Category Archives: Federal Housing Policy & Regulation

How will changes in FHA financing affect condo homebuyers?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   FHA to ease condo financing, claims it will boost homeownership If you’ve been following housing news over the past several years, you’ve probably read many articles on proposed revisions to FHA financing. The HOA-industry, including trade group Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have been pushing their agenda to ease mortgage qualification standards for condos for several years. Now it looks like stakeholders Continue ReadingHow will changes in FHA financing affect condo homebuyers?→

CT condo homeowners plead for help with their crumbling foundations

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Crumbling foundation repair Lakeview Condo CT

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   For the past three years, I’ve been following the crisis of crumbling concrete foundations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Debra MacCoy of Vernon, CT, and several other condo owners recently contacted me, and shared important details about the dilemmas and special challenges they face, as owners of condos and homes in common interest communities. The problem — defective concrete leads to crumbling foundations Dozens of towns in Connecticut and Continue ReadingCT condo homeowners plead for help with their crumbling foundations→

Vietnam Vet wins 20-year flag pole battle with HOA

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The good news is that a Virginia delegate helped a Vietnam veteran convince his HOA to allow him to put up a flag pole for his American flag. The bad news: it took 20 years to resolve the dispute, and allow an American veteran to assert his rights and display his patriotism. Last Friday, WRIC Channel 8 News (Richmond) reported that Wyndham Homeowners Association finally told Richard Oulton that Continue ReadingVietnam Vet wins 20-year flag pole battle with HOA→

Smoking, marijuana, and your condo HOA

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No smoking qit cigarettes

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Marijuana legalization in some states has created an even stronger push to make apartment and condo buildings smoke free. Smoke and odor from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes — whether tobacco or marijuana — causes several problems in multifamily housing. Foul odors. Health risks from breathing in second-hand smoke. Smoke stained walls, ceilings, and floor coverings. Ashes and cigarette butts to clean up and dispose of. Increased risk of fire, Continue ReadingSmoking, marijuana, and your condo HOA→