Why communities choose FirstService Residential: 7 reasons they're a leader in property management

Choosing the best property management company is more than a business decision — it’s about finding a partner you can trust to care for your community as if it were their own. Whether it’s a high-rise, condo association, master-planned community, or homeowners association (HOA), FirstService Residential continues to be the first choice for communities across North America. Here are seven reasons why board members, building owners, and residents consistently name FirstService Residential as the best property management company.
 

What makes FirstService Residential the leading property management company?

1. Technology that streamlines operations

   FirstService Residential develops technology with the needs of board members and residents in mind. Through its proprietary platform, FirstService Residential Connect™, residents and board members have direct access to essential tools for daily community life, including maintenance requests, account statements, amenity reservations, and package tracking. For board members, it also offers access to important community documents and real-time financial reporting.
   
   The company also offers HODA, their Homeowner Digital Assistant tool, as a cutting-edge solution to enhance resident experiences. HODA provides instant, multilingual responses to residents' inquiries via text, website chat, and even Alexa, allowing property managers to focus on strategic goals. From account balances and amenity bookings to service requests and architectural modifications, HODA simplifies daily interactions, helping residents have the information they need at their fingertips.

   "HODA has made a huge difference in the way our property operates. We’ve been able to work on much-needed structural improvements now that HODA is taking care of our residents’ most common requests."
   
   Greg H., condo board member

   On the management side, the company's integrated accounting system simplifies vendor payment processing and invoice approvals, creating a more efficient, paperless experience for board members and property managers alike. Energy data and sustainability planning are also supported through proprietary tools from the company’s affiliate, FirstService Energy. Boards can view their building’s energy and water usage via a live dashboard, helping identify savings opportunities and usage trends.
   
   Hear what board members are saying about FirstService Residential:

   "There are many things that come up with a HOA and it has been so nice to have a management company and its representative that has your back and you know will steer you in the right direction."
   
   Heather G.

2. Proactive and responsive communication

   Residents and board members need timely updates, transparency, and real-time responses. supports access to key community information while also allowing residents to submit service requests and communicate directly with management. The company also operates a 24/7/365 multilingual customer care team. With over 100,000 calls per month, the team typically answers in an average of less than a minute, with issues being resolved in six minutes or less. This helps board members focus on strategic decisions while residents have a reliable resource for everyday needs.

   "FirstService Residential has been our property management firm since February, 2002. They provide a high level of service and quality management that allow the board of directors to function properly. They have always been responsive to our needs and concerns."
   
   Karen S.

3. Professionalism and industry expertise

   With over 18,000 associates serving 4 million residents across the U.S. and Canada, FirstService Residential employs the largest workforce in residential property management in North America. Each associate undergoes rigorous training to handle capital improvements, compliance, community engagement, and conflict resolution. The team includes certified property managers, legal compliance professionals, engineers, and specialists in finance, insurance, and energy.

   "Our community manager is the best community manager that I have worked with. His dedication to our association has always been top notch. I know running a community isn't easy and is often undervalued, but he made our jobs easier — and kept us running like a well-oiled machine."
   
   Roberta T.

4. Personalized and attentive service

   Every community has its own character, governance structure, and priorities. FirstService Residential begins every partnership by listening. The company collaborates with over 37,000 board and strata council members across the United States and Canada to tailor its approach to fit their needs. From vendor selection to amenity programming, services are shaped by the people who live there, not the other way around. FirstService Residential assists board members in implementing thorough yet compliant tenant screening practices that reflect community standards and legal requirements. Whether advising on application procedures or recommending trusted screening platforms, its teams help communities make informed decisions that support long-term resident satisfaction.

   "I want to say a special thank you to you and your property manager for all your efforts helping us get settled into our new community. I know dealing with our builder issues has been a major challenge and has caused plenty of headaches for all of us this past year and all your help and efforts pulling us through is so greatly appreciated. Thank you."
   
   Brenda R.

