May 9, 2025
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… 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 »
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 »
September 29, 2020
When buying or selling a home, it is expected that all sorts of fees will pop up at closing. However, the HOA transfer fee is one that sometimes takes people by surprise. This is a one-time fee that occurs when a property is transferred from one owner to another. The HOA transfer fee is mandated… Read more »
September 24, 2020
We wanted to share the attached Senate bill with all homeowners living in condominium associations in the state of Maryland. Please read the entire bill as it does affect the insurance coverage from the Association to your individual unit. If you have any questions about this issue, please reach out to your independent insurance agent… Read more »
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 »
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 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 »
January 15, 2019
The pros and cons of owning a house or condo that’s part of a homeowners association cover pretty much everything and the kitchen sink. Your relationship with the HOA can be reassuring, annoying, and sometimes even risky. On the plus side, the HOA often foots the bill for major expenses, such as when a roof… Read more »