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→

Chicago man with “anger” issues charged with murder of 5 condo neighbors

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com What’s behind the alarming trend of violence in HOA-governed communities? This Saturday, the news of a mass shooting in a Chicago condo complex shocked residents of the quiet Dunning neighborhood. Here’s what IAC has learned from various local reports of the horrific incident, which left 5 people dead.   The shooter, a former condo association President, has a history of “anger issues” Chicago Police Department have arrested Krysztof Continue ReadingChicago man with “anger” issues charged with murder of 5 condo neighbors→

HOA, condo & co-op golf community updates (Sept/Oct 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com In this update: Golf course owners face financial difficulties; homeowners in several states object to redevelopment plans of defunct golf courses; Arizona homeowners win court victory to save their adjacent golf course.   California Resort owner shuts down second of two golf courses, hopes to find buyer Diablo Grande is a planned community that was built around two 18-hole golf courses, the Legends and the Ranch. Despite original Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op golf community updates (Sept/Oct 2019)→

HOA parking rules can have unintended consequences

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com Earlier this month, Tori Gerstenacker, 25, was tragically struck and killed while crossing Route 70 in Marlton, NJ. The vibrant young woman was returning home from a hard day at work as a field engineer for Henkels & McCoy. Tori had just parked her Ford F-150 in the parking lot of a nearby shopping center, and was beginning the half-mile trek to her condominium townhome in Delancey Place. Continue ReadingHOA parking rules can have unintended consequences→

Update on Chicago condo owners’ free speech lawsuit

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com   In May 2019, an attorney representing a Chicago Condominium Association hinted about her client’s intent to file an appeal with Illinois Supreme Court, hoping to reverse the First District Appellate Court’s ruling in favor of free speech rights of a condo owner. Early this summer, Diane Silverberg (Kovtiz, Shifrin, and Nesbit) filed a Leave to Appeal of the decision in the Illinois Appellate Court of the First District, Continue ReadingUpdate on Chicago condo owners’ free speech lawsuit→