5. Commitment to community enhancement

   FirstService Residential’s affiliates — FirstService Financial, FS Insurance Brokers, and FirstService Energy — give communities access to industry-leading expertise:
    
   • FirstService Financial has set the standard for community financial services since 1997. With multiple top partner banks and billions in administered funds, the team can offer customized solutions across cash management, community lending, and investment planning. Clients can benefit from lending closings that are often completed with clients experiencing closing timeframes with favorable terms, like lower interest rates and a simplified process.
      
   • FS Insurance Brokers merges deep insurance expertise with FirstService Residential’s leading property management insight to help deliver stronger protection and lower premiums. Boards working with FS Insurance Brokers have access to comprehensive insurance programs and products for lower claims frequency through proven risk management practices. The team advises on liability, property, workers’ compensation, and specialized products such as directors and officers (D&O) insurance.
      
   • FirstService Energy analyzes utility usage data and organizes tailored strategies to reduce energy consumption and related expenses. By working closely with on-site staff and local leadership, the team identifies specific, practical solutions that may help reduce costs and lower a property’s carbon footprint. Clients can tap into aggregated purchasing programs that negotiate below-market rates, or implement retro-commissioning initiatives that help trim operational costs. FirstService Energy’s audits have also detected billing anomalies, resulting in significant refunds or credits for their clients.

   "Our purpose is to enhance the life of every resident in the communities we serve."
   
   Lupe Mujica, Chief People Officer

6. Supportive culture that translates to better service

   FirstService Residential is consistently recognized as one of the best property management companies for its people-first approach, which shapes how it operates at every level. That commitment is reflected in the industry and workplace awards received by the company:
    
   • Great Place to Work Certification™ in the U.S. and Canada.
      
   • One of Fortune’s 2024 Best Workplaces in Real Estate.
      
   • Recognition among Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women for fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace.
      
   • Placement on Indeed’s Work Wellbeing Top 100 Companies list, showcasing its commitment to associate happiness and purpose.
      
   • Acknowledgment among Canada’s Best Workplaces in Real Estate and Construction.
      
   • Recognition as one of the Best Workplaces in Ontario for collaboration and team culture.
      
   • Named among Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being for supporting associate mental health and empowerment.

   "Serving is not just a part of our work; it's the essence of our identity. Whether it's a simple act of kindness or solving intricate problems, our associates are genuinely helpful, creating lasting bonds with our customers."
   
   Lupe Mujica, Chief People Officer

7. Local expertise with national resources

   FirstService Residential’s teams are embedded in the areas they serve, bringing first-hand knowledge of local vendor networks, building codes, and city-specific regulations. That familiarity helps communities navigate everything from major renovations to everyday operations with confidence. No company employs more local property management experts immersed in their local neighborhoods than FirstService Residential.
   
   In addition to on-the-ground experience, the best property management company should bring insights from comparable properties and markets. FirstService Residential manages more than 3,800 high-rise buildings across North America, more than any other residential property management company. Each year, the John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) rankings highlight the top master-planned communities in the U.S., and FirstService Residential successfully manages one in every four communities featured on the 2025 JBREC list.
   
   Whether evaluating staffing levels, budgeting for long-term reserves, or planning a major improvement, FirstService Residential’s teams use data-backed comparisons to offer the best property management services for each community.

   "I wanted to take this time to commend one of your community managers. Elaine goes above and beyond her job title for our condo and I want to acknowledge to her superiors that she is GREAT! She is personable, reliable and willing to adapt when needed. Her professionalism is top notch. She is a great listener and is always willing to get what we request of her. Thank you for this time to express our gratitude and thankfulness for her."
   
   Terri H.

A proven partner in every community type

From high-rises and master-planned neighborhoods to HOAs and multifamily rentals, FirstService Residential brings proven leadership to every kind of property. From advanced technology to award-winning associates, the company is dedicated to delivering the best property management services to simplify life for every resident and board member it serves.

Contact FirstService Residential today to learn more about how the company can support your community.