If you’ve ever been part of an unexpected special levy, you know there’s not a whole lot “special” about it – aside from the specially-painful headache that can come along with the process! The term “special levy” might be a new one to you, but in reality, it’s simply a fresh coat of linguistic paint […]
One of our core values here at Catalyst Condo Management is the belief in the steadfast importance of crystal-clear communication. Sometimes, though, in the need for expediency in communication, clarity gets lost along the way. Simple, straight-ahead language gets caught up in jargon that’s meant to be more precise or transparent, but that ends up […]
Your condo building isn’t just a place to rest your head – it’s a place that an entire community of people call home. It’s also a business, managed and facilitated by individuals who need to be able to communicate quickly and reliably both with each other and with the larger condo community as a whole. After […]
As an Alberta condo owner, your unit is your property – so, it stands to reason that you should be able to do whatever you want with it (within reason [and taking local legal considerations into account!]), right? And you mostly can! “Mostly” being the operative word there, of course. Here’s the thing. […]
Location, location, location! Sure, that might read like a bit of a condo real estate cliché at this point, but there’s a reason that mantra has guided the industry for decades now – and that’s because it’s true! Just as with buying any type of property, location will always play a role in […]
Living in a condo building, we use our elevators without a thought – they’re a part of our everyday lives. Reliable and convenient, it’s easy to forget that elevators are complex machines designed with our safety first and foremost in mind. So, it may come as a shock to condo owners when they realize just […]
Condo buildings are brimming with pipes. We don’t often give them much thought, but just beneath our walls are networks of these conduits. They carry the water we use to drink and bathe in, wastewater, and hot water that feeds our radiators and keeps us warm at night. It may not be sexy, but plumbing […]
Breaking up is hard to do – but after much soul-searching and contemplation, you’re ready to move on. It’s time to find a new condo management company. Now, we know that this sort of thing is never easy. Getting out there, figuring out who’s who, even just knowing the right questions to ask – it can all […]
Every condo in Alberta has a reserve fund in place – ranging from your simple, straightforward reserve fund study to something more akin to a living, fluid program that Catalyst has been proud to help innovate on. That said, though, while you might know that your building has a reserve fund study, there’s a good […]
“Fall is here” might not have quite the same ominous ring to it as announcing that winter will soon arrive, but in the world of condo management, keeping an eye on the imminent approach of autumn is likely a better bet for your condo board to concern itself with. After all, for many Alberta condo […]
Autumn has arrived in Alberta once again, and as temperatures begin to fall, the issue of pest control becomes increasingly important. As droves of mice search for warmth and food inside our homes, all manner of critters big and small are looking for a place to shelter for the winter. When it comes to mice […]
Being an Alberta condo owner is by and large a pretty sweet deal. Sure, there’s the odd experience, bylaw, or noisy neighbour that might make your temperature rise just a wee bit (looking at you and your yippy little dog, Pam in 2B 👀), but on the whole, there really isn’t a whole lot we […]
When you’re searching for a new condo management company to help handle your rental property, it’s essential that you do your homework. Failing to choose a reputable, experienced management company could leave you facing issues like damaged property and unhappy tenants. You may have heard horror stories about companies that use less-than-adequate maintenance services or […]
Moving into a new condo is an exciting change. Between unpacking your belongings and decorating your new space, there’s a lot to think about. In the hustle and bustle, however, it’s easy to miss a few key details during your first week. One important step you don’t want to forget is becoming familiar with condo […]
We’ve all heard them. High pitched, excruciating beeps that happen every few minutes, like clockwork. No, you likely don’t have a cricket loose in your condo. Those ear-splitting chirps are coming from your smoke detector. Smoke detectors in condos can emanate these noises for a variety of reasons. One of the first things you’ll want […]
There are many reasons to consider condo renovations. Maybe you are preparing to sell your unit. Maybe a certain aspect of your condominium doesn’t function the way you need it to. Or maybe you simply want to add your own personal touch to the space you spend the majority of your time in. Whatever the […]
