Building VALUE through management excellence
Many people are concerned that the new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac requirements, effective March 18, 2026, will make condo living more expensive because associations beginning in 2027 must fund Reserves at a minimum of 15% of the total budget instead of 10%. Others have asked whether these changes will fundamentally affect how Reserve Studies…
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 part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our communities informed and prepared, we have developed a comprehensive report on the current insurance market as it relates specifically to condominium associations. Over the past several years, the insurance industry has experienced significant shifts driven by increased claims, rising reconstruction costs, and changes in underwriting standards….
Community associations are no exception to the ubiquitous challenge of speeding on streets around the world. In private communities, safety isn’t just a feature, it’s a cornerstone. It’s one of the primary reasons people choose neighborhoods. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, higher speeds significantly increase the likelihood of accidents and the severity of…
As you make your New Year’s resolutions, are you already wondering if you’ll be able to keep them? Looking back at promises made this time last year, perhaps you realize you’re making the same resolutions all over again. You’re not alone; research from Statistics Brain shows that 45 percent of us make specific resolutions each year, only…
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…
Native Americans and early settlers gave thanks together with this historic feast. On the fourth Thursday of November, people in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving, a national holiday honoring the early settlers and Native Americans who came together to have a historic harvest feast. NATIVE AMERICANS Long before settlers came to the East Coast of…
Veterans Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on November 11th to honor American veterans for their service. Originally, Armistice Day in 1919 was established to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the name was changed 1954 to honor all American veterans of all wars. The day is marked with ceremonies, such as a wreath-laying at the…
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…
A reserve study is a vital capital planning tool for HOAs and condominium associations that provides directional guidance and an in-depth analysis of community assets. The initial reserve study requires an onsite inspection and thorough examination of the reserve fund status to establish a prioritized schedule of capital improvement projects and a reserve funding plan…
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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.