New Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Rules Are Coming. Is Your Community Ready?
On March 18, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced sweeping changes to condominium project standards and insurance requirements. For community association boards, the window to prepare is short — and the stakes are high. If your community isn’t positioned to meet these new standards, buyers in your building could lose access to conventional mortgage […]
Ice Damming at an Association Clubhouse: Causes, Impact, and Lessons Learned
This winter in the Poconos reminded me just how powerful nature can be and how important preparation is. After a significant snowstorm that dropped nearly 22 inches of snow in a single event on top of other snow we received in the season, we experienced a serious issue at the clubhouse…dreaded ice damming. The weight […]
Behind the Vents: A Practical Guide to Community Heating & Cooling
Heating and cooling systems hum quietly behind the vents of our communities, rarely noticed until something goes wrong. Yet for community associations, these systems are far more than hidden machinery—they are essential infrastructure, major budget drivers, and a key contributor to resident comfort and satisfaction. Whether your community consists of single-family homes, townhomes, mid-rise condos, […]
Organizational Techniques for Association Managers
Managing multiple associations and communities as an Association Manager requires a high level of organization, efficiency, and time management. Staying on top of tasks, deadlines, and board expectations is essential for success. Implementing effective organizational techniques can streamline processes, reduce stress, and improve overall performance. Below are some valuable tips and tricks to help association […]
Top 4 Pond Complaints From Residents (And How To Solve Them)
Imagine walking a prospective resident through your community, pointing out the manicured landscaping, well-maintained buildings, and outdoor amenities. You only get one chance to make a stellar first impression, so the last thing you want them to see is a neglected pond. Even if everything else is on point, few things are as distracting as […]
Photo Gallery: 2026 Community Live! Annual Conference & Expo
Explore highlights from Community Live! 2026, where industry professionals, business partners, and homeowner leaders came together for two days of education, networking, and engagement under the Big Top. From dynamic sessions to a vibrant exhibit hall, these moments capture the energy and connections that made this year’s event a success. Photography by Gretchen Elaine Photography.
Notes from the Nest: CAI Keystone Takes Flight for 2026
Dear CAI Keystone member: I hope your new year is off to a great start! After our 2026 Committee Retreat this past Wednesday, I’m thrilled to say that our chapter’s new year is starting off in an inspiring, energizing, and exciting way. Our volunteers enjoyed a delicious hot breakfast, participated in a hilarious ice breaker designed by Chacha […]
Meet CAI Keystone’s New Member: A New Symbol for Our Community
Meet CAI Keystone’s New Mascot 🦉 We were proud to officially unveil CAI Keystone’s new mascot at our Annual Committee Retreat, where it was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from chapter leaders, volunteers, and committee members. The introduction sparked immediate excitement and conversation, reinforcing just how strongly the owl resonates with our community. The […]
Stand With Your Community: Support the Pennsylvania Legislative Action Committee
Community associations thrive when they have more than good governance. They need a voice in Harrisburg. That’s exactly what the Pennsylvania Legislative Action Committee (PA LAC) delivers. As part of CAI’s Legislative Action Committees, the PA LAC is a respected and proactive advocate for the interests of community associations, homeowners, board leaders, managers, and the […]
What Every Snowbird Needs to Know Before Flying South for the Winter
by Barbara Saxton, CMCA, AMS, PCAM | The Galman Group Trouble-proofing your home before leaving for warmer climates will help insure that your return is not met with disaster. Many residents know the basics: • Keep the heat thermostat set at 55-60 degrees (even if you winterize your plumbing system, appliances are not designed to […]