July 29, 2020
Noise is an inevitable reality in condominium communities. Condominium dwellers live in such close proximity, it’s essential that we consider the effect noise will have on our neighbors when deciding on floor coverings, where to mount the flat-screen television or when to knock out a wall. We—you and your neighbors—all have a right to enjoy… Read more »
July 29, 2020
You are among the more than 60 million Americans who live in homeowners associations and condominium communities. We think most residents are happy living in our community—and we certainly hope you are among them—but how do these 60 million residents feel about their own associations? Are they happy with their elected boards? How do they… Read more »
May 8, 2020
Basic etiquette in today’s digital, global era can be a challenge, especially when you only have one form of communication to rely on. During a conference call, you have your voice—and your voice alone—to relay your thoughts, questions, and input. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on where your etiquette… Read more »
April 29, 2020
Recently the Community Association Institute developed certain guidelines on steps your community may take or has taken to address the COVID-19 outbreak. It has sections on cleaning, common areas and amenities, meetings and events, social distancing, and staffing. Below I have outlined the steps which have or are being addressed by your Community Site Manager… Read more »
March 18, 2020
We have received inquiries about the possible extension of tax payment and tax filing deadlines in response to Covid-19, as well as some misstated rumors. This client alert is intended to clarify the current state of tax payment and filing deadlines at the federal level and at the Maryland level. As of the moment of… Read more »
March 12, 2020
Transition of Condominium Association Governance from Developer to Unit Owner Control By Nicholas D. Cowie at Cowie Law Group, P.C. This article was reproduced with the permission of Cowie Law Group, P.C. from its website MarylandCondominiumAttorneys.com at the following Link: https://marylandcondominiumattorneys.com/index.php/developer-transition-condominium-associations/ Legal Requirements and Transition Checklist “Developer transition” is the process by which the governance… Read more »
February 14, 2020
The success of a homeowners association (HOA) community is heavily dependent upon the board members’ ability to handle their duties and responsibilities in a fair and adept manner. With 2.5 million individuals holding positions on community association boards, almost all of whom are volunteers appointed by a majority of the community, it is important for each homeowner… Read more »
January 16, 2020
We have had a lot of owners in the St. Charles Community-Waldorf, MD calling asking about how the communities are formed and who or want gives the builders the right to build the types of homes and the numbers to be built. This is all approved by “Docket 90” the Charles County Board resolution first… Read more »
January 10, 2020
#Askingforafriend It has taken me a while to work up the nerve to ask this. m so embarrass?. ‘Please don’t use name or location on anything that could possibly trace this back to me. Not that it matters, I’ve opened a new email account on a public computer in order to submit this, so you… Read more »
December 30, 2019
Chances are at some time in your life, you’ve made a New Year’s resolution — and then broken it. This year, stop the cycle of resolving to make change and then not following through. If your resolution is to take better care of yourself and get healthy, you will have a much better year if your resolution sticks. Here are ten… Read more »
August 27, 2019
Do you have a board member who likes to push others around? Find out how to tame your HOA or condo board bully. Some board members ought to come with mute buttons or protective gear for the rest of the board. They are the bullies. While most board members find ways to work together and… Read more »
March 21, 2019
We have added a great new tool to the Blackstone Management Vendor desk. Notifications: vendors will get notifications when maintenance/repair requests are assigned to them in our system. This will allow all vendors working with Blackstone Management to track all outstanding work and RFP requests. Scheduling: vendors now can set appointments for maintenance work at… Read more »