The Journal
Insights for Board Members
& Property Owners.
Expert guidance on property management, board governance, financial planning, and building maintenance from the Stellar Property Management team.
Legal & Compliance
February 18, 2026 · 8 min read
Illinois Condo Law in 2026: What Every Board Must Know
Illinois condo boards face a dense web of legal obligations. Here is a practical, plain-English rundown of the rules that matter most in 2026 — and where boards most often get into trouble.
Technology
October 7, 2025 · 6 min read
AI Is Coming to Condo Management — What Boards Need to Know
AI is starting to reshape how associations are managed. Here is a clear-eyed look at where it helps, where it does not, and how boards should approach it.
Insurance
May 13, 2025 · 7 min read
Why HOA and Condo Insurance Costs Are Skyrocketing in Illinois
Master-policy premiums and deductibles are climbing across Illinois. Here is what is behind the increases — and the practical steps boards can take to manage them.
Reserve Planning
January 28, 2025 · 8 min read
Condo Reserve Funds Explained: Why So Many Associations Are Underfunded
Reserve funding has become one of the most important issues in community management. Here is what reserves are, why most associations fall short, and how to fix it.
Board Education
November 15, 2024 · 8 min read
Condominium Property Management in Chicago: What Board Members Should Expect From a Professional Management Company
Serving on a condo board in Chicago is a significant responsibility. Learn what to expect from a professional property management company and how to evaluate the right partner for your association.
Financial Planning
September 24, 2024 · 7 min read
Special Assessments: Why Illinois Condo Owners Are Suddenly Paying Thousands
Special assessments are hitting Illinois condo owners harder than ever. Here is what they are, why they are rising, what the board can and cannot do — and how to prevent them.
Property Management
June 11, 2024 · 7 min read
The Hidden Problems With Self-Managed Condo Associations
Self-management looks like an easy way to cut costs — until the hidden risks surface. Here is what boards should weigh before going it alone.
Owner Rights
February 20, 2024 · 6 min read
Can a Condo Board Enter Your Unit? Illinois Owner Rights Explained
Few topics spark stronger reactions than a board entering a private unit. Here is how access rights actually work for Illinois condominiums — for owners and boards alike.
Community Standards
November 9, 2023 · 6 min read
The Most Common Condo Rule Violations in Chicago Buildings
Most condo conflict starts small. Here are the rule violations Chicago boards see most often — and the right way to address them before they escalate.
Legal & Compliance
July 25, 2023 · 7 min read
Are HOA and Condo Rules Legally Enforceable in Illinois?
Owners challenge condo and HOA rules constantly. Here is what actually makes a rule legally enforceable in Illinois — and the mistakes that get rules thrown out.
Board Governance
March 14, 2023 · 6 min read
The #1 Reason Condo Boards Fail (And How to Fix It)
Board dysfunction is the quiet killer of condo associations. Here is the single biggest reason boards fail — and a practical playbook for fixing it.
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