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What to Consider Before Buying a Vacation Home in Florida
A weekend or vacation getaway may turn out to be a good long-term investment, but it's important to do a little research first. Consider these five factors before you commit. -
10 key tips to managing your Georgia community pool
In Georgia, many communities enjoy their swimming pool amenities. it is important that you make sure your pool is in compliance with state and local regulations and ordinances. -
Keeping Your Community Safe During Summer Vacation Season
Georgia is fortunate to have milder winters than much of the United States, but summer is still the most wonderful time of year for a lot of people. Of course, a lot of folks take that opportunity to travel. -
Keep Your Community Safe and Cool: Summer Water Safety
Fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing and other refreshing water sports are a key part of summertime in Georgia. Georgians have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water throughout the summer months. -
Landscape Basics: Getting the Most Out of Your Landscape Design
Trees are an essential and invaluable part of the environment. They provide oxygen, improve air quality, add character to landscaping, increase curb appeal and property values. -
Reopening Amenities: Creating New High-Rise and HOA Swimming Pool Rules
As the weather heats up and stay-at-home orders surrounding COVID-19 are lifted, it's important to remember the social distancing guidelines in place. -
Ten Ways to Take Your Rooftop to the Next Level
When it comes to upgrading your high-rise amenities, start at the top: your rooftop! That space can be enhanced to offer new opportunities for fun, relaxation and building community, while also enhancing your property values. -
The Risks and Rewards of Self-Managed Community Associations
Are you doing all you can to make sure your self-managed community meets its goals? -
Top 10 Socially Distant Activities to Keep Your Community Healthy
As the days and weeks pass, and residents of your condominium or HOA are asked to stay home, it's more important than ever to help your community stay fit and active! -
6 Ways HOAs Partner with Management Companies
The distinct roles of the board and manager can shed some light on the ways the board can develop an effective partnership. -
Slow and Steady: 5 Surprising Benefits of Raising Your Dues
It’s that time of year again – budget season is upon us. You know the things to consider when creating your budget, but what drives your process? Are you focused on achieving a particular vision for your community? Avoiding conflict in the community? Solely looking to avoid increasing dues? -
Community Association Terms That Every Board Member Should Know
New to a condo or homeowners association, or need a refresher? We put together some vocabulary you will want to be familiar with. -
Four Ways Illinois Condos/Co-ops and HOAs Can Save Money on Energy Bills with the Best Property Management Services
Energy conservation and managing HOA community environmental footprints are crucial, but board members have a responsibility to homeowners to exercise financial prudence and proactively seek ways to manage rising costs. -
Four ways to set decoration policies for your community association without being a grinch
The holiday season is upon us, and nothing puts you in a festive spirit like pulling your holiday decorations out of storage. Many people derive a sense of community and comfort from seeing familiar decorations at the same time each year. -
How to Communicate so Residents Listen
Are residents in your community always aware of upcoming events, construction projects and board meetings? Do they understand their responsibilities and the policies they need to comply with? -
How to Communicate: What Your Board Should Know and Do
You want your community association to be successful. All board members do. You know that means watching the finances carefully and maintaining the property. But do you think about effective board communication as an ingredient in your recipe for success? It is! -
How to Improve Communication in Your Association
As a homeowner, you can do your part to make communication in your community association better. Find out how. -
Is Energy Taking a Big Bite Out of Your HOA’s Operating Budget?
You may not be able to control rising utility rates, but your condo or homeowners association (HOA) can take measures to make your energy budget go a lot further. Just follow the four strategies described in this article. They’ve already worked for many Illinois properties managed by FirstService Residential. -
Tis the Season…Will Your Holiday Packages Arrive Safely and on Time?
It’s that wonderful time of year! Many of us are shopping online to get that perfect gift for our loved ones. And, for those doing last-minute shopping, we don’t want to have to worry that something will go wrong with our deliveries. -
Promoting Fire Safety in Your Community Association
Part of your job as a board member is ensuring the safety of residents in your community association. To that end, it’s important to educate homeowners about possible fire risks and the steps they can take to prevent fire hazards in their homes. Chances are that fire safety isn’t top of mind for residents. However, home fires are more common than most people realize. -
Implementing a Building Fire Safety Plan for Your Community Association
Part of your job as a board member is ensuring the safety of residents in your community association. To that end, it’s important to educate homeowners about possible fire risks and the steps they can take to prevent fire hazards in their homes. Chances are that fire safety isn’t top of mind for residents. However, home fires are more common than most people realize. -
Getting Your Building’s Spring Cleaning Started
The spring season is a time for renewal and a fresh look, so being able to properly landscape around the building is of utmost importance. -
Have your HOA ready for all seasons with preventive maintenance
Having an integrated plan is the key to proactively addressing your property's maintenance needs. Here are six things you need to do for an effective preventive maintenance plan. -
How to Communicate so HOA and Condo Residents Listen
Are residents in your community always aware of upcoming events, construction projects and board meetings? Do they understand their responsibilities and the policies they need to comply with? When your board clearly and effectively communicates with residents, it has a positive impact on the overall wellbeing of your condo or homeowners association (HOA). Open and honest communication creates the perception of transparency and facilitates a feeling of community.