Winter Is (Almost) Here!

We all know what Colorado winters can bring—freezing temps, icy mornings, and the occasional surprise snowstorm. Before Mother Nature shows us what she’s got this year, here are a few friendly reminders to help keep your home safe, warm, and worry-free.

Read this post for a winter prep list for HOA Homeowners.

A Guide for Responsible Pet Ownership in HOA Communities

Living in a Homeowners Association (HOA) community in Colorado comes with many benefits: shared amenities, property value protection, and a unified neighborhood standard.

But when it comes to pets, especially dogs, unclear expectations or lack of enforcement can quickly turn a neighborly community into a contentious one.

At Five Keys, we believe strong communities are built on trust, communication, and proactive management. Today, we’re excited to share an important update: 5150 Community Management is now Five Keys. Same team and same great service. Read more about our name change.

Many of us think of happiness as something deeply personal—shaped by our relationships, careers, and personal choices. But research increasingly shows that where we live plays a much bigger role in our well-being than we might expect. Your neighborhood isn’t just a backdrop to your life; it actively shapes your mental health, stress levels, and overall happiness.

Disputes are an inevitable part of community living, whether they arise between neighbors or between homeowners and the HOA board. The key to handling these conflicts effectively lies in communication, understanding, and resolution-focused strategies.

One day during cruddy spring weather, I was watching TV and saw a commercial for Offer Up, where you can sell anything locally. Hmm, I thought to myself that might be a good way to get rid of some skis I have laying around the basement, and maybe that bike I never ride. It was easy, I took photos, made a price, posted it on the internet. Within one hour I had two hits for two different pairs of skis I posted. Score!

Are you new to your Board or are you a seasoned veteran? Either way, you took the plunge and are now representing your community on a leadership level. 

What does this mean? Have you ever wondered what being a board member fully entails? We’ve put together some helpful tips for navigating your responsibilities.

Twenty-one percent of the U.S. population now resides in a community association, also known as planned communities (e.g. homeowners associations, condominium communities, and housing cooperatives), according to the 2016 National and State Statistical Review for Community Association Data,  published by the Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR).

Recently ones of our Denver area home owner asked, “I went to my homeowners meeting and it seemed like my manager runs our Association, is that the way it is supposed to be?”

“Colorado, starting July 1, will join nine other states that require community association managers to obtain a license and comply with a long list of rules.

The last big leap toward licensing happened this week, when the Colorado Division of Real Estate held a final rule-making session to iron out the details.