Tag Archives: Massachusetts

Dysfunction in HOA-ville USA (November 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com Today’s HOA news roundup highlights a persistent pattern of negligent HOAs and bitter conflict between owner-occupants and investor-owners. Plus, an HOA attorney urges board members to regulate speech on social media. Colorado Why did it take 6 months for this HOA to repair this resident’s kitchen? Sometimes, a little intervention from your local TV investigative reporter gets your HOA to take action. Imagine living with an unusable kitchen Continue ReadingDysfunction in HOA-ville USA (November 2019)→

HOA, condo & co-op corruption and fraud roundup (Oct. 2019)

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Arrest handcuff fraud theft

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Debgoonan@icloud.com A noticeable pattern of theft this month: trusted HOA managers, treasurers embezzling money, then falsifying records to cover up their alleged crimes. Plus: one of Chicago’s condo attorneys suspended for one year. Illinois Condo attorney suspended, after he falsified financial records at his former law firm The state agency that regulates legal professionals, Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), recently suspended Michael Shifrin, of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit. ARDC Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op corruption and fraud roundup (Oct. 2019)→

City Councilman objects to his own developer-controlled HOA

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com Today’s post reveals another reason for the waning popularity of HOA-governed communities: Local politicians now have their very own HOA-horror stories to tell. After decades of local governments blessing or mandating HOA-governed common interest communities, it was just a matter of time before the politicians got caught in the snares of their own dysfunctional communities. Owners have no say in Lake Forest HOA Hebron, Ohio city councilman Wayne Continue ReadingCity Councilman objects to his own developer-controlled HOA→

HOA, condo & co-op case law and litigation highlights (July 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities, debgoonan@icloud.com This month: court decisions affecting amendment of CC&Rs, HOA priority liens, foreclosure standards, Fair Housing Act accommodations, and much more.    Court approves reduction of percentage membership vote needed for amending CC&Rs (CA) Did you know that sometimes a judge can make it easier for your HOA-governed community to amend its restrictions? The case of Orchard Estate Homes, Inc. v. Orchard Homeowners Alliance is one example. The Owners’ Association Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op case law and litigation highlights (July 2019)→