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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. -
What Does the Board Secretary Really Do?
The Board Secretary is responsible for meeting the Association’s legal and financial obligations and maintaining the Association’s records. Depending on the Association’s requirements, some of the following tasks may need to be distributed to other Board Members or it might be necessary to appoint an assistant to the Secretary. -
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. -
Can Your HOA Handle a Crisis? 8-Step Emergency Preparedness Plan
Is your association really prepared for an emergency? Learn how to develop an HOA emergency preparedness plan in 8 steps. -
Your HOA Board and Coronavirus: 5 Questions to Discuss
How should your HOA board handle a pandemic like COVID-19? Start by tackling these 5 questions.; -
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. -
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. -
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 -
Habitat Magazine-Communication and Training Are Key Before Disaster Strikes
In New York City, there are numerous safety regulations governing commercial buildings and hotels, but they do not apply to co-ops, condos, or other residential buildings. -
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. -
Four Ways to Keep Your Building Safe and Clean
Living in close proximity to other people can come with challenges, especially during cold and flu season. -
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. -
The Ins & Outs of NYC Building Energy Rating and Energy Grades
FirstService Residential and FirstService Energy are prepared to help boards and owners identify capital improvements or retrofits that improve a building's energy efficiency score and letter grade. -
It’s Not Just Planning: Take Your High-rise Emergency Management to the Next Level
Planning for emergencies is step one. Your board also needs to know how to manage those New Jersey high-rise emergencies when they happen. -
Ways to Keep Your Community Safe During Tornado Season
Tornadoes are fearsome because of their unpredictable nature. Although there are certain weather conditions that make tornadoes more likely, such as severe summer thunderstorms, tornadoes can also be created by snowstorms and blizzards. They can strike at any time of year and almost any place, even forming on the water and moving onto land. -
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. -
The Six Secrets to Building Your Condo’s Volunteer Pool
As a board member for your condominium corporation, you know that your community depends on volunteers to operate successfully. However, finding residents who are willing to be on your board of directors, join a committee or help at an event can be challenging. -
Ways to Keep Your Community Safe During Tornado Season
Tornadoes are fearsome because of their unpredictable nature. Although there are certain weather conditions that make tornadoes more likely, such as severe summer thunderstorms, tornadoes can also be created by snowstorms and blizzards. They can strike at any time of year and almost any place, even forming on the water and moving onto land.