10 reasons first-time homebuyers should avoid the HOA, condo, or co-op
10 reasons first-time homebuyers should avoid the HOA, condo, or co-op : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   The real estate market is going strong. And the HOA-industry is going out of its way to woo first-time homebuyers, especially millennials. But before you write that deposit check, and sign the mortgage papers, and agree to live under HOA rule, review this ten-point buyer beware checklist. Here are the top ten reasons to avoid mandatory membership HOAs – including condo, and co-op homes in planned, mixed-use, and Continue Reading10 reasons first-time homebuyers should avoid the HOA, condo, or co-op→
Is an “affordable” home or condo a good investment?
Is an “affordable” home or condo a good investment? : by Deborah Goonan, Independent American Community Two hot topics in real estate these days are the current housing affordability crisis and real estate’s investment potential — or lack of it. There’s no sugar-coating the truth. The U.S. real estate market has changed dramatically in the wake of a financial meltdown ten years ago. And today’s housing market is certainly much different from any decade since the post-World War II era. At one time in the Continue ReadingIs an “affordable” home or condo a good investment?→
Urban development: what is the appropriate limit on density?
Urban development: what is the appropriate limit on density? : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Several readers have contacted me over the past several months, sharing concerns about overdevelopment of multifamily housing, mixed used urban development, and recently approved master planned communities. One reader from Virginia laments that vintage single family and row homes are being demolished to make room for much taller condominium and apartment buildings. Readers in Arizona and California tell me that their adjacent former golf courses, open spaces, and green Continue ReadingUrban development: what is the appropriate limit on density?→
5 ways HOA, condo, & co-ops take control of your property and your life
5 ways HOA, condo, & co-ops take control of your property and your life :   By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Before you buy into an association-governed common interest community, be aware that you will give up a lot of control  over your own home and personal lifestyle choices. Here are 5 ways that life in HOA-ville limits your rights and control over your home. 1. You’ll have to follow lots of rules Life in HOA-ville is full of rules and restrictions. The industry sells many buyers on Continue Reading5 ways HOA, condo, & co-ops take control of your property and your life→

HOA, condo & co-op Golf Community Updates (Summer 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com  Homeowners, HOAs, and local governments debate what to do about struggling or dead golf courses in the U.S. Homeowners near dry, overgrown golf course fear wildfire threat (CA) Residents of the Adobe Creek HOA worry that four to five-foot tall dried grass creates a wildfire risk for their community. The Adobe Creek golf course has been shut down since 2017. It’s a public course with portions in Petaluma Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op Golf Community Updates (Summer 2019)→

How will changes in FHA financing affect condo homebuyers?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   FHA to ease condo financing, claims it will boost homeownership If you’ve been following housing news over the past several years, you’ve probably read many articles on proposed revisions to FHA financing. The HOA-industry, including trade group Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have been pushing their agenda to ease mortgage qualification standards for condos for several years. Now it looks like stakeholders Continue ReadingHow will changes in FHA financing affect condo homebuyers?→

Chicago condo owner’s long-running Fair Housing case settled

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Last week Michael Novak, a plaintiff in a fair housing lawsuit against State Parkway Condominium Association and others, distributed a news release announcing an out-of-court settlement of his 13-year-long dispute over his family’s service animal. The Novaks, who are both deaf, live with their daughter and a service dog named Hera. Hera alerts the Novaks to doorbells, ringing telephones, alarms, and other situations that hearing people take for granted. Continue ReadingChicago condo owner’s long-running Fair Housing case settled→

HOA news roundup (Aug 18, 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com Highlights — and low lights — of life in HOA-ville, USA   Violence, unpredictable lawsuits, and other uncontrollable factors wreak havoc on residents.   HOA dispute turns violent (TX) Pleasant Run Estates neighborhood, in Lancaster, Texas, was recently the scene of a gun fight between the HOA President’s wife and a homeowner fighting against an assessment lien on his home. Last week, authorities arrested homeowner Kenneth Haggerty on Continue ReadingHOA news roundup (Aug 18, 2019)→