Tag: property rights

Update: NV Supreme Court rules in favor of GSE loan servicers

August 3, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Real estate auction investors who purchased hundreds of properties at HOA foreclosure sales for pennies on the dollar are reeling at this latest Supreme Court ruling in Nevada. In 2014, Nevada Supreme Court ruled that an investor who purchases an HOA foreclosure can wipe out the first mortgage by … More Update: NV Supreme Court rules in favor of GSE loan servicers

Condo industry investors unhappy about new consumer protections

July 10, 2017

New Florida statutes make it more difficult to force condo termination and apartment conversions upon unwilling owners By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Part of the mission here at IAC is to educate housing consumers by exposing the true agenda of the real estate industry. Hint: it is not to serve the needs of … More Condo industry investors unhappy about new consumer protections

When will Americans declare independence from HOA tyranny?

July 4, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities In honor of Independence Day, today let’s take a look at a list of Constitutional Rights not guaranteed in homeowners, condominium, and cooperative associations. Because, after all, according to HOA industry trade group lobbyists from Community Associations Institute (CAI), association governed common interest communities are private organizations, not government entities. … More When will Americans declare independence from HOA tyranny?

Do some U.S. homeowners have more private property rights than others?

July 2, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities As we celebrate Independence Day in the U.S., it is the appropriate time to reflect on the status of private property rights in America, especially with regard to homeownership and association-governed communities. Legal dictionaries define private property as: The ownership of tangible and intangible goods by an individual who … More Do some U.S. homeowners have more private property rights than others?

Apples and Oranges HOA alternatives comparison

June 30, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Sometimes a story that is reported in the news is not actually news. Instead, it reads more like a soft sales pitch, an editorial, or, dare I say, political rhetoric. Take this recent article about a Nevada community meeting, where the topic of discussion included HOA alternatives. In my opinion, … More Apples and Oranges HOA alternatives comparison

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