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The Difference Between Operating Costs and Condo Reserve Fund Expenditures
Sometimes confusion exists over what expenses the operating budget covers and those that are reserve fund responsibilities. If board members understand the difference between the two, it's much easier for them to make the correct decisions when managing the affairs of the condominium corporation. -
Seven Important Things to Know About Condominium Boards
Each condominium corporation in Alberta is required by law to elect a board of directors to manage the corporation on behalf of all the owners. This article gives more detail about the election process and the role of the board. -
The Sharing Economy Part 2: Reducing the Risks to Condo Associations and Residents
Short term vacation rentals are popular with both travelers and the homeowners that rent to them. Perhaps you have stayed in a home that was advertised on Airbnb or VRBO. Maybe you have rented your home this way. For the most part people love this alternative to staying in a hotel or a B & B. But what are the implications when the home is part of a multi-family community? What about the common areas and amenities for which all the owners pay upkeep? There can be insurance implications as well. This article discusses some ways the risks to the condominium and its residents can be reduced. -
Should You Consider Moving to a High-Rise Condo?
There are many things to consider when it is time to move. Maybe you’re moving to a new neighbourhood or a new city. What if you want a complete lifestyle change and are thinking about leaving your single-family home or townhome and considering moving to a high-rise condominium? Depending upon your goals, this may or may not be the right move for you. -
Six Simple Steps to Develop Your Condo Budget
A good budget provides the framework for the successful operation of a condominium corporation. Sometimes condo board members are daunted by this important undertaking. We have broken the task down into manageable steps to help you create a financial plan that will accomplish your goals. -
Staying Ahead of Your Condo Corporation’s Maintenance and Improvement Projects
Continually maintaining and improving your property is crucial if you want to protect your condominium corporation’s financial health. To ensure that these important responsibilities are well managed requires a long-term plan and a means of effectively handling day-to-day projects. Here’s how you can make that happen. -
5 Ways to Stop Disagreements from Taking Over Your Board Meetings
If you’ve ever been a volunteer board member, you probably know the importance of board meetings. However, sometimes they are not as productive and professional as they could be. Delicate situations can arise. To keep your meetings focused, respectful and collaborative, put these helpful tips into practice. -
The Nuts and Bolts of Running a Great Condo Board Meeting
Love them or hate them, if you are a condominium board member you know that board meetings are essential to the successful operation of the community. But not all meetings are as effective as they should be. With some planning and guidelines in place this can be improved in short order. -
Getting the Right Training to Be a Successful Board Member
Most people who join the board of their condominium corporation aren’t experts. Rather, they are well-intentioned, dedicated volunteer-leaders who want to protect property values and ensure their community continues to be a great place to live. If you’re a new board member – or even a seasoned one – it’s important to get the training you need to govern effectively and address the issues you may face. -
What are Your Property Manager’s Responsibilities
What are your property manager's responsibilities? Find out if they have what it takes. Upcoming Condominium Management Licenses and more. -
Common Social Media Risks Texas HOAs & COAs Should Avoid
How do boards mitigate social media risks? We asked the expert. Watch the webinar to learn how to promote online engagement and avoid legal pitfalls. -
Winterizing Your Community Association
Now is the time for building engineers to winterize their buildings to protect them from harsh Illinois winters. -
Tax Certiorari: Fast Facts for Boards and Owners in New York City
FirstService Residential managed properties have access to the tax certiorari experts at Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP, the premier firm in this specialized field. -
FISP (Local Law 11) - Understanding Cycle 9 Requirements in NYC
FirstService Residential has invested substantial resources to facilitate each of our managed properties with facade inspections and is here to help you navigate the many intricacies of FISP. -
Watch the Webinar: Lifestyle Trends for 2021
Catch our latest online discussion with our lifestyle gurus, who'll discuss this year's lifestyle trends, best practices and hosting virtual events. -
4 HOA Strategies to Cut Costs and Maintain Assessments
There are valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may be able to go a different route. Here are four strategies to save your HOA money and keep assessments stable. -
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. -
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. -
HOA Committees and Volunteers: 8 Tips to Rally Residents
An effective Utah homeowners association will not only recruit great volunteers and committee members, but will empower them to help improve the community. The question is – how do you get there? -
Staying Connected: Communication Best Practices for Board Members
These four components of a successful communication plan will help your board create and deliver effective messaging throughout the year. -
Ask the Expert: Storm Cleanup in Texas HOAs and COAs
Who's responsible for storm cleanup in Texas? We asked the legal experts in this video on disaster recovery, state laws, insurance, liabilities, and more. -
9 Tips on How to Improve Communication Amongst Your HOA Board
Healthy board communication is the key to enhancing your Arizona HOA’s reputation and property values. Use these 9 tips on how to improve communication to strengthen your HOA board. -
5 Things to Know About Adequate Staffing
Does your homeowners association have adequate staff for the services that you provide? Learn how to staff your community effectively. -
Beyond the Basics and Maximizing HOA Reserve Funds
Is your HOA reserving enough funds for the future? Go beyond the basics of reserve funds and learn how to maximize your investments.