you’ll see all the evidence you need. -
Understanding the duties during property management staffing changes
Sooner or later, most community associations face some kind of management change. If your community has a great manager, you probably want them to stay forever. But how realistic is that? -
What makes a great board treasurer? 6 things to know
Every association board is primarily responsible for preserving, protecting, and maintaining the association's assets. That requires careful financial management, which is where your board treasurer comes in. -
Preventing Community Association Fraud: Part Two – Your Property Management Company’s Role
Fraud can strike just about any association – even one that is professionally managed – regardless of how small or large your community may be. However, a good property management company will have checks and balances and other security measures in place to help reduce the risk. -
What makes a community great? 6 essential elements
Good community living looks easy. People are smiling. Residents are enjoying amenities. And the neighborhood or building looks amazing. But behind all this, there’s a lot of hard work. So who, exactly, is responsible for creating the kind of place people love to call home? And how does it all come together? Well, those answers are what we’re here for. Let’s take a look at the essential elements that need to come together to create a great community. -
What makes a good board member? 6 qualities to look for
Congratulations are in order – you’ve just been elected to the board. So now the big question: What’s next? “The great thing about associations that are helmed by owners is that they have a vested interest in doing right by their community,” said Kirk Kowieski, CMCA, AMS, vice president of FirstService Residential. “But that also comes with challenges...many board members find themselves in this kind of position for the first time, so there’s a little bit of a learning curve.” Fortunately, FirstService Residential is here to help. Follow these new board member basics and you’ll soon be governing like a pro. -
Six Stats That Should Make Homeowner Association Board Members Proud
As a board member, you can measure your success in a lot of different ways. The projects you’ve completed, the financials you’ve strengthened, the long-term plans you’ve put in place – all of these are clear indicators that you’ve done your job, and you’ve done it well. -
10 Quick Ways to Transform Difficult Board Members into Positive Forces
The great thing about community association boards is the variety of people who volunteer their time to serve the association. They bring with them different perspectives, divergent attitudes, and refreshing points of view. -
The Do's and Don’ts of Community Association Warranties
When your homeowners association took control of your community from the developer, a lot of paperwork came with that. Some of the paperwork undoubtedly included a number of warranties. Since then, you have probably collected warranties for a range of products and services your association has purchased. But be honest: How familiar are you with them? -
HOA board member positions and their role in your community
It takes a lot to build a great community: you need committed residents, a dedicated board of directors, and a clear understanding of everybody’s roles and responsibilities. A strong community board will offer a complete vision for the community. -
Tips for creating drone rules in your community
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane… no, it’s a drone! And it could cause a potential conflict in your homeowner’s association (HOA). While some HOAs and property management companies use the drones as a tool to conduct property inspections, these unmanned, remote-piloted flying vehicles raise important questions on safety and privacy, especially for those devices equipped with cameras and imaging technology. So what’s the role of your community association management company when it comes to drones? Let’s take a look. -
HOA newsletter ideas: Seven tips for creating an HOA newsletter
Congratulations! You’ve been elected to the Board of your community association. You and your fellow members have some exciting ideas about ways to improve your community. And part of that is keeping your residents informed. It should be easy for you to write and distribute a newsletter, right? -
Virtual Programs for Healthy and Happy Active Lifestyle Communities
Chances are, you joined the board at your HOA or condo because you’re extremely passionate about the community and want to improve the experience of the other residents within it. Part of adding value to residents in your community is offering classes and programs for them to participate in to get to know their neighbors and offer opportunities for them to stay happy and healthy. Read on to find some suggestions for great virtual programs for communities like yours. -
4 essential tips for HOA board training
To be an effective board member you need the right training. Learn how to get the training you need to successfully govern your community association. -
What do HOA Board Members Really Want? 7 Top Service Issues
Whether you're on the board of a high-rise or community association. you want to hire a property management company that will provide the best service for their community. What does that really mean? -
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. -
CC&R Meaning: What you need to know about HOA CC&Rs
In the following article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about HOA CC&Rs, including the basics, benefits, and how they impact your community. -
The importance of your front desk staff and building reception
Your front desk staff is the “face” of your building – the first point of contact for homeowners and guests. As a result, each members plays a crucial role in creating your building’s image, as well as shaping the perceptions and experiences of everyone who enters. Consequently, when a resident or visitor walks through the front door – whether it’s their first time or hundredth – the reception and greeting they receive and the way they are treated can significantly impact their entire experience. -
11 Things About Community Association Management Every Board Should Know
Choosing the right community association management company is one of the most important decisions a board will make. Know what you should expect from a qualified service provider! -
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? -
5 Steps to Good Board Succession Planning
In your community association, it's important to identify people who have leadership potential and train them for the eventuality of being in charge.