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Ten Ways to Take Your Rooftop to the Next Level
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. -
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? -
Slow and Steady: 5 Surprising Benefits of Raising Your Dues
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? -
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. -
Repairs and Maintenance vs Capital Expenditure: What's the Difference?
It’s no secret that association management is a big job. Across Minnesota, common areas require a lot of routine maintenance to uphold community standards – things like exterior light bulb replacements, landscaping and paint touch-ups. Depending on your townhome community, the scale of your amenities' needs will vary. -
The Surprising Way to Stretch Your Association's Dollars
If you're on the board of a condo, co-op, high-rise or HOA, you know that managing your homeowner's association budget is a major priority. You've likely explored many ways to save money and get the best deals, while still maintaining a high level of service. -
Before Creating a New HOA Policy, Ask These 5 Questions
Great policies can help your association run smoothly, enhance the resident experience and improve your reputation. Here are five questions to ask before creating a new HOA policy. -
Four Elements of Great Community Landscaping
Without a doubt, beautiful landscaping makes life in your community more enjoyable. But did you also know that it can play a crucial role in boosting your community’s reputation in the marketplace, and consequently enhancing property values? -
Reserve Fund, Assessment or Loan: How to Pay for Capital Improvements
Great capital improvements improve property values. Read on to see the three ways to pay for them and the pros and cons. -
6 Questions for Self-Managed Associations to Consider
As a self-managed association, do you need a management partner? Before making that choice, ask these 6 questions. -
3 Strategies to Keep HOA Assessments Stable and Add Value
There are valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may be able to go a different route. Here are three strategies to save your HOA money and keep assessments stable. -
Great Communication: The key to HOA vendor management
Vendor relationships are a large part of serving on the board of a managed community. Every community has outside partners for services like landscaping, sanitation, cable and Internet service, pool maintenance, valet services and more. Open, effective communication with the people who service your community and residents is crucial for maintaining the lifestyle your residents expect and deserve. -
How Does Your Community Rate?
Do you know how your community rates to newer communities? What can you do to change your image? Find out how you can be keep your rating up in this new article by Erin O'Reilly that was featured in Management Trends. -
Vetting Vendors: A path to success
Replacing a trusted vendor or finding a new one can be a challenge. How can you have peace of mind that the vendors you’re considering are right for you? Follow the tips below to help screen potential vendors and get the best fit for your association. -
Avoid These 4 Condo and Co-op Board Member Mistakes
Many condo and co-op board members make the same four mistakes. Find out what they are and what you should do instead -
8 Questions to Ask a Property Management Company & and How to Choose
Do you know what questions to ask a prospective property management company? Check out our list to make sure you have all the right information before making a choice. -
Email Communication Best Practices for Coronavirus Information
Here are some email communication best practices for your building to use when sending out communications regarding the current pandemic. -
Commercial Observer-Grading Buildings on Energy Consumption
A new law will require residential and commercial buildings to prove their energy efficiency -
Have You Asked Yourself, "Do I Need Flood Insurance in a High-Rise?"
High-rise buildings in New York City aren’t immune to flooding. Learn the basics of flood insurance and why your NYC high-rise needs it today! -
How to Hold Your Next Board Meeting Through Video Conferencing
It goes without saying that how we communicate has drastically switched from in-person contact to user-friendly digital platforms since the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread. -
Technology at Home Part 2: Keeping Boards and Residents Safe Online
As board communications become increasingly reliant on web-based technologies, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to safeguard the way you share and save sensitive information. -
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. -
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: Leveraging Buying Power
Watch our final episode of Ask the Expert, to learn about leveraging your buying power with Christian Mora, National Director of Procurement at FirstService Residential.