HOA Horror: Roaches, Bedbugs, And Rats Pt. 1
Last week, we completed a four-part series about mold. This week, we begin an examination of HOA Horrors stories about roaches, bedbugs, and rats across the nation. A “Biblical” Explosion of Roaches Cleanliness may be next to godliness, but when your community is invaded by roaches, bedbugs, rats, maggots, and other vermin, it’s time […]
HOA Horror: Toxic Stories About Mold Pt. 4
Last week, we explored the toxic reality of mold lawsuit across the United States. This week, we discuss what mold actually IS and how to take action against it. There’s a Fungus among Us Mold is a fungus.To Some degree, it is always in the air- both inside and out. Mold is an equal-opportunity […]
HOA Horror: Toxic Stories About Mold Pt. 3
Last week, we continued our examination of toxic stories about mold all over the United States. This week, we explore the toxic reality about moldy lawsuits. Lawsuits Proliferate Mold lawsuits began mushrooming in the mid-1990’s. The so-called kickoff lawsuit that spawned the huge wave of litigation was the $32 million a Texas jury awarded […]
You’ve Discovered HOA Fraud: When Is It Time for Legal Advice?
Last week, we discussed how to react when you discover HOA fraud. This week, we discuss when it’s time for legal advice. The short answer is, never! Going to court against your homeowners association is equivalent to suing yourself. Amazingly, the aggrieved homeowner is simultaneously paying for both the prosecution and the defense at the […]
How To React to HOA Fraud
This week, we discuss how to react if you do not bulletproof your HOA against embezzlement and discover your HOA is the victim of fraud. Finding the proper authority to investigate allegations of fraud can prove to be extremely difficult. If your association has been a victim of the “condo confidence game,” gather as much […]
Bulletproof Your Homeowners Association’s Funds Against Fraud – Pt. 2
Last week, we gave tips to bulletproof your HOA against embezzlement and asked, “Who is guarding the guardians?” This week, we continue our discussion about HOA fraud and how to protect your investment. Frank Abagnale, one of the nation’s most respected authorities on the subjects of forgery and embezzlement, knows about thievery. He was credited […]
Bulletproof Your Homeowners Association’s Funds Against Fraud – Pt. 1
Last week, we discussed some clues that your HOA might be the victim of embezzlement. This week, we give tips to bulletproof your HOA against embezzlement and ask, “Who is guarding the guardians?” Unless boards are vigilant, the answer is: “No one. No one is watching. Absolutely no one and nothing.” There are no state […]
Clues That Your HOA Might Be The Victim Of Embezzlement
Last week, we talked about the ways that your HOA can unwittingly be stripped of their monies. This week, we talk about the signs that your HOA might be the victim of embezzlement. There are many clues to embezzlement, but the primary clue that theft or misappropriation of funds is occurring is secrecy. Any board […]
The Many Names For Theft Inside Your HOA: Part TWO
Last week we covered: the kickback, overbilling, expense padding, volunteer compensation and underreporting income. In the final installment of this two-part series, we continue highlighting common examples of how HOA’s can unwittingly be stripped of their monies: Overreporting expenses. Owners should beware when financial statements show an exaggerated amount for recurring regular monthly expenses. For example, […]
The Many Names For Theft Inside Your HOA: Part ONE
In this two-part series, we will highlight common examples of how associations can unwittingly be stripped of their monies: The kickback. This widespread act of dishonesty is one of the most prevalent forms of embezzlement because it is extremely difficult to spot. Kickbasks can occur in any association – large or small, self-managed or professionally […]