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What makes a good board member? 6 qualities to look for
Congratulations are in order – you’ve just been elected to the board. So now the big question: What’s next? “The great thing about associations that are helmed by owners is that they have a vested interest in doing right by their community,” said Kirk Kowieski, CMCA, AMS, vice president of FirstService Residential. “But that also comes with challenges...many board members find themselves in this kind of position for the first time, so there’s a little bit of a learning curve.” Fortunately, FirstService Residential is here to help. Follow these new board member basics and you’ll soon be governing like a pro. -
Six Stats That Should Make Homeowner Association Board Members Proud
As a board member, you can measure your success in a lot of different ways. The projects you’ve completed, the financials you’ve strengthened, the long-term plans you’ve put in place – all of these are clear indicators that you’ve done your job, and you’ve done it well. -
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. -
Success By Committee: Five Ways to Make it Happen
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. -
10 Quick Ways to Transform Difficult Board Members into Positive Forces
The great thing about community association boards is the variety of people who volunteer their time to serve the association. They bring with them different perspectives, divergent attitudes, and refreshing points of view. -
The Do's and Don’ts of Community Association Warranties
When your homeowners association took control of your community from the developer, a lot of paperwork came with that. Some of the paperwork undoubtedly included a number of warranties. Since then, you have probably collected warranties for a range of products and services your association has purchased. But be honest: How familiar are you with them? -
HOA board member positions and their role in your community
It takes a lot to build a great community: you need committed residents, a dedicated board of directors, and a clear understanding of everybody’s roles and responsibilities. A strong community board will offer a complete vision for the community. -
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. -
Tips for creating drone rules in your community
Look up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane… no, it’s a drone! And it could cause a potential conflict in your homeowner’s association (HOA). While some HOAs and property management companies use the drones as a tool to conduct property inspections, these unmanned, remote-piloted flying vehicles raise important questions on safety and privacy, especially for those devices equipped with cameras and imaging technology. So what’s the role of your community association management company when it comes to drones? Let’s take a look. -
HOA newsletter ideas: Seven tips for creating an HOA newsletter
Congratulations! You’ve been elected to the Board of your community association. You and your fellow members have some exciting ideas about ways to improve your community. And part of that is keeping your residents informed. It should be easy for you to write and distribute a newsletter, right? -
Updating Your Community Emergency Preparedness Plan for Pandemics
In the past, when planning for emergencies, a global pandemic was likely not on your list. While most board members did not anticipate a pandemic as something that needed a plan before COVID-19, it's now clear that communities need to develop a plan to address this and any future pandemics. Read on to learn how to build a community emergency preparedness plan with a possible resurgence of coronavirus and other potential pandemics in mind. -
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. -
4 essential tips for HOA board training
To be an effective board member you need the right training. Learn how to get the training you need to successfully govern your community association. -
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. -
What do HOA Board Members Really Want? 7 Top Service Issues
Whether you're on the board of a high-rise or community association. you want to hire a property management company that will provide the best service for their community. What does that really mean? -
What to consider through an HOA appointing a new board member
You've gone from a fully functioning homeowners association (HOA) board to a leadership group with a gaping vacancy. This hampers productivity, causes confusion, and at its worst, may create worry amongst your association members. But not to fret. HOA Board turnover happens. And if managed correctly, you can fill the opening and get back to business in short order. Below are some tips to help you through the process of filling an HOA Board vacancy. -
CC&R Meaning: What you need to know about HOA CC&Rs
In the following article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about HOA CC&Rs, including the basics, benefits, and how they impact your community. -
The importance of your front desk staff and building reception
Your front desk staff is the “face” of your building – the first point of contact for homeowners and guests. As a result, each members plays a crucial role in creating your building’s image, as well as shaping the perceptions and experiences of everyone who enters. Consequently, when a resident or visitor walks through the front door – whether it’s their first time or hundredth – the reception and greeting they receive and the way they are treated can significantly impact their entire experience. -
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! -
15 Things You’ll Want to Do Before Selecting an Insurance Agent
Insurance is one of the most important line items on your association's budget, but it is oftentimes the most expensive. Do you know how to select the right agent?