Category Archives: HOA Alternatives

Can HOAs be reformed or should they be abolished?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities An interesting editorial written by David Sobotta in The News & Observer, entitled My descent into HOA hell in North Carolina, is both eye-opening and provocative. Sobotta explains how, after eight years of uneventful living in his HOA, everything quickly spiraled downward when the developer abruptly decided to hand over control to a volunteer homeowner board. Well, the way Sobotta describes it, it was more like dumping a lot Continue ReadingCan HOAs be reformed or should they be abolished?→

What to do when it’s hard to avoid an HOA

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Readers often contact me with a difficult problem. They hate HOAs. But, in their home search, they cannot seem to avoid association-governed housing. And that’s not surprising when you look at the statistics for new home construction over the past decade. Specifically, according to the U.S. Census Survey of Construction (SOC), the nationwide percentage share of new single family detached homes sold has remained steady, in the range of Continue ReadingWhat to do when it’s hard to avoid an HOA→

City says no trash pick up unless owners create HOA

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Garbage trash recycling cans bins

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The purpose of the Urban Service District (USD) was to expand Metro Services,  that were available to residents of Nashville, but not outlying suburban neighborhoods. Those services include trash pick up, curbside recycling, street lights and the addition of liquor stores. In exchange for inclusion into the USD, homeowners would agree to pay higher property taxes for new public services. Two years ago, the representatives of 20 Districts in the Continue ReadingCity says no trash pick up unless owners create HOA→

Colorado developer plans new 900-home community with no HOA

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Craft Homes LLC community will be established as a Metropolitan Special District By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Is Colorado developer Tim Craft actually thinking outside the HOA box? Yes, according to a report on Denver 7 News. Craft says his new 900-home community, Independence, will be financed by a Metropolitan Special District (MSD) rather than a homeowners association (HOA). (Note: In the Denver area, a $300,000 new home is considered “affordable.”) No HOA, Continue ReadingColorado developer plans new 900-home community with no HOA→