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Category: Maintenance & Operations

Key Steps for Optimal Budget Preparation

Most of Us Dread Budget Season! For some, this task feels overwhelming. For others, it requires digging into the weeds too much. And for many, they feel boxed in by their board or residents’ desire for “no fee increases.” While I don’t love working on budgets, here are some tips that have helped me along […]

Working Smarter, Not Harder: A Few Good Keystrokes

The Hidden Time Drain How many times have you typed, “Please let me know if you have any questions” this week? Ten times? Twenty? Fifty? Now think about all the other phrases you type over and over again. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention.” “This request has been processed.” “This matter has been […]

New Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Rules Are Coming. Is Your Community Ready?

On March 18, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced sweeping changes to condominium project standards and insurance requirements. For community association boards, the window to prepare is short — and the stakes are high. If your community isn’t positioned to meet these new standards, buyers in your building could lose access to conventional mortgage […]

Behind the Vents: A Practical Guide to Community Heating & Cooling

Heating and cooling systems hum quietly behind the vents of our communities, rarely noticed until something goes wrong. Yet for community associations, these systems are far more than hidden machinery—they are essential infrastructure, major budget drivers, and a key contributor to resident comfort and satisfaction. Whether your community consists of single-family homes, townhomes, mid-rise condos, […]

Organizational Techniques for Association Managers

Managing multiple associations and communities as an Association Manager requires a high level of organization, efficiency, and time management. Staying on top of tasks, deadlines, and board expectations is essential for success. Implementing effective organizational techniques can streamline processes, reduce stress, and improve overall performance. Below are some valuable tips and tricks to help association […]

Top 4 Pond Complaints From Residents (And How To Solve Them)

Imagine walking a prospective resident through your community, pointing out the manicured landscaping, well-maintained buildings, and outdoor amenities. You only get one chance to make a stellar first impression, so the last thing you want them to see is a neglected pond. Even if everything else is on point, few things are as distracting as […]

What Every Snowbird Needs to Know Before Flying South for the Winter

by Barbara Saxton, CMCA, AMS, PCAM | The Galman Group Trouble-proofing your home before leaving for warmer climates will help insure that your return is not met with disaster. Many residents know the basics: • Keep the heat thermostat set at 55-60 degrees (even if you winterize your plumbing system, appliances are not designed to […]

A Slippery Slope: Decoding Snow Clearing Liability for HOAs and Condos

by John S. Prisco, Esq., | Becker Winter snow is beautiful, but for community associations—both condominiums and homeowners associations—it represents a significant liability challenge. Boards and managers need to understand their snow clearing duties, which are determined by state law, governing documents, and local ordinances. Getting it wrong can expose the association to expensive slip-and-fall […]

Do’s & Don’ts of Winter Tree Care

Winter in the Philadelphia region brings harsh conditions—snow, ice, and freezing temperatures—that can take a toll on trees. “These factors can wreak havoc on your trees,” says Jason Gaskill, an ISA Certified Arborist with Davey Tree. “Without proper care and pruning, these challenges can lead to broken branches, structural damage, or long-term health issues.” To […]