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Starting a neighborhood watch program? Understanding neighborhood watch rules and duties
Neighborhood Watch programs can provide significant benefits to communities – after all, they boost community awareness, communication and involvement, while reducing opportunities for neighborhood crimes to occur. But if you’re interested in getting started, there are many important factors to consider. Here’s an overview. -
The Six Secrets to Building Your HOA Volunteer Pool
Whether you’re on the board of a single-family homeowners association (HOA) or a high-rise condo association, your community 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. -
Why association boards chose FirstService Residential
Finding a property management company to partner with your board isn’t easy. Find out how we can help you. -
HOA lawsuit: Why community associations get sued and what to do if it happens to you
Your community or condominium association is there to protect the interests of all of its members. However, there may be situations when one or more residents don’t believe that the association is on their side. Hopefully, everyone involved can come to a reasonable solution, but if you can’t, it’s possible that your association – and even your board members – could become the target of a lawsuit. -
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. -
5 Ways You Can Improve Board Communication
How well your board communicates has a tremendous impact on your community association. Every board can benefit from these 5 principles. -
8 Skills You'll Master as a Board President
You've been elected as the President of the Board for your community association. You're signing up for a very important job! Here are some necessary skills! -
9 Guidelines for a Successful Community Association
Volunteering on the board of a community association is not for the faint of heart and can be a full-time job! Communities come in different shapes and sizes, but serving on a board of directors is similar across the board. -
All You Need to Know About Property Management Social Media
Social media can be a phenomenal marketing and communications tool for your community association! But you need a strategy! -
Can You Go After HOA Owners for Their Guests’ Damages?
Every community can expect to experience negligent or careless guests who will either cause a ruckus, or worse, damage association property. When that happens, deciding who should be held responsible for their actions can create a delicate – and potentially volatile – situation. Oftentimes, Boards may go after the owner, but they shouldn’t forge full-steam ahead without some sort of ammunition. -
Do You Have a Community Communication Plan?
Clear, effective communication from the board to the residents makes a difference! Poor communication can negatively impact your community's reputation, operating budget and property values. -
Communication in an Emergency is Key to Hurricane Preparation and Rebuilding
The strongest hurricane preparedness plan won’t be effective if you haven’t communicated it. Make sure that everyone knows what to do by following these important recommendations. -
Wondering What to Ask a Property Management Company in Florida? Here's 8 Questions
Know what questions to ask a prospective property management company in Florida? Check out our list to ensure you have all the right information before making a choice. -
Five Simple Tips for Marketing Your Association
Nothing says a healthy community like full homes/units and bustling activity in common areas. Painting a pretty picture of a dynamic community to potential buyers takes minimal effort on the part of the board. -
Four Ways to Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off
Ah, summertime in Florida. Backyard barbecues. Long days at the beach. And endless mosquito bites. -
Vendor Communication Best Practices: The Do’s and Don’ts
Open and effective communication among the board, management company and vendors is an important part of any community's operating budget and for improving residents' lifestyles. -
How to Establish HOA Board Member Succession in Your Florida Community
Having a great board of directors to lead the way for a community association is vital to its future well-being. How can future board members be prepared to take the reins? -
How to Increase HOA Volunteerism in Your Community
Communities flourish with dedicated volunteers. Here are ways to encourage homeowners to get involved and create a positive environment as volunteers. -
Association Policy 101: How to Make Rules Without Making Enemies
As a board member you know the importance of making rules. The key to association policy making is that rules be clear, sensible and clearly communicated to residents. -
Here's How Your Property Management Staff Can Prepare for a Hurricane
Does your onsite property management staff know policies and procedures, and their individual roles when a storm is on the horizon? -
Having the Same Management Company for a Master Planned Community and Sub-Associations
Master-planned communities are large-scale developments with a variety of amenities that clearly separate them from a standard housing subdivision. The focus is on providing its residents with a certain level of convenience, lifestyle and quality of life. -
Nine Steps to Building the Spirit of the Community
Association boards strive for a property of residents brimming with community spirit. A tightly knit community can be the product of following just a few simple steps. -
Discover the 8 Steps of Budgeting Process
Your budget should be a tool to move your community to action, and as such, it is important to follow some guidelines. Below are eight tips for preparing a budget that works.