Category Archives: affordable housing

The slow, painful deaths of HOA & condo associations

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities HOA-industry trade groups promote housing development governed by homeowners and condominium associations as sustainable communities. But don’t be fooled. Those claims are nothing more than public relations and marketing hype. The truth is, most “community associations” succumb to a variety of problems and crises that lead to their slow, painful decline and ultimate death. Today I’ll highlight two examples.   Camelot burns to the ground, but HOA still collects Continue ReadingThe slow, painful deaths of HOA & condo associations→

Could state law override single-family zoning in California?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities A highly controversial affordable housing legislative proposal, SB 50, is making waves in California. This week, the legislation introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) cleared its first Senate committee, with some amendments. If the hotly debated legislation passes both houses and gets Governor Newsome’s approval, SB 50 could increase property rights and remove local control of cities and counties. According to an LA Times report, several provisions of SB Continue ReadingCould state law override single-family zoning in California?→

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)→

U.S. housing industry pushes costly HOAs, condos, & apartments

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities When you look at the Big Picture, it’s easy to see why housing is so expensive in the U.S. Today IAC highlights 4 national trends toward higher density, multifamily housing, with a big emphasis on suburban condos and building more rental apartments. See if you can spot real estate industry PR, which is shifting away from detached single family housing, private land ownership, and homeownership in general. Also note Continue ReadingU.S. housing industry pushes costly HOAs, condos, & apartments→