Tag Archives: blight

HOAs often do a poor job of maintaining infrastructure

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   A collection of recent reports from across the U.S reveals a dirty little secret about homeowners associations: over time, residents cannot count on well-maintained infrastructure.  Crumbling roads. Flooded retention ponds. Collapsed storm sewer pipes.  All the window dressing in the world will not cover up years of deferred maintenance. In the end, it costs owners more money to repair damage or settle lawsuits that have been created by Continue ReadingHOAs often do a poor job of maintaining infrastructure→

Lynnhill Condominiums in Temple Hills, MD, has long history of distress

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Despite the fact that local newspapers and television stations are reporting on unsafe, unsanitary, and downright horrific living conditions of residents in distressed condominiums, most Americans remain unaware of this growing trend, and its contribution to a national affordable housing crisis. One of the biggest social problems with so-called “affordable” condominiums is that they often struggle to pay the bills and keep up with basic maintenance and security. After Continue ReadingLynnhill Condominiums in Temple Hills, MD, has long history of distress→

Trashy, decaying HOAs and Condos

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Yesterday I told you about the Obsessive HOA Homeowner. Today let’s look at the darker side of homeowners’ associations. The people who sell property in HOAs for a living continuously tout the benefits: a well-maintained, attractive community with rules and standards that protect property values.   But is that reality or simply marketing hype? Here’s the truth that the HOA industry doesn’t want you to know. Even if Continue ReadingTrashy, decaying HOAs and Condos→

Homeowners fight HOA developers still in control of communities

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities One of the biggest myths perpetuated by homeowners’ association (HOA) industry trade groups – among them Community Associations Institute (CAI) – is that homeowners freely and democratically elect their Board of Directors/Trustees from amongst their neighbors. Nonsense. While a democratically-elected HOA Board might be the ultimate, ideal goal, reality plays out much differently for millions of homeowners across the U.S. One glaring factor that all of the industry’s marketing Continue ReadingHomeowners fight HOA developers still in control of communities→