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Five FAQS about master homeowner associations
A master association is an entity that governs a community comprised of multiple sub-associations, such as condominiums, townhomes, or gated communities. -
Condo Capital Improvements: Lending Solutions for Condominium and Co-op Boards
FirstService Residential and FirstService Financial work in tandem to help our clients successfully finance capital improvement projects and save money without compromising quality of service. -
8-Step, No-Regrets Guide to Better Bidding
Transitioning to new management? See these 8 steps to ensure a seamless switch and take the stress out of change. -
HOA Landscaping and Property Maintenance Tips to Add More Green to Community Property Values
It’s often said that you should never judge a book by its cover. However, the front-line curb appeal of a community can make a difference in the value of every property in a neighborhood. This is one reason current and potential homeowners consider landscaping and common-area maintenance so important. -
Upholding community standards: 5 most common HOA violations
An HOA violation refers to any action or condition that goes against the community's governing documents, including covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), and bylaws. -
HOA Liens: What homeowners need to know
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what HOA liens are, how they work, and their implications for homeowners. -
Five Landscaping Maintenance Tips to Help Communities Rake In Curb Appeal and Value
For most people, looking neat, attractive and well groomed ranks high on their list of priorities. They have the same expectations for where they live – in fact, according to a recent industry survey, over 70% of homebuyers consider curb appeal an important factor when choosing a community. -
FAQ: How New York City’s COVID Vaccination Requirement Impacts Boards & Building Owners
As of December 27, 2021, New York City’s Department of Health requires building workers who perform in-person work to show proof of vaccination to their employer. -
2020 HOA Budget Trends: What Has Changed?
Have HOA budgets changed in 2020? Find out what 7 trends have shaped association budget planning this year. -
Avoiding Community Conflict: Best HOA Practices for Dispute Resolution
How do you prevent conflict, avoid costly litigation and maintain a great resident experience in your community? Start by adopting these best practices for dispute resolution. -
Is HOA Agreement a Unicorn? 3 Boards Share What It Takes
While maintenance, events, committees, and budget are all crucial aspects of managing a homeowners’ association, there's one even bigger challenge that board members face: HOA agreement and alignment. Read on to discover the secret to successful alignment among diverse individuals with distinct values. -
Budgeting for Your Future: Nine Steps to Make Your HOA Dollars Count
Another budget season is here once again, and that means that the boards of homeowners associations are busy planning, analyzing—and grinding their teeth. We know that developing your HOA’s annual budget is not an easy task. However, with the guidance offered in the following nine steps, you’ll be able to get through the process more easily—and without needing to visit your dentist. -
Choosing the Right Community Management Company to Manage Amenities
A big part of what sets your community apart is the amenities it offers. This goes beyond a pool, a fitness area or a place for a rooftop party – your amenities help create a lifestyle, and that’s the most important thing to residents and association members. -
Financial Health Tips for Your HOA
Maintaining your HOA’s financial health—just like maintaining your personal health—boils down to moderation and good decision making. Eating one deep-fried blooming onion every once in a while isn’t a problem. Eating three or four several times a week is. Keep your HOA financially fit with these four "health" tips. -
Before Creating a New HOA Policy, Ask These 5 Questions
Great policies can help your association run smoothly, enhance the resident experience and improve your reputation. Here are five questions to ask before creating a new HOA policy. -
5 Surprising Reasons to Raise Your HOA Assessments
If your main concern is to avoid increasing assessments, you may want to reconsider. As a board member, one of your primary fiduciary responsibilities is to protect property values, and assessments are an investment that helps do just that. -
Four Steps to Creating a No-Smoking Policy in Your Building
We have all heard about the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. Arizona law addresses the dangers of secondhand smoke through its Smoke-Free Arizona Act. The Act prohibits smoking in enclosed public buildings and workplaces, as well as in enclosed, common areas of multifamily buildings. -
Don’t Be the HOA Bad Guy: 4 Proven Policy Enforcement Tips
Enforcing HOA policies is nobody’s cup of tea, but having good policy enforcement in place helps improve the resident experience and elevates your reputation. Follow these 4 principles for healthy policy enforcement: -
Reserve Funds: HOA Budgeting Tips to Improve Your Returns
Are you getting the best returns on your reserve funds? Most Arizona board members aren't sure. Find out six ways to improve your association's reserve fund returns, like creating an HOA investment policy. -
How to Select the Right Community Management Company
If you’re a board member of a Phoenix HOA, or any Arizona community for that matter, you’re used to facing challenges. But oftentimes, these challenges can become overwhelming. That’s why many master-planned and condo communities look to professional community management companies for help. -
Is Your Association Manager Equipped for Success? 3 Questions to Ask
Does your association manager have the right tools, resources and support to take your association to the next level? -
How Do You Manage HOA Reserves During a Crisis?
It’s vital to prepare for the future and take steps to protect your association reserve funds. Here are 3 ways to manage reserves during a crisis. -
Post-Crisis HOA Cash Management: 3 Tips for Your Association
How do you manage collections and HOA funds after a crisis? Get 3 tips to help you plan for the future -