When COVID-19 was first documented in Canada on January 23, 2020, no one knew what to expect. In the weeks and months that followed Canadians did their best to gather information and adapt accordingly— but the impacts of the virus were far-reaching. The real estate market was no exception. By March, many cities (including those […]
Blizzards are an inevitable part of living in Alberta. In a province where the lowest temperature on record is an ultra-frigid -61.1 degrees Celsius, unpleasant winter weather is inescapable— and with it comes the trouble of snow removal. For condo owners and boards, in particular, snow and ice removal can be a sore point. Since […]
AGM season has arrived and much like everything else, it’s going to be a little different this year. Crammed auditoriums and meetings rooms are no longer an option, public health policies must be adhered to, and refreshments can no longer be served— among other changes. And if you’re like the many condo boards we engage […]
We’ve all heard horror stories about condo living. From noisy pets that won’t stop barking, to visitor parking battles and hefty maintenance bills— residing in a condominium community can come with its challenges. But before you get dismayed, know this: the vast majority of condominium complaints and disputes can be resolved with a little effective […]
The relationship between condo boards and management companies is an integral part of what makes a housing community thrive. When property management companies disappoint tenants, it can be difficult to repair the relationship or move forward with unity and understanding— making day-to-day responsibilities more complicated for all involved. Fortunately, however, with a proactive and collaborative […]
Per Merriam-Webster, the definition of communication is: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviours. It also states that communication is: information communicated; information transmitted or conveyed. When it comes to the condo business, communication is paramount. And as stated in the definitions above, it’s […]
Every town has its own fair share of urban myths and legends, and Edmonton is no different. Is there some sort of structure that exists under West Edmonton Mall? Is the Legislature Building actually haunted? And what’s up with that weird fenced-in green space near Gateway Blvd that inexplicably has a bunch of deer living […]
Cell phone plans. Airline tickets. Cable bills. Even your favourite food delivery app. They’ve all got one thing in common: hidden fees. Extra little charges above and beyond what you’d budgeted for when making a
Happy 2020 to condo owners, board members, and managers everywhere! New year, new you…new AGM? Chances are, you’re annual general meeting is scheduled in the near future. Are you 100% sure that you’re addressing and actioning the right opportunities to set your condo community, condo management, and condo corporation up for
Well, everybody, the jig is up. We’ve all had a good run, but the next time you think to yourself, “Hey, maybe I could make a few extra bucks renting out my condo while I’m away on vacay,” you’d better be prepared to peel off a few of those dollar bills for The Man.
It’s been just over a month since the long-awaited amendments to the Alberta Condominium Property Act (CPA) came into effect on July 1, so we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to take a bit of a look back on the changes that took place, how they’re being received, and if –
Even if you’ve been an avid, dedicated reader of our blogs since day one – and if you have, kudos – chances are, there are still some things about condo management that you still might not be quite aware of. For example, did you know all the ways that condo management differs from property management
Here in Alberta, we’ve grown accustomed to waiting exceptionally long periods of time for two things: the start of real, honest-to-goodness summer weather, and the arrival of true condo legislation reform. At the time of writing, we’re still waiting for both these things to make their appearance across our province – but the good news
It seems that we’re making a bit of a theme here on this blog lately around answering questions that everybody seems to have, but that nobody wants to admit they don’t know about. For example, our last blog focused on sussing out the different responsibilities and expectations between condo boards and condo management companies.
The condo management business is a funny one. In nearly every other industry you can think of, there exists a clear set of expectations and agreements regarding the role and relationship between client and service provider – but somewhere along the way, those lines got a bit blurry for folks in our industry of work.
