Trestle Introduces the New My-Community Web Portal
Trestle is delighted to announce the upcoming release of their third generation My-Community Web Portal on March 1, 2024. This new portal, which fully replaces the existing one, brings with it enhanced capabilities and is built upon the FrontSteps Community platform. FrontSteps, a recognized expert in community association management software, offers a comprehensive suite of integrated tools tailored to association management. Trestle’s longstanding partnership with FrontSteps, spanning over a decade, has enabled them to successfully utilize various capabilities, including their accounting software, Caliber.
Enhanced Homeowner Experience
One of the key highlights of this collaboration is the incorporation of FrontSteps’ feature-rich community portal, Homeowner phone and tablet apps, and payment system into the new My-Community Web Portal. Working with a single provider ensures a more integrated and user-friendly experience for Homeowners. FrontSteps is not only advanced by current standards but also committed to ongoing improvements, ensuring the portal remains modern and user-friendly.
New Features
Trestle has worked closely with FrontSteps for the past two years, tailoring the new portal specifically to their clients’ needs based on feedback received. Some of the exciting new features that Homeowners can look forward to include a community discussion board, amenity reservations, work order submission with the ability to upload photos, and community classifieds. Furthermore, FrontSteps offers dedicated phone and tablet apps for Homeowners, allowing convenient access to essential information while on the go.
Updated Payment Methods
In addition to introducing new features, Trestle is streamlining Homeowner payments by implementing FrontSteps Quick Pay. This service, accessible through the new My-Community Web Portal, will replace the existing electronic payment options, including Trestle’s in-house ACH processing.
For years, Trestle has successfully provided a fee-based service through First Citizens Bank within the My-Community Web Portal, with hundreds of Homeowners opting for this convenient option. This is not a change in payment options, but instead a change in service providers. Through Frontsteps Quick Pay, Homeowners who prefer electronic payment methods will have the flexibility to set up payments through the new app, by scanning the QR code on their billing statement, or by visiting the My-Community Web Portal link on Trestle’s website. FrontSteps Quick Pay empowers Homeowners with greater control over their payments, allowing them to select and modify payment dates, amounts, and bank account or card numbers online at any time.
Prioritizing Homeowner data security, Trestle has decided to discontinue its in-house ACH service on February 29, 2024. Despite maintaining a complimentary ACH service with robust security measures for the past decade, the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats necessitates a vigilant approach. Consequently, Trestle has decided to transition its internal ACH service to a larger payment processing entity through Frontsteps Quick Pay. The associated fees, $2.95 for electronic bank transfers and 3.95% for credit and debit card transactions, are in line with industry standards and charged by Frontsteps Quick Pay in order to cover the costs incurred during the transaction.
Homeowners currently enrolled in Trestle’s in-house ACH should update their payment method before their next assessment due date. Homeowners’ due dates and account numbers are reflected on their billing statement as well as the current and new version of the My-Community Web Portal. Homeowners may also contact us at (425) 454-6404 or Hi@TrestleCM.com for assistance in changing their payment method. To view the payment options and access Frontsteps Quick Pay before the new My-Community Web Portal becomes available, click here.
Free Payment Methods
In addition to electronic payments through Frontsteps Quick Pay, Homeowners will continue to have the option to submit personal and bill pay checks without any processing fees. Homeowners interested in this method should ensure their payment contains specific information for seamless processing. These details include:
- The Homeowner’s name as on file with their Association,
- The address of the home at the Association, and
- The Homeowner’s unique account number, which can be found at the top of their billing statement, on the My-Community Web Portal or by contacting us at Hi@TrestleCM.com.
Making Personal or Bill Pay Checks Payments
Payments should be mailed in advance to account for possible delivery delays, be made payable to the Association and sent to the following address:
[Association Name]
c/o Trestle Community Management
PO Box 63843
Phoenix, AZ 85082-3843
Understanding Bill Pay
Bill pay is a convenient banking service that allows Homeowners to pay their bills directly from their bank account without the need for physical checks or cash. By enrolling in bill pay through their bank, Homeowners can automate payments to various entities, including their Association, ensuring timely and hassle-free transactions.
Enrolling in Bill Pay
To start using bill pay, Homeowners should contact their bank, or log in to their online banking portal. This service is often complimentary and can be easily set up by following their bank’s instructions. Once enrolled, Homeowners can manage and schedule their payments, adding an extra layer of convenience to their financial management.
Connecting with Trestle
In addition to Trestle’s website, the firm regularly connects on LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Please contact Bob Brencic, CMCA, AMS, MBA, President of Trestle Community Management, at Bob@TrestleCM.com or (425) 454-6404 for additional details.
