Building VALUE through management excellence
BOARD MEMBER EDUCATION Understanding the Roles of Your Association’s Board Officers President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary: each position has a different purpose, but effective community governance depends on the entire board working together. Serving on the board of a homeowners association or condominium is a team responsibility. Although certain directors may be elected or…
Board & Homeowner Education Reserve Funding and Federal Mortgage Guidelines What FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac requirements may mean for your association’s budget, assessments, reserves, and owners’ ability to obtain mortgage financing. Important clarification about the “15% requirement” There has been considerable confusion surrounding the number 15%. Based on the currently published federal mortgage…
Homeowner Education Why Doesn’t the HOA Maintain the Forest? Understanding the purpose of forest retention, forest conservation, and forest reserve areas within Maryland communities. Not Every Association-Owned Area Is a Landscaped Common Area One of the most common questions homeowners ask is why the Association does not mow, trim, clear, landscape, or remove fallen trees…
Federal Legislative Update: What the Corporate Transparency Act Means for Community Associations Community associations across the country have been closely monitoring recent federal legislation that could significantly impact how associations—and more specifically, volunteer board members—handle personal information reporting requirements. At the center of this discussion is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a federal law enacted…
As the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise, spring is finally starting to show its head. After a long winter, this is the perfect time to step outside, take a fresh look at your home, and start thinking about seasonal maintenance and curb appeal. Just as spring cleaning inside your home helps create…
From snowstorms in Texas to historic cold temperatures across Florida, it’s clear that winter weather preparedness is not just for northern regions. Wherever you are, managing winter weather risk doesn’t have to be daunting; it simply begins with preparing for snow, ice, and extreme cold ahead of time. For over 60 years, Philadelphia Insurance Companies…
Anew survey by the Foundation for Community Association Research identifies aging infrastructure as a critical concern for community managers, boards members, and residents. Water intrusion, deteriorating balconies and fences, failing pipes and roofs, as well as plumbing and electrical issues often show a building’s age. As buildings’ internal systems and physical components age, how can community associations best prepare…
From 3-foot-tall skeletons draped over front lawns to inflatable pumpkins and spider web-covered walkways, Halloween decorations have grown in popularity over the years. Community association board members may choose to develop a policy for these spooky decorations, including what, where, when, and for how long. Board Members Engage residents in a conversation on whether…
Each year you receive a draft of the proposed budget for review and comment. A lot of work goes into preparing the budget. It’s a complex activity that has to start early so the budget can be finalized and approved prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. Here’s how we do it: The…
What’s the difference in a board meeting and a special meeting, or an annual meeting and a town meeting? Confused? Here’s some clarification. Annual Meetings Annual meetings—or annual membership meetings—are required by our governing documents, which specify when they’re to be conducted and how and when members are to be notified about the meeting. This…
With the rise of social media, HOA board members often find themselves navigating online communication. Social media can be a useful tool to keep homeowners informed and engaged. However, it can also lead to miscommunication, conflicts, or even legal issues if not handled properly. This has led many to wonder whether or not there should…
While mainly governed by your association’s bylaws and governing documents, most states have legislation that provides HOA proxy voting rules. Most indicate the requirements for a valid proxy vote and its limitations. What is Proxy Voting? Proxy voting occurs when a homeowner’s association member authorizes another person to cast votes on behalf of the members….
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Blackstone Management Supporting communities in Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington DC metro since 2007.
Waldorf, MD
8 am to 5 pm M-F
Copyright 2026, Blackstone Management, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Blackstone Management Supporting communities in Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington DC metro since 2007.
Waldorf, MD
8 am to 5 pm M-F
Copyright 2026, Blackstone Management, LLC.
All Rights Reserved.