Tag: property rights

Dammeron Valley HOA board not acknowledging recent exit of members?

June 20, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities It never ceases to amaze me when an entrenched HOA board member insists upon going against the will of the people. I wrote about Dammeron Valley, Utah, a few weeks ago. At that time, three additional subdivisions had voted to exit from the 40-plus year old Landowners Association. Seven … More Dammeron Valley HOA board not acknowledging recent exit of members?

Does court victory for home builders create more risk for condo owners?

June 6, 2017

CO Supreme Court decision may please home builders, but can home buyers count on safe, well-built homes?   By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities A recent Supreme Court decision in Colorado proves, once again, that stakeholders in the real estate industry such as developers and home builders, hold an unfair legal advantage over homeowners. The … More Does court victory for home builders create more risk for condo owners?

Homeowners’ Associations: 3 facts vs. myths

June 4, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Top 3 Fact Check list about life in common interest, Association-Governed Housing, including Condominium Associations and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) – also known as Planned Communities or Private Communities.   Myth #1. HOAs are enclaves for the wealthy Facts: A recent article in the Wall Street Journal, entitled Neighbor Disputes Turn … More Homeowners’ Associations: 3 facts vs. myths

Three more Dammeron Valley Utah subdivisions choose to exit HOA

May 25, 2017

Meadows and Ranches exited Dammeron Valley Landowners Association (DVLA) last year By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   The association-governed, common interest community industry, led by trade group Community Associations Institute (CAI) would have the public believe that the demand for living under HOA private government is high. But the reality is that more and … More Three more Dammeron Valley Utah subdivisions choose to exit HOA

Legislation should limit power of HOAs

May 19, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities An interesting trend is happening across the U.S. Local media are engaging in investigative reports that highlight the fact that homeowners associations (HOAs) have far too much power. To illustrate, here is a recent report from the state of North Carolina. Homeowners share cautionary tales of HOA nightmares Diane Wilson, … More Legislation should limit power of HOAs

HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislation updates (May 2017 – CA, MD, MO, NM)

May 18, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities California In an effort to clearly define First Amendment rights in association-governed communities, SB 407 is making its way through Senate Committees. The bill would make it unlawful for an association-governed community to restrict a member’s right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly on common property. The … More HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislation updates (May 2017 – CA, MD, MO, NM)

HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislation updates (May 2017 – AZ, CO, FL, HI)

May 17, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has signed HB2411. The bill amends current Statute with regard to open meetings, recording of meetings by members of the association, and secret ballot requirements. An unrelated amendment was also included – section 33-440, which specifies that property owners may make amendments to a previously recorded declaration … More HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislation updates (May 2017 – AZ, CO, FL, HI)

Is AL homeowner stuck with $60K storm sewer repair?

May 13, 2017

Developer is long gone, County says it is a private drain, and HOA blames tree roots – says it is not their  problem to fix By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Yet another report of storm water drainage headaches in a homeowners association. This one involves a 66 home subdivision – Saddlecreek HOA – … More Is AL homeowner stuck with $60K storm sewer repair?

What can be done about HOA dysfunction?

April 11, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities After listening to residents, and reading and learning about issues affecting association-governed common interest communities for more than five years, as well as writing about them for almost three years, something very important is happening. Finally, people are starting to discuss possible solutions to problems and alternative housing models. … More What can be done about HOA dysfunction?

HOA homes lose value when developers, builders don’t follow through

April 7, 2017

One builder dumps unfinished roads on HOA, another home builder files bankruptcy By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities In Madison County, Mississippi, home construction in the Chestnut Hill subdivision, which began in 2007, is only halfway completed. According to recent reports in the Northside Sun, only 50 of 100 planned homes have been built, and … More HOA homes lose value when developers, builders don’t follow through