Tag Archives: investment risk

Consumer alert: HOA, condo articles often misleading, inaccurate

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities It should come as no surprise that the real estate industry is in business to sell homes. Therefore, it is very common to read articles about housing options for sale in online news media and magazines. Consumers should view many of these articles with a healthy amount of skepticism, just as they would view any advertisement or infomercial. For example, consider a recent article that appeared in the Houston Continue ReadingConsumer alert: HOA, condo articles often misleading, inaccurate→

No guarantee of private property rights for condo owners

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Thinking of buying a condo? Before you make a financial commitment, here are three important considerations. 1. Think about how you plan to use the condo. People buy condos for different reasons, with vastly different expectations. Which category best describes your reasons for considering a condo purchase? Buying a condo as a place to live. A first-time home buyer or single adult might purchase a condo because its Continue ReadingNo guarantee of private property rights for condo owners→

Investment dreams collapsing for these NC condo owners

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Did you buy your condo because you thought it was affordable? Were you looking for a carefree vacation getaway? Did you have high hopes it would be a great real estate investment? If so, you are not alone. But is your investment safe? Reports such as this one from Carolina Beach, NC – where Carolina Surf condominiums have been shut down due to threat of collapse – are becoming Continue ReadingInvestment dreams collapsing for these NC condo owners→

Chicago Palatine condo deconversion attempt

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communnities   Think condo to apartment conversions only happen in Florida? Or in the core of major cities such as Chicago? Think again. If the latest attempt at deconversion survives a pending lawsuit against investors, The Woods at Countryside will be one of the largest suburban condo communities to go rental. Originally built as apartments in the early 1970s, the Palatine community was converted to condos at the height of Continue ReadingChicago Palatine condo deconversion attempt→