Picture this… You’re a few years into your very first experience as a condo owner. You did your homework and bought a brand-new condo from a reputable builder. You scrimped and saved and were finally able to come up with that down payment, all in the name of being able to settle down comfortably
Are you somebody who really enjoys micro-managing things? Do you like biting off more than you can chew? Looking for a full-time job that pays absolutely nothing? Then have we got the gig for you: condo community self-management! Okay, okay. We’re having a bit of fun up there with our intro, but in reality, condominium
Generally speaking, when we imagine situations that might require taking out an insurance policy, the particulars are usually quite thrilling: travelling to far-off lands, for example, or taking part in any number of death-defying activities like skiing or white-water rafting. Even driving a car fits the bill, given the speeds and risks involved
February’s a funny month. It often finds condo board members torn between two conflicting desires. On the one hand, most folks are desperately looking forward to the end of winter and the return of warmer, sunnier weather. On the other, the imminent arrival of spring means that you’ll finally have to tackle those repairs highlighted
If you’ve been following this blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that we’ve been talking about amendments to the Alberta Condominium Property Act (or CPA) for a long, long while now. It might be hard to believe, but for as long as we’ve been chatting about these changes, the government’s been discussing them
Over the course of the past several years, our economy has undergone an interesting shift, moving away from one based on sole ownership towards one centered around the maxim of sharing. From cars to clothes to cats (yes, even cats!), the sharing economy is shaking things up all over – and nowhere is this more
Here at Catalyst, we love what we do, and to us, our services are pretty straight-forward: we offer condo management services that put an emphasis on sticking up for the little guy, advocacy, and generally just treating condo boards and residents with the most exceptional, awesome service we can muster. That said, though, it’s surprising
In the digital age we find ourselves in, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to transferring and moving money around. When you can choose to safely send money from one party to another using anything from banking apps to online third-party services to delivery-by-stagecoach
Okay, right off the bat, we’ll be the first people to agree with you: the knee-jerk reaction most people have at the thought of needing a lawyer is one of cold, primal fear. Maybe we’ve all been watching too many Law & Order re-runs, but whenever there’s talk of needing to bring on a lawyer
Breaking up is hard to do – especially when it comes to your condo management company. Sometimes, though, it’s necessary to make a change, because just like that one boyfriend you had who insisted that flipflops DO SO count as “formal attire,” you deserve better. That said, it’s never easy cutting ties with the folks
There are plenty of great perks that come along with being a condo owner. You get to be part of a close-knit community, the overall costs are generally more affordable than those associated with owning a stand-alone home, and so long as you’re paying your condo fees,
Quick! Your condo neighbour accidentally set the microwave timer for two hours instead of two minutes, and now those hot pockets he was warming up have caught fire and set the whole condo building ablaze!
One of the most useful tools a condominium has to plan for the future is the humble reserve fund study. If you’re sitting at your computer, scratching your head and trying to recall just what exactly a reserve fund study is, don’t worry, we’re here for you.
If you’ve ever rented out your condo before, you know that finding a decent tenant can feel something like winning the lottery. Leasing out your property is a nerve-wracking experience, and nothing is more anxiety-inducing than feeling like the folks you’ve got living in your condo might not be taking the greatest care of your […]
Inherited some property? Perhaps you received big promotion at work and have a bit of extra cash? Or maybe you just feel like you’ve got too much free time on your hands?
Is your condo building thinking about going green this year? And no, we don’t just mean adding a healthy coat of green paint on your condo’s walls. Here, green is a blanket term for those initiatives your condo corporation
In January 2017, seniors’ advocate Ruth Adria argued in the Alberta courts for more fair and equal treatment of people in our province, regardless of their age. Adria’s intentions were to set the groundwork for the more equitable treatment of seniors as they age,
Condo living is typically advertised as “hassle-free living” or “you don’t have to worry about anything, just move in and enjoy life.” Then, because life happens, you need to make an insurance claim with your building,
Here at Catalyst Condo Management, we’re big proponents of condo living. What a surprise, right? But, seriously, the blend of communal living, convenience, and general lifestyle that condo living offers is perfect for us,
And just like that, we’re nearing the end of another year. With the New Year just around the corner, wouldn’t it be nice if your condominium’s building maintenance caused as minimal interruption to your condo residents as possible?
Condo change is in the air here in Alberta making it an exciting time to be a condo owner! For years, the government has kicked around the idea of reworking the Condominium Property Act (CPA).
