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Should You Go National or Local When Choosing a Property Management Company?
For many condominium Boards, deciding to hire a property management firm is a move in the right direction, but there is a lot to consider. Read our article on factors to consider when making your decision. -
Six Essential Elements of a Great Community
If you ask anyone to describe what a great community looks like, they are likely to paint the picture of happy homeowners, smiling residents enjoying amenities, and well-kept neighborhoods that look amazing. -
Staff Changes Made Easy
Do you know what you should expect from your management company during staff transitions? -
The Risks and Rewards of Self-Managed Community Associations
Are you doing all you can to make sure your self-managed community meets its goals? -
Association Policy 101: How to Make Rules Without Making Enemies
As a board member, you know the importance of making rules and establishing policy; these must be clear and sensible. The process for creating and enforcing rules successfully is the same. -
Too Many Packages? How Your High-Rise Can Manage the Holiday Rush
Online holiday shopping is a common way to find the perfect gift while saving time and money. Shoppers worry about; will I get it in time and safely? -
Top 10 Socially Distant Activities to Keep Your Community Healthy
As the days and weeks pass, and residents of your condominium or HOA are asked to stay home, it's more important than ever to help your community stay fit and active! -
Using Mediation and Arbitration to Resolve Conflict in Your Community
Disputes may arise in your homeowners or condo association. Often times, the parties involved can settle their differences directly with each other, through honest and open communication -
Want to Make Your Community Smoke-Free? Four Tips to Help
The dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke have been highlighted in recent years. Smoking also affects our physical environment by increasing risks of fire and property damage, raising insurance rates and increasing legal liability. -
What Radon Exposure Can Mean for You and Your Family
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 Top 10: What You Should Expect from Your Property Management Company
Boards are finding that they prefer to hire a quality property management firm than to self-manage. It's not an easy decision for Boards to make, but it is a wise decision and the best one for all involved parties. -
Why All Associations in Master-Planned Communities in Georgia Should be Managed by the Same Community Management Company
There are many benefits to living in a master-planned community. Master-planned living clearly focuses on offering a certain level of convenience, lifestyle and quality of life. -
6 Ways HOAs Partner with Management Companies
The distinct roles of the board and manager can shed some light on the ways the board can develop an effective partnership. -
Community Association Terms That Every Board Member Should Know
New to a condo or homeowners association, or need a refresher? We put together some vocabulary you will want to be familiar with. -
Is Energy Taking a Big Bite Out of Your HOA’s Operating Budget?
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. -
Patricia Bialek Receives Community Manager of the Year Award
Pat Bialek, VP Property Management, was named Community Association Manager of the Year at the Excellence Awards and Winter Gala hosted by the Community Associations Institute (CAI), Illinois Chapter. As the first-ever winner of this prestigious award, Pat was recognized for her exemplary knowledge, ethics, professionalism and skills in financial, administrative and facilities management. -
Tis the Season…Will Your Holiday Packages Arrive Safely and on Time?
It’s that wonderful time of year! Many of us are shopping online to get that perfect gift for our loved ones. And, for those doing last-minute shopping, we don’t want to have to worry that something will go wrong with our deliveries. -
What do Property Managers do? 7 Top Service Issues They Help With
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? -
Association Budgets: Things to Consider When Creating Your Association’s Budget
As a homeowner, you want to live in a place that accentuates your style – from a beautiful entrance monument or exquisitely decorated building lobby, complete with freshly pruned trees and lush landscaping – but unless your association board has strategically planned out your community’s budget, you can forget all of that. The budgeting process is a valuable opportunity to explore the current financial condition of your association and ensure its financial stability for the future. -
Getting Your Building’s Spring Cleaning Started
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. -
Have your HOA ready for all seasons with preventive maintenance
Having an integrated plan is the key to proactively addressing your property's maintenance needs. Here are six things you need to do for an effective preventive maintenance plan. -
What is a Reserve Study?: What They Are & Why They Are Important
Reserve components are association maintained major property components with a determinate useful life. The analysis of the reserve components results in accurate and supportable annual reserve fund contributions. -
To Self-Manage or Not? How to Get the Best Property Management Service.
Some self-managed associations believe they can't afford to hire a professional property management company to manage and maintain their community's operations, assets, finances, common areas and other day-to-day activities. However, as you'll learn in this article, a professional property management company is one thing many communities can't afford to be without. -
What Does the Board Secretary Really Do?
The Board Secretary is responsible for meeting the Association’s legal and financial obligations and maintaining the Association’s records. Depending on the Association’s requirements, some of the following tasks may need to be distributed to other Board Members or it might be necessary to appoint an assistant to the Secretary.