The winds were a bit chilly but the sun was shining brightly on the Navy Pier as more than two thousand enthusiastic attendees packed The Chicagoland Cooperator’s 2nd Annual Condo, HOA & Co-op Expo to meet with nearly 250 exhibitors, att…
The discovery of fire is considered a major turning point in man's evolution from cave dweller to outer space explorer. Control of fire allowed early man warmth for his habitat, a way to cook his meals, and light for his surroundings. …
For most people, nothing is more important than knowing that they and their families are safe and secure in the place they call home. Boards, management and security firms all must work together seamlessly and cohesively to create that…
The issue of intellectual property and an individual’s right to privacy has become a greater concern since more and more people conduct their lives online—whether for banking, social media or dating. While the aforementioned generally h…
Back in the 1980s, McGruff the Crime Dog taught children and parents alike to “Take a bite out of crime.” The tough but affable, anthropomorphic bloodhound was created by the Ad Council for the National Crime Prevention Council and used …
It’s been a very rough few years for the real estate market in Chicago—the ongoing recession and sluggish resale market are unfortunately still news and both buyers and sellers are watching the situation closely for any signs of improve…
While the basics of preventing—and surviving—relatively common disasters like fires or severe weather events should be well known to anybody living in a community association or planned development, the reality is that each building com…
Media room, game room, common room, party room—regardless of what you call them, the purpose of these shared spaces in co-ops and condos is to give residents a place to gather; to hold an in-house meeting, throw a graduation party or sc…
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…
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 …
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 …
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…