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Avoid 5 Common Texas Association Budget Mistakes
We know budget season is stressful and we want to help! Avoid common mistakes & d ownload our budget survey results to discover key areas to consider when planning next year's budget. -
Rules are Rules: How to Enforce Neighborhood Covenants
Managing association covenant enforcement can be difficult in any community. Restrictions for every community can be different, and it can be a challenge to keep the rules fair, reasonable and equally applied to all homeowners. Read on for some basic guidelines that will make navigating through these issues a little easier. -
HOA Landscaping and Property Maintenance Tips to Add More Green to Community Property Values
It’s often said that you should never judge a book by its cover. However, the front-line curb appeal of a community can make a difference in the value of every property in a neighborhood. This is one reason current and potential homeowners consider landscaping and common-area maintenance so important. -
Planning an Award-Winning National Night Out Event
National Night Out is an annual event that promotes partnerships between communities, residents and local law enforcement. Celebrations can range from individual block parties to a large community festival. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to create connections between neighbors and focus on working together to make your community a safer, better place to live. This national celebration has become an annual tradition in many communities far and wide and we want to help you put together the best National Night Out event your association has seen yet. -
3 Ways to Fund Your Condominium Corporation Replacements and Major Repairs
At one time or another, every condominium corporation has to spend money on replacing equipment or making major repairs. Whether that means replacing a roof, installing a new ventilation system or any other big-ticket project, they are a necessity. But how should your condo corporation pay for them? -
Home for Sale? Six Tips to Add Value and Appeal
For most people selling a condominium, it is important to stand out from the competition in the real estate market, have a quick sale and obtain the best possible price. But how do you do that? The way your property is presented to potential buyers makes a big difference. Consider these tips to help you achieve real estate sales success. -
Potted Plants are Not Ashtrays
It seems innocent, but a surprising number of balcony and backyard fires are unintentionally started by disposal of smoking material in a potted plant or planter box. In a condominium environment this can have, and has had, disastrous consequences. And it's not just a summertime problem. -
Preventative Roof Maintenance is Crucial to the Sustainability and Longevity of Your Roof
We can all agree there are many important elements to a housing structure, but your roof is probably the most important. Changing temperatures, snow accumulation, large amounts of rain, ice dams and high winds can all cause major damage to condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes. These harsh weather conditions can create all sorts of problems, from minor leaks to major cave-ins that can cost a condominium corporation thousands to repair. -
Renting Your Condominium
When renting your condominium, both owner and tenant have responsibilities under the Condominium Property Act of Alberta (CPA). These are in addition to rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants covered in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). -
What are Your Property Manager’s Responsibilities
What are your property manager's responsibilities? Find out if they have what it takes. Upcoming Condominium Management Licenses and more. -
What Your Condo Corporation Needs to Know About the Legalization of Recreational Cannabis
The Canadian Senate passed Bill C-45 , known as the ‘Cannabis Act’, in June 2018 which legalized the recreational use of cannabis across Canada. The first G-7 country to do so! When Bill C-45 goes into effect on October 17 th , Canadians will be able to purchase, consume and grow up to four cannabis plants, as well as make cannabis-containing products at home. -
HOA Rental Policy: 5 Steps to Adopting HOA Rental Restrictions
HOA rental restrictions can bring several benefits to a community association if done properly. Here are five steps to follow when adopting HOA rental restrictions successfully. -
Tax Certiorari: Fast Facts for Boards and Owners in New York City
FirstService Residential managed properties have access to the tax certiorari experts at Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP, the premier firm in this specialized field. -
FISP (Local Law 11) - Understanding Cycle 9 Requirements in NYC
FirstService Residential has invested substantial resources to facilitate each of our managed properties with facade inspections and is here to help you navigate the many intricacies of FISP. -
4 HOA Strategies to Cut Costs and Maintain Assessments
There are valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may be able to go a different route. Here are four strategies to save your HOA money and keep assessments stable. -
HOA Committees and Volunteers: 8 Tips to Rally Residents
An effective Utah homeowners association will not only recruit great volunteers and committee members, but will empower them to help improve the community. The question is – how do you get there? -
Delivering Value: FirstService Residential Energy Aggregation Purchasing Program
FirstService Residential has helped boards and building owners save millions of dollars in energy costs, in part, through our Energy Aggregation Purchasing Program. -
Mitigating Board Liability & Personal Exposure – Part One
A capable management company will enforce procedures and invest in technologies that help limit legal liability for the condo or co-op, and also mitigate board member personal exposure. -
Mitigating Board Liability & Personal Exposure – Part Two
Policy exclusions introduce increased risk to the board and often render a contractor’s policy meaningless. Properly vetting a contractor’s insurance is critical. -
Residential EV Charging Stations: Benefits & Incentives for Multifamily Buildings
FirstService Residential recommends that all boards and building owners consider the installation of EV charging stations and incentives available through NYSERDA and ConEd. -
Preparing for spring: 12 tips for HOA landscaping maintenance
A good spring-cleaning can do wonders for your community association. Here are some tips to get your started. -
Ask the Experts: Rising Costs in Community Association Insurance
Insurance costs are rising, and budgeting for higher insurance premiums has become increasingly challenging for associations. Learn best practices for managing insurance premium increases. -
Ask the Expert: What Is Cyber Liability Insurance?
Communities are often targeted by cyber hackers because their databases house so much homeowner info. Learn more about cyber liability insurance straight from the expert.