Vintage Community Associations can be more friendly, less restrictive than most “modern” HOAs

May 27, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Most modern homeowner associations are initially established and controlled by real estate developers, and therefore governing documents and management style tends toward extensive restrictions, excessive control by a handful of people on the board, special legal privileges for the Declarant (developer or original landowner), the use of managers with … More Vintage Community Associations can be more friendly, less restrictive than most “modern” HOAs

HOA, Condo fraud, theft, and corruption Roundup (May 2017)

May 26, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities     Intervale Woman Accused Of Embezzling Over $100,000 (NH) by CHRISTIAN MOWER on APRIL 28, 2017 Conway, NH – An Intervale woman is being charged with embezzling over $100,000. According to the Conway Police 53-year-old Lynne Barry was arrested at her home by Bartlett Police on Tuesday. Police … More HOA, Condo fraud, theft, and corruption Roundup (May 2017)

Three more Dammeron Valley Utah subdivisions choose to exit HOA

May 25, 2017

Meadows and Ranches exited Dammeron Valley Landowners Association (DVLA) last year By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   The association-governed, common interest community industry, led by trade group Community Associations Institute (CAI) would have the public believe that the demand for living under HOA private government is high. But the reality is that more and … More Three more Dammeron Valley Utah subdivisions choose to exit HOA

Will tax sale of two lakes for $1,800 convince owners to create HOA?

May 24, 2017

Is the city of Champaign using hostile buyer of stormwater lakes to pressure homeowners to form HOA? By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Sometimes I read a report of local government shenanigans and conclude that I smell a rat. This is one of those times. The facts reported in this article by The News-Gazette are bizarre, … More Will tax sale of two lakes for $1,800 convince owners to create HOA?

Ormond Heritage condo owners facing moldy nightmare

May 23, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   For many home buyers looking for a place to vacation or retire, Florida is at the top of the list. Condominiums are popular because buyers are sold on the notion of a carefree lifestyle, often with resort amenities. Waterfront condos are attractive to affluent buyers looking for great … More Ormond Heritage condo owners facing moldy nightmare

Should HOAs have authority to issue traffic tickets?

May 22, 2017

Critics say Florida state law gives HOAs too much unchecked power By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Fox News in Tampa highlights a growing trend in private homeowners associations, particularly large gated communities. In order to cut down on traffic hazards such as running through intersections without stopping, speeding, or driving on the wrong … More Should HOAs have authority to issue traffic tickets?

DC leaders plan to tackle blighted condo

May 21, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The latest media report of a rundown, nearly abandoned condominium comes from WJLA (ABC7) in Washington, DC. It has all the hallmarks of a condemned building: no utilities, broken windows, trash and debris piled up everywhere, abandoned cars, and a few stragglers and squatters still living in these horrid … More DC leaders plan to tackle blighted condo

Do homeowners experience due process in HOAs?

May 20, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Following yesterday’s blog, Legislation should limit power of HOAs, a reader sent the following comment: This article raises many important issues and misunderstandings about HOA governance. At the Owner level, far too many Owners do not understand their Governing Documents and their rights and duties under those Governing Documents, particularly … More Do homeowners experience due process in HOAs?

Legislation should limit power of HOAs

May 19, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities An interesting trend is happening across the U.S. Local media are engaging in investigative reports that highlight the fact that homeowners associations (HOAs) have far too much power. To illustrate, here is a recent report from the state of North Carolina. Homeowners share cautionary tales of HOA nightmares Diane Wilson, … More Legislation should limit power of HOAs

HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislation updates (May 2017 – CA, MD, MO, NM)

May 18, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities California In an effort to clearly define First Amendment rights in association-governed communities, SB 407 is making its way through Senate Committees. The bill would make it unlawful for an association-governed community to restrict a member’s right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly on common property. The … More HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislation updates (May 2017 – CA, MD, MO, NM)