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5 Steps to the Best Reserve Study Firm
Nothing lasts forever and you need to have a plan to replace major items and systems before their lifespans end. How do you create that plan? Start with a quality reserve study. -
Riding the Storm Out: How Your Property Management Company Can Help With Hurricane Planning
In recent years, hurricanes have become so large that they can affect the entire state of Florida and move well into Georgia, causing loss of power, flooding or sustained damage. -
Want to Make Your Community Smoke-Free? Four Tips to Help
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. -
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? -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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? -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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. -
Build a Condominium or Cooperative NYC Fire Safety Plan
For New York City residents who call a high-rise building their home, nothing compares to vertical living. But what about safety features? Specifically speaking, in a condominium or cooperative building, fire safety education is crucial. As a unit owner, shareholder, board member or building staff member, are you educated on how to prepare for the possibility of a fire inside your building or your unit? To help educate you on this topic, we’ve compiled some important tips on fire safety and prevention that every single member in your community needs to be aware of. -
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.