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What to consider when hiring property management vendors
Your Board of Directors oversees the many day-to-day tasks required to operate and maintain your community…but they can’t do it alone. Your property management team will be expected to hire a wide array of vendors, including painters, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, repairmen for equipment maintenance or emergencies, exterminators, and more. -
HOA Legislation: Protecting your community
More than 85% of officials in state legislatures are up for re-election this year. So what does that mean to you as a board member or resident in a condo or homeowners’ association (HOA)? And how does this affect HOA law? There are a variety of initiatives on the table across the nation that will significantly impact community associations. In this article, we’ll take a look at what those issues are – and most importantly, how you can impact HOA law. -
Seven Tips to Avoid Issues with a Contract for Property Management
You’ve been there before. You meet with a vendor, they seem like a great choice, and then after a month or so, you find yourself in a dispute. -
HOA Vendors: Vendor management tips for great results
Here are some tips to manage your HOA vendors more effectively & and get the results you're looking for. -
Why association boards chose FirstService Residential
Finding a property management company to partner with your board isn’t easy. Find out how we can help you. -
HOA lawsuit: Why community associations get sued and what to do if it happens to you
Your community or condominium association is there to protect the interests of all of its members. However, there may be situations when one or more residents don’t believe that the association is on their side. Hopefully, everyone involved can come to a reasonable solution, but if you can’t, it’s possible that your association – and even your board members – could become the target of a lawsuit. -
12 to-do’s for ultimate HOA landscaping maintenance
A good spring-cleaning can do wonders for your community association. Here are some tips to get your started. -
How to Get Rid of Millipedes and How to Prevent Their Invasion
Ah, Florida nights. Perfect temperatures. And...a disgusting mass of undulating insects climbing up the side of your building? Learn how to get rid of millipedes. -
3 Cost Containment Strategies to Minimize Assessment Hikes
Your fiduciary responsibility is the most important commitment to fellow homeowners. Learn cost containment strategies that can save your association money. -
Can You Go After HOA Owners for Their Guests’ Damages?
Every community can expect to experience negligent or careless guests who will either cause a ruckus, or worse, damage association property. When that happens, deciding who should be held responsible for their actions can create a delicate – and potentially volatile – situation. Oftentimes, Boards may go after the owner, but they shouldn’t forge full-steam ahead without some sort of ammunition. -
Estoppel Certificates: 7 Myths and the Real Facts
Estoppel certificates are a critical part of any real estate transaction and can be confusing. What's included, how are they created, what does it all mean? Learn more here. -
Five Ways to Get Ready for a Pool Inspection
A pool inspection can be a major source of anxiety for board members and residents. Don't throw in the towel; there are steps you can take to make sure your inspection goes...well, swimmingly. -
Fair Housing Act: Service Animals - A Nail without a Hammer
When it comes to service dogs and assistance animals, people often confuse the Federal American with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). Learn more about FHA and ADA laws here! -
Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Rate Increase: What it Means for Florida Associations
Earlier in the summer, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) announced a proposed 19.6% workers' compensation rate increase, concerning community associations and its impact on labor costs. -
Four Ways to Get Mosquitoes to Buzz Off
Ah, summertime in Florida. Backyard barbecues. Long days at the beach. And endless mosquito bites. -
Vendor Communication Best Practices: The Do’s and Don’ts
Open and effective communication among the board, management company and vendors is an important part of any community's operating budget and for improving residents' lifestyles. -
Protect Your Investment: Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Often, expectations are not met when dealing with vendors. These tips will help you get the most from your contractor. -
Hurricane Season is Here: Have You Talked to Your Vendors?
Your vendors are a critical part of your community’s emergency planning for any kind of hurricane or storm. Are you on the same page before, during and after a storm? -
Landscape Basics: Why Mulching Matters
As a Board member you may not think about mulching very much, but you should. Mulching is not just a cosmetic enhancement, it's important for many reasons. -
Landscaping and Maintenance Tips to Help Communities Rake In Value and Increase Curb Appeal
Tending to your community's landscaping sends a clear message that your property is desirable, prosperous and well managed. Here are tips to make your community the neighborhood's pride and joy! -
Be Prepared with These Landscaping Safety Tips for Hurricanes
This hurricane season, start your preparations from the outside in with these 13 landscaping quick fixes. -
Miami Beach Minimum Wage Increase Taking Effect January 1, 2018
In June, the Miami Beach City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance to increase the city's minimum wage. First proposed by Mayor Philip Levine, it will take effect on January 1, 2018. -
New Bill Affecting Florida Condominiums, HOAs, and Cooperatives
The Florida Legislature passed a new bill which will affect residents who call a community association home. Here is an overview of CS/CS/HB 7037 that will provide you with insight on these changes. -
Reasons Why You Should Use High Quality Vendors
Choosing a vendor is a decision that should only be made once you're re sure you've done your research. Here's a list of reasons why it makes more sense to go with a top-level vendor...even if it costs a little more.