Melissa Esham is the Community Association Advisor for Deeley Insurance Group. She has nine years of experience specializing in the needs of community associations and 17 years of community management experience. Melissa grew up in Ocean Pines, MD and now resides in a condominium association in Berlin.

Building Better Communities: Rewriting the Algorithm of Dailiy Life

In a world where news cycles and social media feeds often amplify frustration, conflict, and division, it can be easy to believe that negativity is the norm. Yet every day, within our own neighborhoods, a very different story unfolds—one defined by cooperation, compassion, and resilience. Recent winter storms brought significant challenges to many communities. Tree…

Beyond the Numbers: How Proactive Boards Improve Reserve Study Accuracy (and Save $$$)

The Challenge A condominium association preparing its required five year reserve study received an initial draft projecting over $7 million in fully funded needs and recommending $2.54 million in annual reserve contributions. This would have required owners to pay $384 per month—a level the Board believed was unrealistic and based on inflated cost assumptions. Their…

Stronger Controls, Safer Funds: Your Association’s Plan for Financial Protection

State statutes in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia require community associations to carry fidelity coverage — also known as crime coverage, employee theft coverage, or a fidelity bond. This insurance protects association funds from theft, fraud, or misappropriation. Strong internal controls work hand in hand with proper insurance. Below are key practices every association should follow…

Fair Rules, Clear Communication: How Boards Can Prevent Conflict and Build Trust

Homeowner associations can take proactive steps to reduce confusion, improve fairness, and lower the risk of legal disputes. While every community is unique, many conflicts arise from perceived selective enforcement—when some violations are addressed and others are not. The most common areas of dispute include:      1. Parking Restrictions      2. Architectural Guidelines…

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Announce Changes in Condominium Underwriting Guidelines

A positive step toward stronger communities, healthier reserves, and more resilient properties. Community associations across the country will soon benefit from updated lending and insurance standards issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These changes are designed to strengthen financial planning, improve long term maintenance, and ensure adequate insurance protection — ultimately supporting safer, more…

Reserve Fund Funding

Even with new regulations allowing communities in Maryland two additional years to fund the reserves, associations are struggling to reach the funding limits needed. If you are struggling to fund the reserves to the level required by the study, consider signing up for this educational class from Reserve Advisors. Join Reserve Advisors, LLC and my…

Maryland Condominium Unit Owner Policies – 2026 New Legislation Being Proposed

The Maryland Legislative Action Committee is pursuing legislation to increase an owner’s financial responsibility to $25,000 when a loss originates from a unit or from a component servicing only that unit. The current statutory cap is $10,000. In addition, MD LAC is amending current language to pass through the total amount of damage that originates…