Top 10 Tips for First‑Time Board Members. A Primer for Condos, Townhomes and HOA’s. By Salvatore Sciacca — Chicago Property Services All condo associations, townhome associations, and HOAs require volunteer board members. Some associations only need three directors, while larger communities may require nine or more. Regardless of size, every community association depends on a […]
Category Archives: Best Practices
Best Practices
A Cost-Cutting Guide for Board Members of Small-to-Midsize Associations (100 Units & Under) Now that 2026 is upon us, condo and HOA board members continue to face sharply rising operating expenses—from insurance and utilities to labor and maintenance. Multiple Chicago-based reports show that HOA fees have climbed significantly due to inflation, aging infrastructure, higher insurance […]
Managing a homeowner’s association (HOA), condominium, or townhome community is no small task. Board members shoulder the responsibility of maintaining property values, ensuring compliance, and creating a positive living experience for residents. The key to success? Planning ahead. Chicago Property Services has developed the 2026 Board Member’s Planning Guide to help boards stay organized, proactive, […]
How to Find the Best Small Condo Association Management Company in Chicago Serving on the board of a small condo association in Chicago is no easy task, especially for a volunteer condo association board of directors. From budgeting and maintenance to legal compliance and resident communication, the responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why many […]
Fund Large Scale Capital Projects. Proper planning and funding capital projects for condo association communities is crucial for maintaining property value and ensuring an enjoyable community living experience for the homeowners. Here are some of the best practices and approaches: 1. Reserve Studies: o Consider hiring a company that specializes in reserve studies. These […]
Over the past 20 years, community associations have become an essential part of modern living. They provide homeowners a sense of community and help maintain an enjoyable quality of life for homeowners and residents. However, managing and operating a community association can be challenging, especially when it comes to planning for an entire fiscal year. […]
2023 Winterization Techniques Old Man Winter is around the corner. Is your association winterized and ready for another unpredictable Chicago winter season? Let Chicago Property Services help you prepare your association, so you are ready for whatever comes your way during this upcoming Winter season. Snow Removal Vendor/Plan – Do you have a vendor in […]
A Seasonal Checklist to Help Things Run Smoothly By Salvatore J. Sciacca – Chicago Property Services The Spring season has finally arrived for 2023 and it is indeed is a welcome sight for sore eyes. After having to deal with Covid19 issues, rising interest rates, banking industry uncertainty and political turmoil, community associations across the […]
Proactively Plan Capital Improvements Or Deal with Deferred Maintenance Disasters A Primer for Community Association Board Members and Property Management Professionals One of the most typical scenarios that board members face while serving on the board is the issue of deferred maintenance and capital repairs. Since capital repairs often cost large sums of money, it […]