Hold My Scrapple: Delaware May Be Warming Up to Community Association Legislation

If you’ve lived in Delaware long enough, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Lower Slower Delaware.” While the nickname is most often reserved for Sussex County, it also captures something many Delawareans appreciate about our state: we don’t tend to rush into things. Unlike neighboring Maryland, where community association laws seem to arrive with the regularity…

Winter Claims Recap: What We Learned from the Winter of 2025–2026

This past winter reminded us just how vulnerable community associations can be to water damage and freezing temperatures. Between December 2025 and March 2026, condominium and association communities experienced 61 property claims, resulting in more than $1.6 million in paid losses, with additional claims still being adjusted. While winter storms, wind, snow, and fallen trees…

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…

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…

Market Trends in Community Association Insurance

Coastal condominiums typically allocate 50% of the budget to insurance premiums. Property coverages are the largest expense in our Condominium Association’s risk management programs. We are happy to see a stabilization occurring in the property market. For more information, see our Fall Coastal Property Market update here. Liability coverages are continuing to see increases in…

2025 CAI Maryland Legislative Session Report

Community Associations Institute (CAI) Maryland Legislative Action Committee (MD LAC) spent the 2025 legislative session advocating on behalf of the approximately 1,062,000 Marylanders living in 406,100 homes in more than 7,100 community associations across the Old Line State. Maryland’s 2025 legislative session began on January 8 and adjourned April 7. In the House, MD LAC supported…

Navigating Insurance Pressures in Today’s Condo Market

Rising property insurance costs continue to present challenges for community associations across the country. New data from the Foundation for Community Association Research underscores what many homeowners, boards, and community managers are experiencing: higher premiums, fewer coverage options, and more complex compliance requirements, especially in the condominium housing market. According to the Foundation’s recent Insurance…

Replacement Cost Value and Your Mortgage

In order to get a mortgage on a condominium, the condominium association has to have sufficient insurance. Unit owners are tasked with getting a certificate of insurance from the insurance agent and providing it to the mortgage company on an annual basis. Mortgage companies have gotten stricter with their requirements. Now lenders provide lists of…