Storm water pipe is $100K liability for HOA, homeowners

August 19, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Every week I read several reports about poorly designed, constructed, or managed storm water systems in association-governed common interest communities. Today’s featured report from Maryland is particularly compelling. Kudos to Debra Alfarone of WUSA9, and her camera crew, on this report.   Couple may have to pay for sinkholes … More Storm water pipe is $100K liability for HOA, homeowners

Can Chicago homeowners override condo board’s $500K special assessment?

August 18, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities I was recently provided a copy of a memo written by State Parkway Condominium Association, notifying condo owners of a $500,000 special assessment that was approved by the board for the purpose of funding ongoing litigation with condo owner Michael Novak. As previously reported on this website, the half-million … More Can Chicago homeowners override condo board’s $500K special assessment?

Two men from Bayview Condos arrested for assualt of three female guests using hot tub

August 17, 2017

Several residents stood by and did nothing to help. Today’s blog shares with readers yet another not-so-isolated incident of HOA bullies. Three young women, who were guests of a new resident of a Suttons Bay condo association, were violently assaulted last month by a condo board member and another resident.  The incident happened around midnight … More Two men from Bayview Condos arrested for assualt of three female guests using hot tub

In HOAs, fights over how to spend the money are common

August 16, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities While consumers may buy into a maintenance provided homeowners’ or condominium association for the convenience it promises, homeowners rarely agree on maintenance standards, and often object to what it actually costs to maintain the community. The following report from ABC15 illustrates that point.   Chandler HOA community keeps increasing … More In HOAs, fights over how to spend the money are common

Homeowners suing Poinciana’s developer left and right

August 15, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Updated 9:15 PM EDT Regular readers of IAC know that Poinciana, a large master planned community in Central Florida, has been a hotbed of conflict and controversy for at least the past several years. And that trend continues with the latest motion filed in Polk County circuit court. AV … More Homeowners suing Poinciana’s developer left and right

Vegas security guard charged with first degree murder following deadly shooting at Mountainside Condos

August 14, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities News of a recent shooting at Mountainside Condominiums in Las Vegas has made national news. Associated Press reports that Trayvone Crocket was shot by Malik Kendrick, a security guard employed at Mountainside. Crocket died from his injuries, and a 14-year old girl who was with Crocket at the time … More Vegas security guard charged with first degree murder following deadly shooting at Mountainside Condos

Condo, Strata power struggles out of control in U.S. and Canada

August 13, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Anyone who follows reports of conflict and dysfunction in association-governed, corporate-managed, common interest communities begins to see recurring behavior patterns. It goes something like this: Most owners and residents in multifamily housing try to get along, but, inevitably, a few people living in such close quarters start to get … More Condo, Strata power struggles out of control in U.S. and Canada

Is it possible to peacefully coexist in a condo or co-op if you have children?

August 12, 2017

How can parents deal with condo and co-op associations that are not family friendly? By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   What if your NY co-op told you that you must enter exit through the back door with your baby stroller? No, I am not making this up. Check out this recent article from Habitat … More Is it possible to peacefully coexist in a condo or co-op if you have children?

Pros and Cons of Living Next to a Nature Preserve

August 11, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities A recent Wall Street Journal article, Luxury-Home Developers’ Latest Pitch: Unspoiled Nature, has inspired me to share some thoughts about owning a home in close proximity to nature. WSJ’s Katy McLaughlin highlights several new real estate developments surrounded by nature preserves and protected conservation lands. The subtitle says it all: … More Pros and Cons of Living Next to a Nature Preserve

Georgia HOA banishes school bus from neighborhood streets

August 10, 2017

by Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Judging from the emails and messages I receive on a daily basis, there is no shortage of HOA nonsense and dysfuntion. Plenty of issues to write about. And sometimes it can be difficult to choose the most compelling or important blog of the day. But today’s article is … More Georgia HOA banishes school bus from neighborhood streets