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While exclusive communities like the Hamptons or Malibu will always be attractive locations for affluent vacation home buyers, several new trends are emerging in the growing second home market.

In our guide to capital improvements , reserve studies and their relationship to capital improvements and preventive maintenance were discussed at length.

Your reserve fund is what helps your association anticipate its future– and budget for it, too. This fund gives you the power to maintain the quality of your community by allowing for projects that are both necessary and expensive (like a future roofing or paving project, for instance).

It’s that time of year again – budget season is upon us. You know the steps to creating your budget, but what drives your process?

If you’re on the board of a condo, co-op, high-rise or HOA, you know that managing your community’s 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.

We’ve got the scoop on how to get a mortgage loan, so read on for our top six tips to increase your chances.

Congratulations! You just bought a new home and it’s perfect for your family – just the right size, condition, location and neighborhood to meet your needs. Your new home is part of a homeowners’ association (HOA), which means you will pay HOA fees. What is an HOA fee? What do they pay for?

The chief responsibility of a community association board member is to preserve, protect and enhance the community. That includes, above all else, its financial health. But you can’t affect the financial health of your community if you don’t understand where it is when you join the board. Balance sheets are the best tool for gaining that basic understanding.

Read on for more about how to best complete your next annual association budget, a budget that will enhance your property values and improve your residents’ lives.

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.

You know that your association needs to have the right insurance coverage in place. So you have property coverage, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, directors and officers (D&O) and an umbrella policy in place. Premiums are paid regularly and on time. Did you know that’s not enough?

There's an entire process to creating, implementing, & communicating your association budget. Learn more about how to simplify this process.

Nothing lasts forever…and when it comes time to replace your high-rise roof, community pool or to add new amenities, your association will need to determine how to pay for it. All of these things – significant repairs and replacements, as well as new construction – are considered capital improvements.

Your fiduciary responsibility is the most important commitment to fellow homeowners. Learn cost containment strategies that can save your association money.

The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting unique challenges to shaping a solid 2021 budget. Is your association budget on target to meet your short-term goals and help achieve your long-term vision?

A proper budget is the cornerstone of any business, and a Condominium or Homeowners Association is certainly no exception. Here are steps you can take to make the process as painless as possible.

Property taxes are a reality for all property owners, but they can petition for an appeal. Condo owners and association Boards can file a joint petition for property tax appeal to cover all units in the building.

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.

Nothing says a healthy community like full homes/units and bustling activity in common areas. Painting a pretty picture of a dynamic community to potential buyers takes minimal effort on the part of the board.

A great board treasurer has skills and characteristics to tackle the responsibilities of planning and strategizing the financial livelihood of a community. The right treasurer can make a big difference!

Get helpful tips that your HOA or condo association can do to reduce energy consumption and lower your community’s electric bills. Learn more!

When your association has to invest in its property, whether for repairs or a new construction project, the financing for that work must be considered as carefully as the work itself

Lifestyle communities are becoming one of the fastest growing sectors. Here are five of the most common considerations that go into choosing the right lifestyle community.

Often, expectations are not met when dealing with vendors. These tips will help you get the most from your contractor.