Condo Living Made Easy

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Happy New Year from ChicagoCondoResource.com!

Details: Written by Lauren Peddinghaus; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Published: 29 December 2020

2020 has been a challenging year, to say the least. As we look ahead to 2021 and the change that is on the way, we encourage our readers to embrace the opportunity for a fresh start. More than ever, it is clear that we are all connected and interdependent, from our small condominium communities to our neighborhoods, our cities, the country, and the world. Be kind to each other, give support where you can, and find support when you need it. We are truly all in this together.

ChicagoCondoResource.com and Haus Financial Services are here to support you and your association through the challenges you face, both large and small. We can help make condo living easier, particularly in the most stressful of times. If you are struggling to do it all, please reach out. You do not have to manage alone!

A very Happy New Year to you and yours. Stay safe and may we all enjoy a healthier, successful 2021!

Recyle Your Christmas Tree and Get Free Mulch!

Details: Written by Lauren Peddinghaus; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Published: 22 December 2020

The City of Chicago has a Christmas tree recycling program that turns trees into mulch for the Chicago Park District and residents. Free mulch is available starting in mid-January.

Find more details on the program here.

Get additional information about holiday recycling and more from Recycle by City: Chicago's website.

Happy Holidays from ChicagoCondoResource.com!

Maintaining a Sense of Community Amidst COVID-19

Details: Written by Alexa Jackson; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Published: 15 December 2020

Creating a sense of community amidst a pandemic is certainly a challenge. Like most people, community boards have had to adapt while distanced.

An important aspect of any well-run community is the sharing of information between board members, property managers, and residents to keep everyone in the loop.

Communication is not only a necessity, it is often a legal obligation.

Here are a few ways to maintain strong communication, whether in-person or not:

Make a plan for regular, consistent, and ongoing communication. Ensure that your communication lines remain open and go both ways.
Keep your website up-to-date so that residents have a one-stop resource where they can find information and necessary contacts if they have questions.
Utilize apps and portals to help residents, board members, and property managers stay in contact, find information, reserve amenities, vote, etc. Just make sure to stay attuned to your residents tech-fluency and needs to boost satisfaction and communication.
Check in with residents more often who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
Be creative with virtual events to energize and bring the community together.

Learn more here.

Cook County Assessor Applies COVID-19 Adjustment

Details: Written by Alexa Jackson; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Published: 07 December 2020

Recently, you may have received a letter from the Cook County Assessor’s Office regarding the current economic downturn and the negative affect COVID-19 has had on property values.

The Assessor has deemed it appropriate to apply a COVID-19 Adjustment to the 2020 assessed value for most residential properties. The adjustments range from about 8 - 11%.

In Chicago’s south and west suburbs, mailed reassessment notices will reflect COVID-19 adjusted property values. In Riverside, River Forest, Oak Park, and Calumet however, property values without a COVID-19 Adjustment were sent earlier this year and values were adjusted, where necessary, after appeals closed.

In Chicago and the north suburbs, values will be adjusted, where appropriate, after the township is certified.