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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?

When your association has to invest in its property, whether for repairs or a new construction project, the financing for that work must be considered as carefully as the work itself.

Your budget should be a tool to move your community to action, and as such, it is important to follow some guidelines. Below are eight tips for preparing a budget that works.

Are there vacancies in your community? Empty homes can decrease the curb appeal of your community, lead to compliance issues and have a negative impact on your association's feeling of community.

Is your Board familiar with the term “fair living space”? If not, then you should familiarize yourself with the concept as it can have a profound effect on your community and your residents.

When it comes to the maintenance of your community, issues will arise. Preventative maintenance helps keep future problems at bay, many communities have begun implementing predictive maintenance as well.

Do you hear every single step your upstairs neighbors take? Are they keeping you up at night? Before going ballistic, take a deep breath; it might not be their fault.

A comprehensive plan for preventative maintenance is a top priority with great benefits. It helps detect a problem before a failure, anticipates repairs, and extends the life of every critical asset in your building.

Learn ways your association can offset the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trees are an essential and invaluable part of the environment. They provide oxygen, improve air quality, add character to landscaping, increase curb appeal and property values.

Conflict of interest can be a real threat to your association. Learning how to recognize and avoid conflicts of interest can go a long way toward ensuring the strength and stability of your community.

Ready to trade in your gas card for some time at the charging station? If so, you'll join those who have made the switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).

Electric cars have arrived and there has been a surge of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) purchases driving the need for charging stations. What does this mean for your association?

Nothing lasts forever and you need to have a plan to replace major items and systems before their lifespans end. How do you create that plan? Start with a quality reserve study.

Reserve studies are vital to the success of your association, which is why partnering with the right reserve study firm is critical. Here are some tips to help you find a reserve study firm.

Discover some things that your management company should be doing to maximize your operating budget and keep your association fiscally fit.

All associations are subject to the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and its antidiscrimination provisions. Stay informed to identify the ways you could be exposed to claims of discrimination.

High-rise living has many perks, and high on that list is the amenities. For many home buyers, amenities can be the deciding factor when determining to buy a unit in one building over another.

Radon can pose a very real threat to your health and well-being. Here's a basic overview of radon gas – what it is, where’s it’s found, the risks associated with it and how to protect your home and family from it.

The distinct roles of the board and manager can shed some light on the ways the board can develop an effective partnership.

It’s that time of year again – budget season is upon us. You know the things to consider when creating your budget, but what drives your process? Are you focused on achieving a particular vision for your community? Avoiding conflict in the community? Solely looking to avoid increasing dues?

As community managers begin inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community.

Cold weather will soon be upon us, so now is the time for your homeowner association (HOA) to make sure your maintenance program is on track. As brutal as Chicago 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. Don't get caught in the cold!

You may not be able to control rising utility rates, but your condo or homeowners association (HOA) can take measures to make your energy budget go a lot further. Just follow the four strategies described in this article. They’ve already worked for many Illinois properties managed by FirstService Residential.