Study explores HOA power relationships of condo owners
Study explores HOA power relationships of condo owners : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities IAC is pleased to announce the recent publication of an HOA case study co-authored by West Liberty University Professor Michael J. Marshall, PhD, HOA Warrior author Shelly Marshall, and administrator of Independent American Communities, Deborah Goonan. The article, entitled HOA power relationship, problem-solving, and communication patterns during a major building renovation construction crisis, which was published in the journal Housing and Society (October 13, 2018), documents a case study of Continue ReadingStudy explores HOA power relationships of condo owners→
What can be done about HOA dysfunction?
What can be done about HOA dysfunction? : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Beyond all the gripes and complaints, what are the solutions to HOA dysfunction?   Finally, concerned readers are starting to discuss possible solutions to HOA dysfunction, including alternative housing models. When I first began participating in HOA discussion forums, most of the conversations were either an exercise in self-promotion, gripe sessions, or downright adversarial exchange. None of it was productive conversation. A few years ago, the only news reports Continue ReadingWhat can be done about HOA dysfunction?→
Where can homeowners turn for help with HOA problems?
Where can homeowners turn for help with HOA problems? : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities I get a lot of requests from homeowners and residents seeking help with HOA problems. What can you do when things go wrong with your HOA? It depends on the issue, but I try to guide readers to limited available resources. The truth is, while the HOA industry is very lucrative for its major stakeholders, it is very loosely regulated – if regulated at all – for housing consumers. Continue ReadingWhere can homeowners turn for help with HOA problems?→
Smaller, more affordable housing doesn’t have to come with an HOA
Smaller, more affordable housing doesn’t have to come with an HOA : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities It’s common knowledge that, following the worst real estate market in recent history, housing prices have rebounded in many fast-growing markets in the U.S. The result is that housing has become less affordable, whether you’re looking to buy or rent your next home. Clearly, the past several decades of housing policies at the federal, state, and local levels have created the problem. Local governments have enacted zoning laws that Continue ReadingSmaller, more affordable housing doesn’t have to come with an HOA→

Debunking HOA ads and press releases

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The HOA industry often bombards home buyers with articles that appear as helpful home buying advice. But a careful reader will spot (dozens) of misleading statements in press releases that double as cleverly disguised advertising and political propaganda. For example… Are HOAs really popular with home buyers? Industry-promoted articles brag that millions of homes, condos, and co-ops are sold each year in the U.S. Community Associations Institute, an HOA trade Continue ReadingDebunking HOA ads and press releases→

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Debunking HOA ads and press releases

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The HOA industry often bombards home buyers with articles that appear as helpful home buying advice. But a careful reader will spot (dozens) of misleading statements in press releases that double as cleverly disguised advertising and political propaganda. For example… Are HOAs really popular with home buyers? Industry-promoted articles brag that millions of homes, condos, and co-ops are sold each year in the U.S. Community Associations Institute, an HOA trade Continue ReadingDebunking HOA ads and press releases→

What to do when it’s hard to avoid an HOA

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Readers often contact me with a difficult problem. They hate HOAs. But, in their home search, they cannot seem to avoid association-governed housing. And that’s not surprising when you look at the statistics for new home construction over the past decade. Specifically, according to the U.S. Census Survey of Construction (SOC), the nationwide percentage share of new single family detached homes sold has remained steady, in the range of Continue ReadingWhat to do when it’s hard to avoid an HOA→

PA Developers appeal N Strabane Twp 2018 Grading Ordinance

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities According to a report in the Observer-Reporter, two developers of planned housing developments in Washington County, Pa., have filed appeals to North Strabane Township’s “Amended Grading and Ordinance of 2018.” Last year, the Township updated its ordinance after a slope failure in the Majestic Hills development led to a catastrophic landslide and demolition of three relatively new homes. The incident led several homeowners to file a lawsuit against the Continue ReadingPA Developers appeal N Strabane Twp 2018 Grading Ordinance→