Category Archives: Transparency & Disclosure

Building your Dream HOA — a Checklist

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com Does your HOA have what it takes to work well for residents? The industry that builds, sells, and serves homeowners’ associations (HOAs) promotes a wildly unrealistic premise — that unit owners and shareholders will forever engage in fair and friendly cooperation with their association leaders and their neighbors. Unfortunately, in the real world, HOAs aren’t always fair or friendly. In the U.S., reports of HOAs from Hell are Continue ReadingBuilding your Dream HOA — a Checklist→

Virginia HOA, condo, co-op legislation – transparency and property rights (April 2019)

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  By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities According to several new state laws, Virginia HOAs and condominium associations will be required to provide greater transparency to homeowners and homebuyers. Developers must also make POAs aware of all common stormwater facilities. And CC&Rs and can prohibit home based child care businesses. No more special assessment surprises Virginia already boasts one of the country’s more stringent home buyer disclosure packets from sellers of HOA-governed property, including a Continue ReadingVirginia HOA, condo, co-op legislation – transparency and property rights (April 2019)→

Florida HOA, condo, & co-op legislation updates (April 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The Florida Legislature is considering several HOA, condo, and co-op bills that may impact your property rights, as well as housing consumer protections. Several bills would guarantee your Constitutional right to lease your property, for short- or long-term rentals There’s a huge battle brewing in the Sunshine state between owner-occupants and owners — primarily investors — who rent their property. Some full-time and seasonal residents complain about vacation rentals Continue ReadingFlorida HOA, condo, & co-op legislation updates (April 2019)→

Ocean City MD condo owners file AG complaint over $2.6M project

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Three unit owners of an Ocean City condo building filed a complaint with Maryland’s Attorney General, shortly after they were hit with $18,000 – $40,000 special assessments per unit, slated for a $2.6 million exterior renovation project. Ocean Place Condominium Association plans an extensive renovation of the exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) over the next two years. Construction would begin this fall, with the work scheduled in the off-seasons. Continue ReadingOcean City MD condo owners file AG complaint over $2.6M project→