A homeowners association is a legal way to insure that there would be certain rules in place to govern the way people live in a particular community. It can be a high-rise building, golf course development, townhome community or traditional neighborhood. Check out our articles and blog posts for more information about homeowners associations.
Ilyce Glink on WSB Radio – December 31, 2007
Ilyce Glink filled in on the Clark Howard show today, to help WSB listeners wind up the year. She took questions on homeowner association fees, how to save money on tax preparation, and what to do about getting rid of old computers. Tune in to hear all of her great advice, and don't forget to check out the radio talk show notes at www.thinkglink.com and her new all-video site, www.expertrealestatetips.net.
Responses To Agent’s HOA Letter
A homeowner's association fee was not disclosed when this ThinkGlink reader bought a home. Ilyce's readers respond to her article finding the real estate agent to blame for the unknown fee.
Homeowners Association Restricts Rental Property
The owner of a condominium wants to lease his property to two 21-year-old women. The homeowners association says the building is restricted to "single-family homes" and he cannot lease his condominium as a rental property. Ilyce says the homeowners association president is mistaking the meaning of, or incorrectly defining a single-family home and they may be violating the Fair Housing Law from HUD.
Noisy Condominium Neighbors Cause Problems
Noisy neighbors are causing problems for a condominium reader. Suing neighbors is one way to deal with a noisy neighbor but you may be able to come to an agreement with the condo association board for noise regulations.
Tenant Causes Rental Property Owner’s Credit Problems
A couple owned rental property and had asked the tenant to pay the Homeowner Association fees, and because of non-payment, the property owners have bad credit. Because the tenant did not pay the bill, a settlement was placed against the property owner that cause the owner a credit problem. Ilyce explains how this owner can rebuild her credit rating after the tenant did not pay Homeowner Association fees.
New Home Development Not What Was Promised
A homeowner, and many of his neighbors, feel the developer delivered a vastly different neighborhood than what was promised. Some states require developers to disclose their development plans in advance of having a buyer sign a contract for the purchase of a home. Some states also have consumer fraud statutes that may apply to your case. The homeowners should consult a real estate attorney to determine if they have cause to bring a case against the builder.
Being Informed Of Condo Bylaws
A home buyer bought a condominium and wasn't told that pets weren't allowed according to the association's bylaws. Typically, condo owners must provide a buyer with the condo declarations and all of the rules and regulations for the property. But even if he wasn't informed of the condo association's bylaws, he still needs to abide by the rules.
Homeowners Living Maintenance Free
Maintenance-free is a concept that sounds good, but doesn't quite pan out when it comes to most single family homes. All homes age and need ongoing maintenance and attention in order to stay in good shape. But, in the late 1980s, developers began to introduce the concept of a maintenance-free community, in which residents aren't responsible for mowing the grass, plowing the snow, fixing roof leaks or painting the exteriors of their homes.
Homeowners Association Dues Required With PUD Rider
When you buy a home it's important to understand all the documents you sign. When you sign a planned unit development (PUD) rider on a mortgage that obligates you to pay dues as a member of a future homeowners association (HOA). When you're a member of an HOA, you also get benefits like the group caring for common areas.