January 27, 2023
Lower back strain is one of the most common injuries related to shoveling snow. The following measures can help you prevent injuries and keep your back healthy while shoveling: · Before the first snowfall is predicted, make sure you have a proper shovel. The best shovel is one that is light weight, ergonomic and has… Read more »
November 30, 2022
We have been notified that House Bill 107 passed in Maryland in this year’s legislative session requiring all multi-family residential properties to complete a reserve study by October 1, 2023. This bill requires an updated study every five years of the reserves needed for future major repairs and replacement of the common elements of cooperative… Read more »
September 23, 2022
As anyone on a condo, co-op or homeowner association (HOA) board knows too well, board meetings can be extremely delicate situations. Board members don’t always agree with each other, discussion about a single, minor issue can eat up entire meetings, and those who speak the loudest aren’t always looking at the issues with the best… Read more »
September 21, 2022
As we come into the winter season you will be changing your HVAC from AC to heat. This is the time we recommend having the HVAC unit serviced to avoid break downs and leaks. Below are some helpful tips of what you can do and what your maintenance company should be doing once or twice a… Read more »
September 20, 2022
We’ve got an election coming up, and even if you’re unable to attend the membership meeting and election, you can still vote by proxy. A proxy is the written authorization that allows one person to appoint another (the proxy holder) to vote on his or her behalf. State law and the association’s governing documents specify… Read more »
July 22, 2022
As the summer heats up, many of you will escape the daily grind and head out on a well-deserved vacation. But before you hit the road, take a few precautions so your home isn’t enticing to thieves or susceptible to fire and other disasters. Not only is having your home vandalized or burnt to the… Read more »
February 6, 2022
Tax season is always a stressful time of the year. One of the questions HOA residents commonly ask is, “Are HOA fees tax deductible?” The answer, though, is not as simple. Are HOA Fees Tax Deductible? A homeowners association runs a community by imposing certain rules, preserving its aesthetics, and maintaining various aspects of the… Read more »
January 5, 2022
Dear Valued Customer, As 2022 approaches, businesses across all markets throughout the US continue to be burdened by extraordinary circumstances nationwide challenging clients, consumers, suppliers, and employees both professionally and personally. The recent fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 has derailed holiday plans, canceled events, and left businesses understaffed across the nation. We are proactively… Read more »
November 9, 2021
The pandemic has presented many challenges for condominium unit owners’ associations, including how meetings can be conducted and making sure all voting and quorum requirements are met. On October 25, 2021, D.C. City Council and Mayor Muriel Bowser enacted new emergency legislation that, in relevant part, amends subsection (f) of Sec. 2. Section 303 of… Read more »
October 22, 2021
The United States Postal Services began changing first-class mail delivery time frames in October. This change may result in payments, parking passes, account statements and other mailed items from our offices taking longer to arrive to you. For fast easy access to your account or to make payments online please visit our website www.blackstoneAM.com on… Read more »
September 15, 2021
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… Read more »
June 3, 2021
Imagine your surprise. You buy a home in a community knowing full well that you’ll become a member of your local homeowners association only to learn that your homeowners association is really a subassociation and you’re bound to follow the rules of a bigger “master” association. If you’re thinking, “I’ve never heard such a thing,”… Read more »