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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. -
Nine Essential Facts About Conflicts of Interest
Conflict of interest can be a real threat to your association. Learning how to recognize and avoid conflicts of interest can go a long way toward ensuring the strength and stability of your community. -
Understanding the Fair Housing Act: Homeowners Association
All associations are subject to the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and its antidiscrimination provisions. Stay informed to identify the ways you could be exposed to claims of discrimination. -
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? -
Don’t Be the HOA Bad Guy: 4 Proven Policy Enforcement Tips
Enforcing HOA policies is nobody’s cup of tea, but having good policy enforcement in place helps improve the resident experience and elevates your reputation. Follow these 4 principles for healthy policy enforcement: -
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. -
Commercial Observer- FirstService’s Dan Wurtzel and Marc Kotler on Everything From Supertalls to Rent Regulation
Who better to find out what’s happening on the ground than the largest residential property manager in New York? -
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. -
From Beagles to Boxers: How to Take Care of a Dog in an Apartment
Here are some important tips and tricks to help keep both you and your furry friend healthy and happy. And as always, be sure to consult your vet or local breeder about how much daily activity is appropriate for your canine pal. -
Commercial Observer-Grading Buildings on Energy Consumption
A new law will require residential and commercial buildings to prove their energy efficiency -
Habitat Magazine-Here Are the First Steps to Cutting Building Carbon Emissions
Buildings are New York City's biggest polluters, which is why the Climate Mobilization Act will require most co-op and condo boards to reduce their buildings’ carbon emissions sharply in coming years. -
Habitat Magazine-Here Are Ways to Pay for Retrofits to Reduce Carbon Emissions
The Climate Mobilization Act, requires buildings 25,000 square feet and larger to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by certain target percentages in 2024, 2030, and beyond. -
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! -
Adoption of NYC Local Law 147 Smoking Policy: Memorandum from General Counsel Ben Kirschenbaum
NYC's latest Local Law #147/2017 requires all owners of class A multiple dwellings, including all coops and condos, to adopt a “smoking policy” no later than August 28, 2018. The purpose of implementing such a policy is to outline the requirements of this law so board members may consider how their coop or condo will comply. -
Scary Fun: Halloween Safety Tips for Your Family and Community
Halloween is right around the corner and before it arrives there are many precautions we must take to ensure our kids and community are safe. As we prepare to celebrate let’s go over a checklist of safety measures we can take to make sure the little ghosts and goblins throughout our community are safe. -
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. -
Ask the Expert: Common Homeowner Association Insurance Questions
Continue our quick, 4-part webinar miniseries, Ask the Expert, where Jamie George, Vice President of insurance, FirstService Financial, will cover your common insurance questions and discuss anticipated increases in rates for 2021. -
Ask the Expert: Vendor Contract Management
Start off our quick, 4-part webinar miniseries, Ask the Expert, with Joe Bushey, president of VIVE (Vendor Insurance Verification Experts), as he talks about the significance of vendor loss risk. -
Setting Up a Committee: Committee Formation Video
Tune in to hear a panel of board members discuss their best advice around the topic of Committee Formation.