Condo Buyers Should Never Buy Blind Without Insider Info
Consumers should never buy blind when it comes to shopping for a condo or a residence in a homeowners association (HOA), experts advise. “Novice buyers often fall in love with the decorative staging or the lakefront view of a for-sale unit,” said Sara E. Benson, a Chicago real estate broker and appraiser with more than […]
Wounded Veteran faces HOA fines, lien over placement of trash can
In 2012, Retired Sergeant Daniel Lister, his wife, and two children were thrilled to be the recipients of their 2-story brick home in Chandler Grove Homeowners Association, Gwinnett County, Georgia. The home had been donated by the Military Warriors Support Foundation and Bank of America. Four years later, Lister finds himself embroiled in a battle […]
Condo owners sue seller, Realtor, Association for nondisclosure of potential $60K assessment
Every day I hear or read about outrageous events in Association Governed Housing Communities. And I see the same issues over and over again. These are not “isolated incidents” as the HOA industry would have the public believe. Two very common issues I encounter: disputes over who should pay for substantial repairs to exterior elements […]
A.P. Gold Realty charged with $900K condo, HOA fraud scheme in Chicago
Another condo association Management company owner has been charged with fraudulent theft of fees from at least nine condo associations in the Chicago area. Alan P. Gold reportedly had signature authority on Edgewater Condo Association accounts, but allegedly misused that authority to overpay himself for management services and other services not rendered. According to reports, […]
Illinois Legislature fails to consider legal protections for condo owners
According to Chicago attorney Norman Lerum, Illinois condominium owners have the deck stacked against them when it comes to resolving civil disputes with their condo associations. Even in cases where it can be proven that a condo board has failed to meet its fiduciary duty, owners cannot recover their expenses for legal fees. When a […]
HOA Horror: Roaches, Bedbugs, And Rats Pt. 4
Last month, we continued our examination of HOA Horror stories about roaches, bedbugs, and rats. This week, we discuss how condo and homeowner associations are addressing the rampant bedbug problem infecting the nation. Bedbug Compliance Mandated The city of Chicago passed an ordinance in 2013 to help quell the growing problem of bedbugs in […]
HOA Horror: Roaches, Bedbugs, And Rats Pt. 3
Last month, we continued our examination of HOA Horror stories about roaches, bedbugs, and rats. This week, we delve into the dirty bedbug problem plaguing the entire nation. Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite! According to a recent report issued by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, bedbug infestations have become a serious […]
HOA Horror: Roaches, Bedbugs, And Rats Pt. 2
Last week, we started our examination of HOA Horror stories about roaches, bedbugs, and rats. This week, we continue our exploration with disturbing stories out of Michigan and New York. Human Garbage Dump in Michigan When inspectors checked a unit at the Wingate Condominium Association, just south of Ann Arbor, Michigan, they found rotting […]
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 […]