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Not too long ago, one of the main ways residents in homeowner associations (HOAs) could pay their association fees was with a check, money order, or cash. Fast forward a decade or two later, and paying with a check is inconvenient for many residents who no longer use checkbooks or carry cash—leaving many homeowners wondering how to make an HOA payment online. Luckily, we know how.

FirstService Residential and FirstService Financial work in tandem to help our clients successfully finance capital improvement projects and save money without compromising quality of service.

Transitioning to new management? See these 8 steps to ensure a seamless switch and take the stress out of change.

Homeownership comes with a myriad of benefits, but it also brings a set of responsibilities, particularly when you are part of a Homeowners Association (HOA). The board of directors for the association maintains the integrity and value of a community by establishing HOA regulations that protect resident’s investment as a homeowner.

Even in the best of times, transitioning from one property management company to another is a work-intensive and stressful process. Things can go bad quickly if the transition is carried out without the necessary resources and strict attention to detail. To avoid potentially serious financial missteps during a management transition, homeowners associations (HOAs) should consider bringing aboard a management company that provides a team of experts to guide the process.

Every year about the same time, your community association board is most likely creating its budget for the following year. Learn about seven commonly neglected items in community association budgets that you may be missing.

Owning a home in a community association carries both advantages and obligations. Many individuals find a reassuring sense of structure and harmony in residing within a neighborhood overseen by a Homeowners Association (HOA). However, this structured way of life typically entails a collection of guidelines and regulations known as the HOA bylaws.

Knowing where your assessment money goes is essential to being a savvy association or co-op resident. In this article, we break down the main cost categories.

Vacation season has arrived, and with it, the need to pack, plan and in many cases, make arrangements for our four-legged family members. Many hotels and other accommodations are not pet-friendly, so pet owners must decide where, and with whom, to leave Muffy or Max when heading out of town. From kennels to in-home pet sitters, there are various options to fit your lifestyle and budget.

How much do you know about community association insurance? Every community’s bylaws and declarations include requirements to provide homeowners association insurance coverage, and Board members have a fiduciary duty to protect the best interest of their HOA and owners. Additionally, associations are under pressure to find the least expensive homeowners association insurance options available. But there is a caveat – in community insurance, as in most things, buyer beware – not all policies are alike, and if you neglect certain types of coverage, you may end up paying a much higher price.

To help owners and shareholders navigate requirements for the 2023-2024 tax abatement cycle, our experts answered the most frequently asked questions.

Though inflation and economic uncertainty continue to impact property investments and transactions, multifamily stakeholders and institutional owners remain optimistic.

Owning a condominium is a unique homeownership experience, blending the comfort of a private residence with shared community spaces. As a condo owner, you may wonder about the intricacies of insurance coverage.

No humidity and no personal income tax – just two of the many reasons people continue to flock to Nevada to raise families, retire or simply enjoy its unique blend of desert and metropolitan lifestyles. But as many residents of Nevada’s HOA and condo communities have discovered, there is another important thing you won't find in the Silver State: requirements for training or education for community board members, to ensure that they understand and can fulfill their association duties. In some cases, that can affect residents’ quality of life.

Have HOA budgets changed in 2020? Find out what 7 trends have shaped association budget planning this year.

We’ve highlighted four common board blunders and included some practical tips for avoiding them. It’s important to identify these potential blunders early to save yourself and your board time and frustration.

How do you prevent conflict, avoid costly litigation and maintain a great resident experience in your community? Start by adopting these best practices for dispute resolution.

While maintenance, events, committees, and budget are all crucial aspects of managing a homeowners’ association, there's one even bigger challenge that board members face: HOA agreement and alignment. Read on to discover the secret to successful alignment among diverse individuals with distinct values.

Another budget season is here once again, and that means that the boards of homeowners associations are busy planning, analyzing—and grinding their teeth. We know that developing your HOA’s annual budget is not an easy task. However, with the guidance offered in the following nine steps, you’ll be able to get through the process more easily—and without needing to visit your dentist.

A big part of what sets your community apart is the amenities it offers. This goes beyond a pool, a fitness area or a place for a rooftop party – your amenities help create a lifestyle, and that’s the most important thing to residents and association members.

Whether you are addressing overnight guest parking, or approved flooring, the basic process for creating good policies and enforcing them successfully are the same. Consider these eight steps when establishing an HOA policy.

With several Arizona cities ranking high in WalletHub’s 2016 listing of most pet-friendly cities, it’s likely that your community allows residents to have pets. Still, your homeowners association (HOA) needs to have a clear policy to prevent residents’ furry family members from becoming a community problem. After all, it isn’t really Rover’s fault if issues arise. It’s up to his owners to clean up after him, to ensure that he remains well behaved and to follow the HOA rules.

Maintaining your HOA’s financial health—just like maintaining your personal health—boils down to moderation and good decision making. Eating one deep-fried blooming onion every once in a while isn’t a problem. Eating three or four several times a week is. Keep your HOA financially fit with these four "health" tips.

Are you considering moving to a community with more lifestyle elements? How do you choose which one is right for you? Do you research and consider these five tips to ensure you find your perfect match!