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  • Surprising ways to stretch your HOA's dollars

    If you’re on the board of a condo, co-op, high-rise or HOA, you know that managing your community’s budget is a major priority. You’ve likely explored many ways to save money and get the best deals, while still maintaining a high level of service.
  • Mortgage loan tips: Preparing and applying for a mortgage

    We’ve got the scoop on how to get a mortgage loan, so read on for our top six tips to increase your chances.
  • Eleven essential rooftop amenities ideas for your high-rise

    By leveraging this space to offer creative and imaginative amenities, you’ll not only increase property values, but you’ll also provide a gathering place for residents to relax and connect. Great rooftop spaces also have a way of infusing more resort style living into your high-rise.
  • Trends in Amenity Planning and Design for Lifestyle Communities

    Amenities continue to rank among one of the most important considerations for prospective buyers at both active adult and multi-generational lifestyle communities across the country. Amenities are highly influential in motivating a homebuyer’s decision about where they ultimately choose to live and also contribute to the overall level of satisfaction among current homeowners. Communities that fall short in meeting buyer expectations or that fail to plan amenities around consumer interests can be negatively impacted in terms of sales, referrals, profitability and reputation of their brand. Homeowner associations, tasked with planning for new amenities and implementation of supporting programming, will have influence on these important variables.
  • What is an HOA fee and what do HOA fees cover?

    Congratulations! You just bought a new home and it’s perfect for your family – just the right size, condition, location and neighborhood to meet your needs. Your new home is part of a homeowners’ association (HOA), which means you will pay HOA fees. What is an HOA fee? What do they pay for?
  • What is an HOA balance sheet, and how do you read it?

    The chief responsibility of a community association board member is to preserve, protect and enhance the community. That includes, above all else, its financial health. But you can’t affect the financial health of your community if you don’t understand where it is when you join the board. Balance sheets are the best tool for gaining that basic understanding.
  • 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.
  • A guide to planning your association budget

    Read on for more about how to best complete your next annual association budget, a budget that will enhance your property values and improve your residents’ lives.
  • What’s missing from your community association budget?

    Every year about the same time, your community association board is most likely creating its budget for the following year. Learn about seven commonly neglected items in community association budgets that you may be missing.
  • 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.
  • Why your association needs an annual insurance review

    You know that your association needs to have the right insurance coverage in place. So you have property coverage, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, directors and officers (D&O) and an umbrella policy in place. Premiums are paid regularly and on time. Did you know that’s not enough?
  • Budget Communications: Understanding your association budget

    There's an entire process to creating, implementing, & communicating your association budget. Learn more about how to simplify this process.
  • 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.
  • 10 Tips for Managing Your Community Pool

    Managing your pool properly is important! Learn more about maintenance, safety issues and compliance matters that go into correctly operating a community pool.
  • 12 to-do’s for ultimate HOA landscaping maintenance

    A good spring-cleaning can do wonders for your community association. Here are some tips to get your started.
  • What is The Best Pool Heater for Florida Communities?

    Even in the sunny warmth of Florida, water in a swimming pool isn't usually warm enough. Solution? A pool heater. There are several options, each with pros and cons, according to Chris Normandeau, director of FirstService Energy.
  • 3 Cost Containment Strategies to Minimize Assessment Hikes

    Your fiduciary responsibility is the most important commitment to fellow homeowners. Learn cost containment strategies that can save your association money.
  • Budgeting in the Time of COVID

    The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting unique challenges to shaping a solid 2021 budget. Is your association budget on target to meet your short-term goals and help achieve your long-term vision?
  • 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.
  • See the 2016 Florida HOA Budget Requirements

    A proper budget is the cornerstone of any business, and a Condominium or Homeowners Association is certainly no exception. Here are steps you can take to make the process as painless as possible.
  • What to Know About the Property Tax Appeal and Paying Property Tax - Miami-Dade and Broward Counties

    Property taxes are a reality for all property owners, but they can petition for an appeal. Condo owners and association Boards can file a joint petition for property tax appeal to cover all units in the building.
  • Estoppel Certificates: 7 Myths and the Real Facts

    Estoppel certificates are a critical part of any real estate transaction and can be confusing. What's included, how are they created, what does it all mean? Learn more here.
  • Learn About HOA Treasurer Responsibilities

    A great board treasurer has skills and characteristics to tackle the responsibilities of planning and strategizing the financial livelihood of a community. The right treasurer can make a big difference!
Showing 97 - 120 of 550