For most people, there simply are not enough hours in the day to do everything  that needs to be done. We rush to pick the kids up from school, make it to that  impromptu work meeting that just got called or even find the time to grab som…

 Condominium and cooperative management companies are plentiful in Chicago. And  since there are hundreds of management companies vying for your attention and  your business across Chicagoland, it can be tough for them to set themselves  a…

 Everybody sometimes disagrees with the decisions of their condo or HOA board.  Maybe the choice to rearrange the garbage receptacles out front seems  ridiculous, or the ongoing clattering of machinery on the roof is driving the  top-floor…

 How can you tell whether the on-site property manager at a condominium or  homeowners association community is doing a good job? And what is “a good job”? Whether a manager is well-liked and whether he or she manages well may not be  the …

 These days, there are few people who don’t have a business website, a Facebook account and even a Twitter handle. It’s the same for buildings.  As the rise of online social media invades nearly every aspect of our daily  life, co-o…

 Convenience and saving money are just a couple reasons why an association would  choose to self-manage a property. Though, outside managing firms and property  managers are hired and employed for good reason. The job requires collecting  …

Q We have a resident who winters in Arizona and allows her children to store their patio furniture in her garage space. She also asked her garage neighbors (they no longer drive) to rent their side of the garage to a friend of hers, who…

Q We have recently found that a member of our condo’s Board of Directors had covertly taped the conversations during a board meeting and a board interview with a prospective purchaser. She did not tell anyone else on the board that she …

 Fire in the home can be an absolutely terrifying and life-altering occurrence.  In 2011, there were 1,389,500 fires reported in the United States. These fires  caused 3,005 civilian deaths, 17,500 civilian injuries, and $11.7 billion in  …

 Disorganized and poorly-run board meetings are time-wasters that can make even  the most ardent board member cringe at the thought of an upcoming session. On  the flip side, a well-run board meeting can be a productive hour or two or  thr…