bonds may be covalent ( sharing electrons between atoms ) or ionic (transfer of electrons between atoms ).......each of these bondings have different properties.......if u know which bond is present in an element u can easily determine properties it has....
example : ammonia gas ( NH3 ) is covalent and therefore has low melting and boiling points.
sodium chloride NaCl is ionic and therefore has higher melting and boiling points.......
HOPE IT HELPS !!!