Category Archives: HOA Community Association Disputes & Legal Matters

Million-dollar HOA lawsuit grabs headlines in WSJ

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HOA conflict fight

  By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This week the Wall Street Journal published a story about an insanely expensive lawsuit over petty homeowners’ association rules. Many WSJ readers don’t know that the story has been making headlines in the Kansas City Star since 2016. I’ve been following the story of Jim Hildenbrand and the HOA for Avignon Villa Homes for nearly three years, from the initial report, to Hildenbrand’s court “win” in 2017, to Continue ReadingMillion-dollar HOA lawsuit grabs headlines in WSJ→

Three outrageous HOA lawsuits (March 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This month: an Oregon HOA wants to end mandatory contributions to a builder’s nonprofit; a Pennsylvania homeowner appeals a case that seems like an obvious condo board conflict of interest; and the Texas AG fights an HOA’s attempt to incorporate as a city. Do you know what those closing fees are for? Buying  a home is expensive. In addition to the purchase price, a buyer is likely to pay Continue ReadingThree outrageous HOA lawsuits (March 2019)→

HOA Realities — living next to a retention pond or wetland

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Have you ever seen a real estate ad for a home boasting its “water view” or a “lake” view? Today’s post is a Buyer Beware message. Unless you’re viewing a home near a recreational lake — a real lake used for boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports — that ornamental “lake” is nothing more than a retention pond. Its primary purpose is to collect stormwater runoff for environmental Continue ReadingHOA Realities — living next to a retention pond or wetland→

Who’s suing the HOA now? (Feb 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This month: class action lawsuit involving special assessment for balcony defects; homeowner sues claiming racial discrimination; HOA refuses to allow veteran to put up a flagpole and fly the American flag Georgia: Class action lawsuit says condo association relied on fake building engineer’s advice, and it cost unit owners $5,000 apiece According to a report from WSB-TV, several years ago, homeowners of 1280 West condominium were forced to pay Continue ReadingWho’s suing the HOA now? (Feb 2019)→