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  • Planning Your High-Rise Maintenance and Capital Improvements

     Jun 15, 2017
    Maybe this has happened to your high-rise association: An unexpected capital expense finds your condominium’s board of directors needing to impose a special assessment. Establishing a plan for your building’s maintenance and capital improvements is not only important for your budget. It can also prevent life-threatening catastrophes. So what does it take to put together a program that protects both the health of your association’s finances and the safety and lifestyle of your residents? Find out in our interview with Phil Pool, vice president at FirstService Residential.

  • Is Your Association Covered If a Natural Disaster Strikes?

     Jun 07, 2017
    Mother Nature has quite the surprises to throw at us! Sometimes, there’s some notice and time to prepare. But often, there’s no warning at all. That’s why it is critical to the financial health of your community association that you have the correct insurance coverage in place. What can happen if your high-rise building or community association common areas aren’t properly covered? Unfortunately, nothing good. Association members can also sue the board for not having the correct insurance in place; it’s an important part of your financial responsibility. That's why it is important to make sure your Association is covered with insurance. 

  • The Importance of Preventative Maintenance in Your High-Rise

     Jun 06, 2017
    Protecting your high-rise with a solid preventative maintenance program will also protect the lifestyle you love and your community association’s budget. Preventative maintenance programs have countless benefits, including extending the life of almost every component and system in your building. A well-executed plan can also help your community optimize its operating budget by predicting when repairs or replacements are most likely to be needed and allowing your community to set aside money for them. How can you get started on a preventative maintenance plan? Check out our advice to get your high-rise on the right track when it comes to preventative maintenance.

  • Why Does a District of Columbia Resale Certificate and Package Matter When You Buy a Home?

     Apr 26, 2017
    For most people, buying a home is the largest investment they make. We all know there’s a lot of paperwork that comes with buying a home, and although it can seem overwhelming, that paperwork is vital for the protection of the buyer, the seller and the community in which the home is located. If you are buying or selling a home in managed community, a resale package is a critical part of that. What is a resale package and why is it important? How do you get one and when do you need it? We sat down with our Director of Resale to get the answers to these and other important questions.

  • Four Secrets to Great Communication in Your Association

     Feb 06, 2017
    There’s one challenge that plagues all board members, regardless of experience: communication. Part art and part science, communication is the key to building strong relationships and effectively meeting your obligations as a board member for your community association. Here are a few quick tips to ensure communication is flowing in your association.

  • Cyber Security: How Community Residents Can Protect Their Tech

     Feb 06, 2017
    Why should cyber security be so important to community associations? Do you know what important steps residents in your community can take to protect their technology so that sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands? This article provides guidelines on how to prevent cyber attacks and tips on increasing cyber security.

  • How to Create a New Revenue Stream from Your Amenities

     Feb 01, 2017
    Savvy boards are always keeping an eye out for ways to maximize revenue. If you’re interested in ramping up your revenue streams, take a look around and imagine the possibilities. Read tips on how you can generate cash flow from your existing amenities. 

  • Cyber Security: Four Ways Board Members Can Keep Your Association Safe

     Jan 29, 2017
    Technology has made so many aspects of running any business easier. However, with all of that technology comes some risks. Hackers make careers out of trying to access data for fun and profit. But there are things that you, the board, can do to help keep your community data safe.

  • Getting to Great: Guide For HOA Board Communication

     Jan 25, 2017
    As a board member, one of your responsibilities is making sure that your community members have the information they need, when they need it. Consider these guidelines as a roadmap to great communication that will keep everyone on the same path.

  • Four Communication Essentials of Good Community Management Companies

     Jan 19, 2017
    The foundation of any good relationship is communication. And that also holds true for HOAs and community management companies, regardless of whether we’re talking about a townhome community, high-rise or a master-planned community.