HOA theft, fraud, and embezzlement round up (Sept 2016)

September 24, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Alabama – $375K theft by Condo Manager employed by prominent Real Estate Broker Jill Rouse Boothby pleaded guilty to creating and submitting false invoices to 11 condo associations she managed, while employed as property manager through Boothby Realty. Boothby admits that she submitted invoices to Boothy Realty for products … More HOA theft, fraud, and embezzlement round up (Sept 2016)

NJ Fair Housing lawsuit over condo swimming pool restrictions

September 23, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities A few months ago, readers learned about a new swimming pool policy at A Country Place Condominium Association in New Jersey. You might recall that the condo board at A Country Place, Lakewood, NJ, enacted new swimming pool restrictions in favor of Orthodox Jewish majority members. During most of its … More NJ Fair Housing lawsuit over condo swimming pool restrictions

HOA “block lists” newest bully tactic

September 22, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Just when I think I’ve heard every crazy HOA story possible, another one comes along! It’s a reminder that out-of-control HOA boards are very creative at finding new ways to control and bully their residents. Have you ever heard of a “block list?” Mesa Terrace Condo Association has issued … More HOA “block lists” newest bully tactic

Vancouver investors mimic U.S. condo takeover schemes

September 21, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Some of my readers own property in both the U.S. and Canada. A few months ago I wrote an article about worldwide trends toward condo termination and hostile takeovers. Condo (Strata) Termination Trend Goes Worldwide In that article, I explained what happened in Florida after legislative amendments in 2007, … More Vancouver investors mimic U.S. condo takeover schemes

Trashy, decaying HOAs and Condos

September 20, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Yesterday I told you about the Obsessive HOA Homeowner. Today let’s look at the darker side of homeowners’ associations. The people who sell property in HOAs for a living continuously tout the benefits: a well-maintained, attractive community with rules and standards that protect property values.   But is … More Trashy, decaying HOAs and Condos

The case of the obsessive HOA homeowner

September 19, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Some people buy into a homeowners’ association with the expectation that their new neighborhood will be well-cared for, clean and safe, and that it will look wonderful at all times. In fact, some homeownes are absolutely obsessed with the idea of the perfect neighborhood image. You know the type. … More The case of the obsessive HOA homeowner

Homeowner says HOA management company swtich led to mixup

September 18, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities I’m posting this report because I have heard similar stories from homeowners all over the country, many of them involving the same management company, First Service Residential (FSR). According to homeowner Kristi Bray, Breckenridge Town Homes HOA (located in Gilbert, AZ) apparently changed management companies without notifying her. The new … More Homeowner says HOA management company swtich led to mixup

Where can homeowners turn for help with HOA issues?

September 17, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities I get a lot of requests from homeowners and residents seeking help when things go wrong in their homeowners, condominium, or cooperative association. 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 … More Where can homeowners turn for help with HOA issues?

SC homeowners decide to turn former lake into wetland

September 16, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities It has been nearly a year since historic rains breached dozens of dams in the state of South Carolina, causing extensive downstream flooding. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) inspected privately owned dams at affected lake communities, most of them managed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs). Several … More SC homeowners decide to turn former lake into wetland

Critical need for consumer-friendly HOA disclosure

September 15, 2016

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Yesterday I read two very important articles on the subject of disclosure documentation and information made available to home buyers of property in Association Governed residential communities. (Homeowners, condominium, and cooperative associations.) Both articles addressed the need for home buyers to perform due diligence when evaluating not just the … More Critical need for consumer-friendly HOA disclosure