How do you secure your information following theft?

Posted by & filed under Real Estate, Safety, Top News.

As more people rely on the internet to shop, bank, file taxes and more, thieves are finding more ways to steal personal information. While many people take the necessary precautions to keep their details safe, thieves may still be able to attain personal information by hacking into the systems of larger businesses. How can you… Read more »

Holiday Office Hours – 2017

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

Blackstone Management Holiday Office Hours Thanksgiving – Closed Nov. 23 and 24, Reopen at 8am Nov. 27 Christmas – Closed Dec. 25, Reopen at 8am Dec. 26 New Years – Closed Jan. 1, Reopen at 8am Jan. 2

New Maryland Common Interest Ownership Law 2017

Posted by & filed under blog, Board Members, Real Estate.

** “GOOD STANDING” PERCENTAGE REQUIRED TO AMEND DOCUMENTS: (HB789 – Effective 10/01/17): * The law defines “good standing” as not being more than 90 days in arrears in the payment of any assessment or charge due to the Condominium or the Homeowners Association. * The law alters the minimum percentage of affirmative votes of owners… Read more »

10 ways to improve your home’s curb appeal

Posted by & filed under Real Estate.

Edge the driveway Installing a border along the driveway gives it a crisp, elegant look. Edging materials such as bricks, pavers and stone, or a combination of them, bring a boring asphalt slab to life with color, texture and decorative designs. The edging can be level with the driveway or elevated to prevent people from… Read more »

Changes to Condo & HOA Resale Packages Beginning October 1st

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Beginning October 1st, the maximum fee that a condominium association or home owners association (HOA) may charge a unit owner for providing a resale package will be $250. This figure may be CPI-U adjusted every 2 years, but as of October 1, 2016 the maximum fee will be $250.  Condominium associations and HOAs should note that the… Read more »

6 WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOA NEWSLETTER

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Has the HOA newsletter gone the way of the dinosaur? Hopefully at your HOA the answer is a resounding no; newsletters are still vitally important tools for associations that wish to foster strong, clear, consistent communication with their members. You may send the newsletter electronically, you may send it on paper, or you may do… Read more »

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Posted by & filed under Board Members.

  Having to attend every meeting can be a challenge for all parties involved. You can now attend meetings without physically being present. Our feature “Online Meetings” makes it possible to be virtually present at the meeting and enables conducting and participating in interactive sessions while being remote; thus reducing and eliminating the need to… Read more »

Thunderstorm Safety – Avoiding a Lightning Strike

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Warm weather usually means fun in the sun, but summer heat also can bring severe weather. Threatening thunderstorms often loom large on summer afternoons so it’s important to be prepared for downpours and accompanying lightning, which can strike outdoors or indoors. Consider the following suggestions when planning both outdoor and indoor events this summer to… Read more »

Meetings-What is a Quorum and Why is it Important?

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

A quorum is the minimum number of owners who must be at a meeting before business can be transacted. State law tells us what that minimum number is for our association. It’s relatively low, but we still have a tough time getting to it. It’s a common problem in many associations. Meetings that don’t have… Read more »

Online Payment Processing

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

We wanted to inform owners and tenants  that due to ongoing issues homeowners and our accounting team are experiencing with our current online payment provider we have decided to make a change of vendors.   After much consideration and research we will be changing providers to Revo payments. Revo is an industry leader in online payments for associations… Read more »

Snow Removal Cold Weather – How it works

Posted by & filed under Safety, Uncategorized.

Winter has arrived later than expected, but with the extreme cold the last few days and snow predicted this weekend, it’s finally here. We thought this is a good time to remind you of snow removal responsibilities, and other important information to protect your home this winter. In terms of snow removal, all streets will… Read more »