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→

Passing the buck: development tax districts, HOA fees make housing unaffordable

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Two recent investigative reports — one in Colorado and the other in Texas — shed light on a growing financial hardship for U.S. homeowners: developer-controlled special development tax districts. By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities On IAC, you can read thousands of posts documenting widespread dysfunction in HOA-governed common interest communities. But IAC also been follows reports of development districts set up to pay for infrastructure in new residential and mixed use planned communities. More often than Continue ReadingPassing the buck: development tax districts, HOA fees make housing unaffordable→

Two U.S. citizens score important court victories related to HOAs

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com A Nevada HOA cannot reverse negligent misrepresentation verdict, and a federal court upholds First Amendment rights of the public on private streets. Nevada Supreme Court rules in favor of homeowner, affirms 2017 jury verdict of ‘negligent misrepresentation’ against HOA In 2003, Jonathan Friedrich purchased a home in the Rancho Bel Air neighborhood of Las Vegas. At the closing, the homeowner was presented with a copy of Covenants,   Continue ReadingTwo U.S. citizens score important court victories related to HOAs→

HOA, condo & co-op case law and litigation highlights (Fall 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   The courts weigh in on excess HOA foreclosure sale proceeds, HOA assessments as consumer debts, disclosure document fees, HOA election bylaws, and CC&R amendments. Arizona Court rejects investor’s claim for excess sale proceeds following HOA foreclosure An investor, Patterson Commercial Land Acquisition & Development, LLC, purchased a home for $42,000 at an HOA foreclosure sale, paying off a $14,000 HOA lien. Incredibly, Patterson then filed a claim to Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op case law and litigation highlights (Fall 2019)→

HOA, condo & co-op news digest (Dec. 1, 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities HOA news highlights for homeowners, residents, housing advocates, and stakeholders in the HOA industry. Florida A well-written report of the futility of being the “condo critic.” Johnny Ray, 59, A retired resort developer from Michigan, purchased a condo at 3360 S. Ocean Blvd. several years ago, with the intent to retire to sunny South Florida. But he soon discovered a plethora of problems with the way the board was Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op news digest (Dec. 1, 2019)→