10 reasons first-time homebuyers should avoid the HOA, condo, or co-op
10 reasons first-time homebuyers should avoid the HOA, condo, or co-op : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   The real estate market is going strong. And the HOA-industry is going out of its way to woo first-time homebuyers, especially millennials. But before you write that deposit check, and sign the mortgage papers, and agree to live under HOA rule, review this ten-point buyer beware checklist. Here are the top ten reasons to avoid mandatory membership HOAs – including condo, and co-op homes in planned, mixed-use, and Continue Reading10 reasons first-time homebuyers should avoid the HOA, condo, or co-op→
Is an “affordable” home or condo a good investment?
Is an “affordable” home or condo a good investment? : by Deborah Goonan, Independent American Community Two hot topics in real estate these days are the current housing affordability crisis and real estate’s investment potential — or lack of it. There’s no sugar-coating the truth. The U.S. real estate market has changed dramatically in the wake of a financial meltdown ten years ago. And today’s housing market is certainly much different from any decade since the post-World War II era. At one time in the Continue ReadingIs an “affordable” home or condo a good investment?→
Urban development: what is the appropriate limit on density?
Urban development: what is the appropriate limit on density? : By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Several readers have contacted me over the past several months, sharing concerns about overdevelopment of multifamily housing, mixed used urban development, and recently approved master planned communities. One reader from Virginia laments that vintage single family and row homes are being demolished to make room for much taller condominium and apartment buildings. Readers in Arizona and California tell me that their adjacent former golf courses, open spaces, and green Continue ReadingUrban development: what is the appropriate limit on density?→
5 ways HOA, condo, & co-ops take control of your property and your life
5 ways HOA, condo, & co-ops take control of your property and your life :   By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Before you buy into an association-governed common interest community, be aware that you will give up a lot of control  over your own home and personal lifestyle choices. Here are 5 ways that life in HOA-ville limits your rights and control over your home. 1. You’ll have to follow lots of rules Life in HOA-ville is full of rules and restrictions. The industry sells many buyers on Continue Reading5 ways HOA, condo, & co-ops take control of your property and your life→

California HOA election bills await Governor’s signature

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com   It’s been 5 months since IAC posted an update on two hotly-debated common interest community HOA election bills. After months of vigorous attempts by trade group lobbyists to defeat it, SB 323 has passed both chambers of the California Legislature. However, the HOA-industry’s favored election bill, SB 754, also awaits Governor Newsome’s signature by Sept. 30, 2019. Here’s a summary of both bills.   SB 323 (2019) Continue ReadingCalifornia HOA election bills await Governor’s signature→

HOA’s 10-year assault on free speech comes to an end

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities What happens when homeowners choose to be politically involved in their HOA-governed community? Industry trade groups would have the public believe that HOAs encourage homeowners to be active participants in their community’s self-governance. But, more often than not, IAC hears from owners who face backlash when they question the HOA board’s priorities or decisions. Mike Glassic and his wife, Noreen Gorka, both Pennsylvania homeowners, know the pain of HOA Continue ReadingHOA’s 10-year assault on free speech comes to an end→

No word on what caused hole beneath Henrico County condo

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com   A few weeks ago, a mysterious sinkhole opened up under the home of a family living at Westshire on Parham Condo, near Richmond, VA. Homeowners Alesia and Derek Williams, and their 12-year-old daughter, had to leave their home shortly after Henrico County deemed the building unsafe. The family stayed in a hotel for about a week. During that time, the HOA hired contractors to prop up the Continue ReadingNo word on what caused hole beneath Henrico County condo→

HOA, condo & co-op news roundup (Sept 16, 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com HOA says officer can park cruiser in driveway after all; condo balcony collapses injure more than a dozen people; dispute between POA/City leaders gets out of hand;  condo association continues to fail; coyotes jump short HOA fence and kill family dog.   Florida HOA reverses course, says police officer can park her cruiser in the driveway In the last HOA news roundup, IAC featured reports about Cross Pointe HOA Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op news roundup (Sept 16, 2019)→