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  • Technology at Home Part One – Choosing the Best Internet Package

    In an effort to help our clients and their families stay safe during these difficult times, FirstService Residential’s in-house technology experts recently assembled a list of best practices and technology tips for working at home, improving password security, identifying potential scams and selecting personalized internet packages.
  • 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.
  • Four ways to set decoration policies for your community without being a grinch

    The holiday season is upon us, and nothing puts you in a festive mood than pulling your holiday decorations out of storage. Many people derive a sense of community and comfort from seeing familiar decorations at the same time each year.
  • 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.
  • Saltwater Pools are the Future, and YES, They Have Chlorine!

    Saltwater pools offer a variety of benefits ranging from greater comfort for swimmers -- say goodbye to burning eyes and dried out hair -- and also for the environment. This article explores why saltwater pools are gaining popularity in condominiums and communities here in the Greater Toronto area and around the world.
  • Simple Energy Conservation Steps to Benefit Your Community This Winter

    With the cold weather in the Ontario air we all would love to find ways to save money as condo owners. There are a lot of helpful tips that we as homeowners can start before winter arrives and continue during the remainder of the winter season.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • What Should you Expect from a Residential Property Manager

    Not all residential property managers have what they need to give you great service. Learn what it takes to be a great residential property manager.
  • Ask the Expert: Common Homeowner Association Insurance Questions

    Continue our quick, 4-part webinar miniseries, Ask the Expert, where Jamie George, Vice President of insurance, FirstService Financial, will cover your common insurance questions and discuss anticipated increases in rates for 2021.
  • Rules are Rules: How to Enforce Neighborhood Covenants

    Managing association covenant enforcement can be difficult in any community. Restrictions for every community can be different, and it can be a challenge to keep the rules fair, reasonable and equally applied to all homeowners. Read on for some basic guidelines that will make navigating through these issues a little easier.
  • EV Charging Event Top Takeaways

    Missed the event? Discover our top takeaways for adding or optimizing EV Charging for your high-rise building.
  • Is Your Community Prepared for Water Leaks? Reducing the High Cost of Condo Water Damage

    A leak in a high-rise condominium can quickly result in expensive water damage. How can you reduce your risk and be better prepared if your building springs a leak?
  • 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.
  • Municipal Duties Move to ‘Burbs as HOAs Must Step In

    John Friedrichsen, Senior Vice President & CFO of FirstService Residential parent company FirstService Corporation, is quoted in USA Today about how HOAs benefit from the value-added services provided by leading professional management companies.
  • Prioritizing and Managing Your Community's Property Maintenance and Improvement Needs

    Handling day-to-day maintenance and making necessary improvements are critical responsibilities for any homeowners association (HOA). And when your serve on your association’s board of directors, they can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a good system in place to manage them. So how do you make sure that your maintenance staff is able to handle that long list of tasks that need to get done so that your community runs smoothly and retains its appeal?
  • 3 Facts About Insurance Your Condo Corporation Should Know

    You and your fellow board members want what’s best for your condo corporation. You’re serious about your fiduciary duty and about protecting the corporation’s interests. Misunderstanding some important facts about insurance can actually put your community may be at risk.
  • 3 Ways to Fund Your Condominium Corporation Replacements and Major Repairs

    At one time or another, every condominium corporation has to spend money on replacing equipment or making major repairs. Whether that means replacing a roof, installing a new ventilation system or any other big-ticket project, they are a necessity. But how should your condo corporation pay for them?
  • Home for Sale? Six Tips to Add Value and Appeal

    For most people selling a condominium, it is important to stand out from the competition in the real estate market, have a quick sale and obtain the best possible price. But how do you do that? The way your property is presented to potential buyers makes a big difference. Consider these tips to help you achieve real estate sales success.
  • How to Protect Your Condo Corporation From Cyberattacks

    When it comes to cyberattacks, you may be under the assumption that your condo corporation is flying under the radar. But you’d be dead wrong. In fact, as a small business, your corporation may be at greater risk of being targeted than ever before.
  • Potted Plants are Not Ashtrays

    It seems innocent, but a surprising number of balcony and backyard fires are unintentionally started by disposal of smoking material in a potted plant or planter box. In a condominium environment this can have, and has had, disastrous consequences. And it's not just a summertime problem.
  • Preventative Roof Maintenance is Crucial to the Sustainability and Longevity of Your Roof

    We can all agree there are many important elements to a housing structure, but your roof is probably the most important. Changing temperatures, snow accumulation, large amounts of rain, ice dams and high winds can all cause major damage to condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes. These harsh weather conditions can create all sorts of problems, from minor leaks to major cave-ins that can cost a condominium corporation thousands to repair.
  • What are Your Property Manager’s Responsibilities

    What are your property manager's responsibilities? Find out if they have what it takes. Upcoming Condominium Management Licenses and more.
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