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  • Five reasons to use quality HOA vendors

    When you have a large-scale project slated for your community, it’s tempting to select a vendor based on price. After all, what’s more important than saving your association money?
  • Understanding virtual board meetings in your HOA and COA

    Given the unprecedented practice of "social distancing," now may be the best time to find the right video conferencing platform for your association.
  • What is vendor management? Communication, tips, and processes

    Vendor management is a large part of serving on the board of a managed community. Every community has outside partners for services like landscaping, sanitation, cable and Internet provision, pool maintenance, valet services and more. Open and effective communication among the board, the management company and the vendors employed by the association is an important part of making the most of any community’s operating budget and improving the lifestyles of its residents.
  • What to consider when hiring property management vendors

    Your Board of Directors oversees the many day-to-day tasks required to operate and maintain your community…but they can’t do it alone. Your property management team will be expected to hire a wide array of vendors, including painters, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, repairmen for equipment maintenance or emergencies, exterminators, and more.
  • Millennials and your association: What you should know

    Millennials are the fastest growing group of home buyers in the US. Learn why you need to get this important demographic involved in your association today.
  • 5 steps to create a lifestyle program using community amenities

    Now more than ever, communities are searching for ways to increase resident engagement and create a social atmosphere. One way managers capitalize on their available community amenities is through lifestyle programming.
  • How to Host an Annual Meeting Your Homeowners Will WANT to Attend

    Annual meetings don't have to be boring! Learn how your community association board can entice your homeowners into attending with easy tips.
  • How to plan a successful HOA event

    Want your events to bring residents closer? Everyone loves a well-planned event, and the residents in your community association are no exception. Follow these tips for creating memorable events in your community association.
  • How to increase HOA and community volunteerism

    Regardless of the size of your community, or where it’s located, there is always one thing that every community association board and committee needs: resident volunteers. Unfortunately, however, volunteers are often a scarce resource.
  • Making a Difference One Face Mask at a Time

    Learn how associates, residents and board members are making a difference in their communities, one face mask at a time, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Monster Meetings - Stick to the Rules to Control Meetings

    While association meetings usually run smoothly, Board members with differing opinions and agendas can create tension and stress. The good news is that by following standard procedure protocols, Board meetings can be run without a hitch. In this article from chicagocooperator.com, FirstService Residential VP Patricia Bialek of Illinois summarizes "Roberts Rules of Order" and explains how Board presidents can use them to keep meetings under control.
  • Handling vendor contract disputes and conflicts: A step-by-step guide

    You’ve been there before. You meet with a vendor, they seem like a great choice, and then after a month or so, you find yourself in a dispute.
  • Benefits of HOA parks and playgrounds

    HOA community playgrounds and HOA parks can offer a great deal for your residents. They can serve as vibrant hubs, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among homeowners of all ages. They offer more than just a place to play. They create a shared space for everyone to enjoy.
  • Six ways to maximize your community committees

    Community members join committees because they want to make a difference. That’s great, but sometimes, as they say, life gets in the way. Let’s not forget that committee members are all volunteers, which means it might take something a little extra to keep them motivated.
  • Socially Distant Celebration During COVID-19

    Learn how community members are making a difference in their communities with socially distant celebrations during COVID-19 spring holidays.
  • 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.
  • Creating effective association committees: Five key steps

    All homeowner and community associations are different from one another, as they are comprised of a collaborative group of board members. Just as associations differ so do the special committees that fall under the association. You can have as many different types of experiences with committees as there are kinds of committees themselves.
  • HOA committee guidelines to avoid chaos

    Community committees are a great way to involve more residents in the activities of their homeowner association, help ensure the rules and regulations of the association are followed, and help lighten the workload of volunteer board members. Some common committees include beautification, architectural, landscaping and grievance committee. At their best, committees are finely tuned engines for getting things done in your community. When there is a breakdown or discord, they’re agents of confusion, wreaking havoc on progress and operating as the figurative wrecking balls for a few overbearing committee members.
  • HOA Vendors: Vendor management tips for great results

    Here are some tips to manage your HOA vendors more effectively & and get the results you're looking for.
  • 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.
  • How your HOA can build community spirit

    Community spirit: that intangible thing that binds associations together. But building it happens in very tangible ways. Best of all, it’s not as daunting as you might think. A tightly knit community can be created by having your association follow just a few simple steps. Let’s go over some of those ideas right here.
  • 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.
  • 10 Planning Property Event Ideas for Your Community

    If you're tasked with planning property events for your community or condo association, have no fear! Follow these simple steps for a successful event.
  • 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!
Showing 25 - 48 of 256