10 tough questions for opponents of HOA reform
10 tough questions for opponents of HOA reform : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Although it’s a Presidential election year, several states and  the US Congress are in the process of considering new or amended legislation that would affect Association-Governed Housing. At the same time, federal agencies such as HUD are considering new rules for FHA financing of condominiums. Local government planning boards will also consider development proposals. For decades, however, stakeholders in the real estate industry have been promoting more and more Continue Reading10 tough questions for opponents of HOA reform→
How government uses HOAs and special districts to create stealth tax
How government uses HOAs and special districts to create stealth tax : How many layers of government do we really need? By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Have you ever stopped to think about all the costs associated with owning a home? Property taxes. Homeowners, condominium, or cooperative association maintenance fees and assessments. Insurance. Short and long term maintenance. Homeowners and home buyers may not fully understand that living in a planned common interest community comes with several additional layers of financial obligation. Today’s article illustrates Continue ReadingHow government uses HOAs and special districts to create stealth tax→
When will Americans declare independence from HOA tyranny?
When will Americans declare independence from HOA tyranny? : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities In honor of Independence Day, today let’s take a look at a list of Constitutional Rights not guaranteed in homeowners, condominium, and cooperative associations. Because, after all, according to HOA industry trade group lobbyists from Community Associations Institute (CAI), association governed common interest communities are private organizations, not government entities. While the U.S. Constitution was written to uphold certain inalienable rights, and to create constraints that would prevent abuse of Continue ReadingWhen will Americans declare independence from HOA tyranny?→
10 questions property owners should ask before voting on Special Districts
10 questions property owners should ask before voting on Special Districts : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Here on IAC, I’ve been following a growing trend. Subdivisions, and planned communities — many of them HOA-governed — are turning to Special Districts to pay for failing infrastructure and other neighborhood improvements. On this website, you can read about dozens of communities across the U.S., where homeowners look to their local governments to collect taxes or fees for various projects. When it’s not possible or practical for a Continue Reading10 questions property owners should ask before voting on Special Districts→

Your opinion, please – HOA, condo, & co-op satisfaction survey

Featured

Posted on by
Woman question wonder HOA regulation

Take this 2-minute HOA, condo, and co-op survey, and share this post with family and friends. Tell Independent American Communities if you’re satisfied with your homeowners association board and your professional HOA manager. Share your opinion about HOA fees, special assessments, and fines. IAC Survey on HOA satisfaction, fees, and fines  

States enact new laws regulating short-term vacation rentals (AZ, MA, WA – 2019)

Posted on by

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities City and town governments have been regulating short-term and vacation rentals for several years, especially with the growing popularity of online rental platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, and others. The battle over short-term rentals is controversial, often pitting neighborhood residents against owners and investors who earn substantial profit sharing their home. Local regulation typically results in inconsistent, piecemeal regulations from town to town. Not wanting to miss out Continue ReadingStates enact new laws regulating short-term vacation rentals (AZ, MA, WA – 2019)→

Florida HOA, condo insurance scams, fraud in the news

Posted on by
Scam fraud alert signs

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Two recent reports highlight insurance scams and fraud in Florida. Condo owner waits more than eight months for repairs after bathroom flood WFTS recently assisted Bill Honan, a frustrated condo owner in Tampa. A bathroom plumbing failure flooded his condo last fall. Restoration contractor, Synergy Contracting Group ripped out wet flooring and drywall, and began the process of drying out his home. Synergy’s representative also insisted that Honan fill Continue ReadingFlorida HOA, condo insurance scams, fraud in the news→

As Lewes Library fights HOA fines, homeowners may elect new board

Posted on by
Little Free Library compressed

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Will an upcoming homeowners’ association election at Villages of Five Points end the HOA war against a Little Free Library? Carl Frampton, president of Town Center West townhomes at Five Points, tells Cape Gazette that there’s a community movement to elect two new at-large board members at the June 15 annual meeting. Frampton criticized the current board and its President, John Eikrem, for fining the library $6,000, shutting down fun outdoor Continue ReadingAs Lewes Library fights HOA fines, homeowners may elect new board→