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Five reasons to stop renting and start owning
If you’re part of the Millennial generation (typically defined as someone born between 1977 and 1992), the renting vs. buying landscape is drastically different for you than it was for your parents and their peers. That’s leading many Millennials to ask themselves the age-old question: should I rent a home or should I buy? -
The pros and cons of living in an HOA
In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of living in an HOA-governed community to help you determine whether this lifestyle aligns with your preferences and long-term goals. -
Understanding what an adult lifestyle community looks like
It’s no secret that active adult communities are changing. With shifting demographics and lifestyles, gone are the days of sequestered neighborhoods in the far-flung suburbs dominated by golf culture. -
Five winter organizing tips
Winter’s coming, and with colder temperatures comes something that isn’t cool at all: disorganized closets and cluttered winter gear. -
Fixing a condo catastrophe without litigation
What happens when glass from a skyscraper crashes down onto crowded Fifth Avenue? It shatters your expectations of how a condo board, a developer and an insurance company can work together to come up with a compromise solution without litigation. Turns out it’s not impossible. Hey, who knew? -
Top trends in active adult communities: How they are changing
Mention the phrase “active adult communities” and a few images probably spring to mind. But whatever you’re thinking (and we’re guessing it involves golf carts), the reality is actually a lot more diverse. -
Good Management – The Key to Active Adult Community Success
The growing population of baby boomers in the U.S. is driving an increase in the popularity of age restricted communities. Learn how existing "55 and better" communities are adapting their facilities and programming to retain a competitive edge in this evolving marketplace. -
Five New Year's pet safety tips
For many people, New Year’s Eve is the biggest party of the year. But before you pop that champagne cork or put on your best party hat, think about your four-legged friends – and how your gala plans may affect them. Fireworks and other noisy celebrations make many pets scared and anxious, and sadly, many shelters report an increase in lost dogs and cats this time of year. -
Five tips to live a healthy lifestyle
Live long and prosper… More than just a catchphrase for the crew of the Starship Enterprise, the desire to live longer and better is a goal many of us hope to achieve. And many of us already are – in fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the average life expectancy continues to rise each year, and is now just shy of 80 years. Want even more proof we’re living longer and more active lives than ever before? Check out the growing popularity of active adult communities, which offer a host of fitness, recreational, social and educational programs exclusively to residents 55 or better. -
Healthy living lifestyle tips for a better life
If you could, would you want to live forever? Jeanne Calment of France, who was 122 ½ years old when she died in 1997, holds the world record for longest confirmed lifespan – long enough that as a child, she actually met Vincent Van Gogh and watched the construction of the Eiffel Tower. -
How to create vibrant multigenerational communities
What type of neighbors do you prefer – people just like you, or a mix of ages, stages and life experiences? If you like diversity, you’re not alone – age-inclusive communities, aka multigenerational communities, are found in many locations and varieties throughout the U.S. and Canada. But here’s the challenge: since multigenerational communities attract residents of all ages – and multigenerational lifestyle communities offer desirable amenities and programs – how do their associations choose the right mix of activities and programming to meet homeowners’ needs and interests and enhance their lifestyles, both now and in the years to come? -
Boosting your home's values before selling: 3 key tips
Your home is likely the single largest purchase you will make and your greatest investment. When you sell it, you obviously want to get the greatest return on that investment. A quick Google search will serve up dozens of articles on the things you can and should do to make the most of your home’s value before you sell. A lot of them have great advice – but there are some things we’d like you to consider as well when looking at what will enhance your property values. -
Seven tips to declutter your home
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff we accumulate. And it’s hard sometimes to figure out how to part with things, what to do with them and where they should go. The experts at California Closets, the leader in custom home storage solutions, have you covered. Follow these tips to declutter your home and even do some good in the process. -
7 ways to make the most of HOA living
Homeowners' Association (HOA) living has become increasingly popular in recent years. It offers numerous benefits, including well-maintained common areas, enhanced property values, and a sense of community. -
How to plan a successful HOA event
Want your events to bring residents closer? Everyone loves a well-planned event, and the residents in your community association are no exception. Follow these tips for creating memorable events in your community association. -
Planning a community event: A step-by-step guide
What’s a great way for homeowners associations to bring residents together, create a sense of community pride and encourage social, cohesive, we’re-all-part-of-the-same team atmosphere? Plan community events! -
How to Feng Shui your bedroom: 6 expert tips
You might be surprised to learn that the ancient Chinese have been practicing feng shui for 5,000 years. It’s believed that every object possesses unique energy or life force (chi), which interacts with your own personal energy flow. -
Creating a pet friendly community in your HOA
Before deciding that pet amenities are right for your community, find out if your residents even want them. How many residents actually have pets? Will most residents be willing to appropriate space and money for these amenities? Depending on your unique needs, constraints, and level of interest, here are five suggestions for making your community more pet-friendly. -
Is living in a high rise the right choice for you?
You’re just starting out and excited to buy your first home, or perhaps your kids have left the nest and you’re finally able to downsize. In this active housing market, you’ve got lots options and things are definitely looking up – so maybe you should, too. We’re talking about vertical living, a.k.a. a high-rise condominium. Could high-rise condo living be right for you? -
Knowing When to Call Your Manager
The FirstService Residential customer care center means residents don't have to wait for the right time to call their manager -- the care center provides 24/7 access to help to address their questions and concerns. -
How to prepare your home for winter vacation
What’s your dream winter vacation? According to recent statistics, when temperatures plunge, the four most popular vacation choices, in order, are beach vacations, sightseeing tours, casinos and ski trips. But no matter whether you plan to pack your bathing suit, walking shoes, ski parka or lucky rabbit’s foot, there’s one thing that should always be part of your vacation planning – ensuring home protection while you’re away. -
Managing Active Adult Communities in the Boomer Era
Today's Baby Boomers are prompting some active adult communities to re-examine how to remain relevant, appealing and responsive to residents' needs, according to Michael Mendillo, president of FirstService Residential's Mid-Atlantic division, and Robert Misurel, director of Planning & Development for the company's Lifestyle Division. -
9 of the best ways to protect your home in an HOA
You’ve worked hard to create a home that is warm and inviting for your family and friends. So how can you make sure it won’t also be inviting to burglars or others with criminal intent? We’ve got ten tips that can help keep your home and property safe -- and keep unwanted visitors at bay. -
One Way to Get More Out of Home Life
Where does true happiness begin? We’re sure you agree – it begins at home.