HOA Management | Blackstone Management

Education | HOA Management

2026 Legislative Update for Community Association Boards – Maryland, Virginia & D.C.
Byfbaggarly August 18, 2026August 18, 2026

2026 Legislative Update for Community Associations | Blackstone Management Board Education & Legislative Awareness 2026 Legislative Update for Community Associations Important developments from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. that condominium and homeowners association Board members should have on their radar. Keeping Your Board Informed Community association laws continue to evolve, and even seemingly small legislative…

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HOA Management | Mortgage | Uncategorized

New Fannie Mae Rules Are Changing Condo Financing — Here’s What Your Association Needs to Know
Byfbaggarly August 17, 2026August 17, 2026

Community Update New Fannie Mae Rules Are Changing Condo Financing Here’s what your association needs to know — and do — before your next sale, refinance, or budget cycle. If you own a condo, sit on an HOA board, or are thinking about buying into a condominium community, there’s a financing change you need to…

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Education | HOA Management

Important Update: Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirement Eliminated for HOA & Condo Boards
Byfbaggarly August 13, 2026August 13, 2026

Community Association Legislative Update Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements Eliminated for Community Association Boards A major federal regulatory change provides long-awaited relief for homeowners associations, condominium associations, and the volunteer board members who serve them. What Happened? On August 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, commonly known as FinCEN,…

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Board Members | HOA Management | Mortgage | Real Estate

Reserve Funding, Mortgage Guidelines, and Your Community: What Owners Need to Know
Byfbaggarly August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

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…

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HOA Management

Balancing Summer and Your Volunteer Board Service
Byfbaggarly August 4, 2026August 4, 2026

☀ Board Education Series Making Time for Summer—and Your Community Board service should be meaningful, not overwhelming. With a few practical habits and the right technology, board members can remain informed and involved while still enjoying vacations, family activities, and everything else summer has to offer. Access the Online Portal View the Summer Tips Your…

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Board Members | HOA Management | Safety | Uncategorized

Understanding the Forest Retention Area
Byfbaggarly July 31, 2026July 31, 2026

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…

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Education | HOA Management | Reserve Study

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Higher Minimum Reserve Funding Standards – What Does it Mean for our Association?
Byfbaggarly June 11, 2026

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…

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HOA Management | Real Estate | Reserve Study | Safety

Condo Association Insurance: Why Premiums Are Rising—and What Boards Can Do About It
Byfbaggarly April 20, 2026January 25, 2026

Condominium associations across the country are facing a difficult reality: insurance premiums are increasing at an unprecedented pace. In Southern Maryland and the surrounding region, many condo associations are seeing renewal increases ranging from 20% to as high as 60%—and in some cases even more. While claims history can certainly impact renewal pricing, today’s insurance…

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Education | HOA Management | Insurance

Insurance Market Update for Condominium Associations
Byfbaggarly March 24, 2026June 24, 2026

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….

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Board Members | HOA Management | Weather

🌸 Spring Is Finally Here: Time to Refresh the Outside of Your Home
Byfbaggarly March 3, 2026

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…

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HOA Management | Safety

Snow Removal Budget Planning Guide
Byfbaggarly February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Snow Removal Budget Planning Guide Winter weather remains one of the most unpredictable and challenging expenses for homeowners and condominium associations. Snow and ice events can consume an entire season’s budget in a matter of days, making long-term planning essential for financial stability and operational readiness. To help boards plan more effectively, Blackstone Management has…

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HOA Management | Safety | Weather

Smart Snow Management: Practical Ways HOA Boards Can Control Snow Removal Costs Without Compromising Safety
Byfbaggarly January 23, 2026January 23, 2026

Snow removal is one of the most critical — and most unpredictable — winter expenses for community associations. Boards understand that snow and ice management is a safety obligation, not a luxury. At the same time, a single major storm can quickly strain or even exceed a snow budget. The good news? With proactive planning,…

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