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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.

Do you know what you should expect from your management company during staff transitions?

When it comes to upgrading your high-rise amenities, start at the top: your rooftop! That space can be enhanced to offer new opportunities for fun, relaxation and building community, while also enhancing your property values.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Illinois condo insurance typically falls into two categories: the master policy purchased by the association and the HO-6 policies purchased by individual unit owners. Learn everything your condo should know in this guide.

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

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.

New to a condo or homeowners association, or need a refresher? We put together some vocabulary you will want to be familiar with.

Elected board members will have a variety of skillsets and experience as volunteers. A partnership with a strong management company will provide the guidance and knowledge that will support the board as they fulfill their duties.

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.

Is good communication important to your property management company? Use this questionaire to find out.

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.

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.

A Maryland resale certificate is a critical document in a condominium’s resale disclosure package. Discover everything your condo should know in our guide.

Do HOA fees go up in Massachusetts? Understanding how HOA fees work, what drives increases, and how to prevent unnecessary hikes can help you plan for the future and advocate for cost-effective management in your community.

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?

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.

Community associations operate like a business, which means they must hold regular meetings of their officers (board members) and shareholders (homeowners). So, love ‘em or hate ‘em, board and association meetings are a necessary part of community association governance.

Because common areas serve all residents, proper maintenance is essential. A well-kept common area not only enhances curb appeal but also contributes to a more enjoyable living environment for everyone. Learn more in our guide.