If you’ve ever lived in a condo complex, chances are you’ve come to dread walking up to the front door at the end of a long day and seeing that dreaded 8½ X 11 sheet of paper taped to the glass:
It’s pretty clear that the Calgary Real Estate market is going through a change and discovering what it’s “new normal” will be as we come out of the downturn. After years of rapid construction, particularly with condominium buildings,
Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most individuals will make in their lifetime. With such an important decision comes excitement, nervousness, and of course, stress! Is this the right home for you?
You’re moving into a condo – an experience unlike any other. While some may be of the belief that a condo is a condo is a condo, this is simply not the case. After all, buying a condo is different than renting an apartmentor living in a house with a yard of your own.
Condo Managers and Property Managers are not the same thing. There, we said it. While they are similar, there are clear differentiators that separate these two roles. It’s important that your condo board delineate the differences between the two services to ensure that you and your condo unit owners receive the proper service
A common condo owner / condo board discretion tale: a condo unit owner recently changed their washing machine in their suite. Unfortunately, as the individual unit owner replaced their machine, the hose used to connect to the water supply
What condo building in their right mind would spend $1000 on energy efficient light bulbs? Well, those interested in short term pain for long-term sustainable gain. Over the past number of years, “energy efficient” has made its way into everyday conversation.
How Airbnb and short term leasing affects your condo living Your condo unit is your home, so you should be able to do whatever you want with it (that’s legal, of course), right? Not so fast. Part of the role of your condo board is to ensure the security
Without wanting to kill your neighbours You’ve made the leap and sold your home in favour of downsizing to a smaller space. But, what do you do when you no longer have neighbours just beside you, but above and below as well. Living in a high-density
Why your condo corporation needs a registered business number Did you know that your condominium is more than a residence? In reality, your condo is a corporation, similar to that of a non-profit. Yep, that’s right, you’re living in a corporation!
When it comes to condo management, it is always recommended to set a code of ethics for the board members. They are required to act in an honest manner and in good faith. As a board member you should act in the best interests of the association.
The ceiling can have a leak or the plumbing may fail. There is no telling when such issues can arise, but they are really inconvenient. If you have a condo management company that offers 24 by 7 repair support, you can remain assured that there is always
Safety is one of the main concerns when managing a condo community. You should be well prepared and take proactive measures to reduce any risks. It is the board’s duty to ensure that building operations are protected and residents’ safety
The choice of the right property management company will have a significant impact on how successfully your community property is managed. Timely payment collections, following maintenance schedule, communicating effectively with residents,
Managing your condo community can be a time-consuming and complex task. Usually, it is the board members who take up all the responsibilities related to the day to day management of the community property. There is a world of a difference
Managing a condo association board can be a time-consuming task in itself. If you have a medium sized community, condo management can be a full-time job for board members. There are so many ways a condo management company can ease your job
When it comes to repairs and maintenance, condominium residents face lots of uncertainty. If repairs are required in the common areas and apartments, who should be responsible for them. This is frequently occurring issue that can be seen in
Raising the annual assessments is simply the most detested steps you can take. It can be even more concerning at a time when the economy is not doing so well. The key to prevent the board from taking this action is to follow other methods to increase
Property maintenance is one of the key services provided by a condo management company. Not every company will be able to meet the highest standards in the industry to address all your maintenance needs while meeting high-quality standards.
Managing a condominium or HOA with a board can be a fulltime job. Even a small condo requires dedicating a lot of time and effort to ensure that keeps running smoothly. If you hire a condo management company, it can make a huge difference in saving your
Condo maintenance is part of the daily operations of condo management. Snow removal is one of the most important tasks and the level of complexity and work involved will depend on many factors. So what should it cost? What are the factors involved
The management needs for a high-rise condo building will be different from those for a small townhouse community. The scope and scale of services provided can vary significantly based on the different needs of the communities. So what should you look
Many Canadians think that special assessments are mandatory. However, that is not the truth. If you have a well-managed condo community, you can rely on your reserve funds as and when it is required. There are ways to prevent special assessments.
As rental condos grow in Calgary, finding the right condo management services in Calgary has become a difficult process. Most services perform similar and industry standard processes and functions, making it difficult to differentiate between them.