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→

NC Homeowners Associations hope to get their day in Federal Court

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Last summer, I posted an article about several lake communities struggling to pay to fix dams that are no longer safe or functional. In that article, I cited as an example several North Carolina lake communities. Devonwood-Loch Lomond, Rayconda and the Strickland Bridge Road Homeowners Associations’ and residents’ filed a Federal lawsuit to force the city of Fayetteville to rebuild their lakes’dams, all of which were breached during Hurricane Continue ReadingNC Homeowners Associations hope to get their day in Federal Court→

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Don’t rely on a Realtor to explain Homeowners Associations (HOAs)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Updated Jan. 22, 2019 Are you house hunting? Want to know more about homeowners associations? Unfortunately, many Realtor articles about HOAs are woefully inadequate and downright inaccurate. Today I’ll highlight some half-truths that you’ll read about HOA life on the internet. These examples are based upon actual published content.   Who’s in charge of the HOA? According to one agent from Texas,  The Community Impact Newspaper, Ask a Realtor column: Continue ReadingDon’t rely on a Realtor to explain Homeowners Associations (HOAs)→

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

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The common theme in this months golf course news: a homeowner has little to no control over the future of the centerpiece of the community. And, if homeowners want to retain a playable course or pristine green views, they’d better be willing to pay for it.     Residents Upset Over “Barren” Legends Golf And Country Club By Asher Wildman Lake County PUBLISHED 8:54 AM EST Jan. 15, 2019 Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op Golf Community Updates (Jan 2019)→

How to avoid nasty HOA lawsuits over paint colors (WY)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities According to The Cody Enterprise, an April 10 trial date is set for two lawsuits filed by a pair of homeowners and the Cody Ranchettes HOA. Both parties are locked in a pair of nasty lawsuits over the paint colors of the home of Kelly and Debra Hennessy. Last year, the Hennessys, who have lived in the rural community for more than a decade, chose to paint the siding Continue ReadingHow to avoid nasty HOA lawsuits over paint colors (WY)→