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Reserve Fund, Assessment or Loan: How to Pay for Capital Improvements
Great capital improvements improve property values. Read on to see the three ways to pay for them and the pros and cons. -
3 Strategies to Keep HOA Assessments Stable and Add Value
There are valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may be able to go a different route. Here are three strategies to save your HOA money and keep assessments stable. -
Vetting Vendors: A path to success
Replacing a trusted vendor or finding a new one can be a challenge. How can you have peace of mind that the vendors you’re considering are right for you? Follow the tips below to help screen potential vendors and get the best fit for your association. -
Avoid These 4 Condo and Co-op Board Member Mistakes
Many condo and co-op board members make the same four mistakes. Find out what they are and what you should do instead -
CoStar-Deluge of Packages Has Apartment Landlords Scrambling for Options
Apartment landlords and property managers are increasingly offering an amenity that’s become a necessity for some tenants, particularly during the holiday season: package delivery management. -
Build a Condominium or Cooperative NYC Fire Safety Plan
For New York City residents who call a high-rise building their home, nothing compares to vertical living. But what about safety features? Specifically speaking, in a condominium or cooperative building, fire safety education is crucial. As a unit owner, shareholder, board member or building staff member, are you educated on how to prepare for the possibility of a fire inside your building or your unit? To help educate you on this topic, we’ve compiled some important tips on fire safety and prevention that every single member in your community needs to be aware of. -
Four Ways to Keep Your Building Safe and Clean
Living in close proximity to other people can come with challenges, especially during cold and flu season. -
From Beagles to Boxers: How to Take Care of a Dog in an Apartment
Here are some important tips and tricks to help keep both you and your furry friend healthy and happy. And as always, be sure to consult your vet or local breeder about how much daily activity is appropriate for your canine pal. -
Commercial Observer-Grading Buildings on Energy Consumption
A new law will require residential and commercial buildings to prove their energy efficiency -
How A Property Management Company Helps to Rebuild After New York City Hurricanes
A powerful hurricane can devastate even those communities that have made all of the preparations that it can. When this happens, the road to recovery and rebuilding can feel long. Fortunately, a great property management company can help. With best practices in place and the help of an experienced team, even the most insurmountable damage can be mitigated, repaired and reversed. -
Keeping Your Budget Healthy in the Age of COVID-19
As you begin to work on next year’s budget, it’s important to look for ways to save your building money to offset those unplanned expenses and potential revenue shortfalls. -
Adoption of NYC Local Law 147 Smoking Policy: Memorandum from General Counsel Ben Kirschenbaum
NYC's latest Local Law #147/2017 requires all owners of class A multiple dwellings, including all coops and condos, to adopt a “smoking policy” no later than August 28, 2018. The purpose of implementing such a policy is to outline the requirements of this law so board members may consider how their coop or condo will comply. -
Opening Considerations for Gyms and Fitness Centers in Residential Buildings
Following the release of Interim Guidelines for Reopening Gyms/Fitness Centers, there are a number of procedures boards will need to consider when reopening fitness centers in residential buildings. -
Technology at Home Part 2: Keeping Boards and Residents Safe Online
As board communications become increasingly reliant on web-based technologies, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to safeguard the way you share and save sensitive information. -
What Should You Expect From Your Property Manager?
Not all property managers have what they need to provide you with great service. Learn what a great property manager looks like. -
Getting Your Building’s Spring Cleaning Started
As building managers begin property inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community. The spring season is a time for renewal and a fresh look, so being able to properly landscape around the building is of utmost importance. -
How a preventive maintenance plan can prepare your condo for all seasons
Cold weather will soon be upon us, so now is the time to make sure your condominium maintenance program is on track. As brutal as Ontario's winters can be, you certainly don't want to discover a leak in your roof during a heavy snowfall or have a boiler stop working during a record cold spell. -
Condo Board Communication: Communicate so Condo Residents Listen
Are residents in your condominium corporation always aware of upcoming events, construction projects and board meetings? Do they understand their responsibilities and the policies they need to comply with? -
How to Improve Communication in Your Condo Corporation
As a homeowner, you can make communication in your condominium corporation better. Find out how to do your part. -
Is Your Management Company a Good Communicator?
Is good communication important to your property management company? Use this questionaire to find out. -
The Do’s & Don’ts of Board Communication
Are Residents in Your Condo Corporation Getting the Message? Does your board know the secrets of effectively communicating with residents? -
Ways to Improve Your Condominium’s Lobby
How do you like to say “hello?” No matter what expression you use, chances are you like to take the opportunity to put your best foot forward and make a good first impression. -
Protecting Your Community Association from Fraud & Embezzlement
Fraud can happen with any management company and even in a community that is self-managed. Although there’s no way to ensure 100-percent protection against such an occurrence, FirstService Residential takes considerable precautions to minimize its likelihood.