A proposal to ban federal lenders from purchasing mortgages in condos with deed-based transfer fees has been drastically scaled back following intense lobbying against the rule by community associations around the country. The p…
It’s a simple equation: Warmer temperatures and melting snow means that spring is rearing its head around winter’s chilly corner. And aside from the change of wardrobe, there’s one other thing that condominium residents have to look forwa…
Everyone knows the old phrase about April showers bringing May flowers, but what the saying doesn’t tell you is that the rain in April can also bring a lot of damage to your gutter system. Hard rain and blustery wind are always around o…
When a condo’s fencing, decking or siding wear out and need replacement, smart condos are looking well beyond “apple-for-apple” replacement materials. Wood siding, a favorite for decades, is frequently being replaced by vinyl …
When the days finally lengthen and the mornings lose that bitter chill, it’s time to assess the damage wrought by another New England winter. For the board members and the property manager of a community association, that wintertime dam…
Virtually unheard of for decades, bedbugs are now making a fierce comeback around the country, including New England. “The problem is astronomical. Every phone call is about bedbugs,” says Galvin Murphy, president of Yankee Pest Control …
Good information and clear communication are crucial for anyone involved with the administration of a condominium or homeowners association—crucial not just to thriving, but surviving in today’s challenging economic times. Finding that i…
Q “Do the individual condo association board members and president have the legal right to remove a treasurer from his or her duties without due cause and deny a chance for rebuttal?” — Breaking Up is Hard to Do A “The…
Q “We have an owner in one of our units (these are condos) that always has excessive noise. A new older couple just moved into the unit behind them and has not had a peaceful night’s sleep since moving in. Last night around 3 a.m., the …
Vibrant and bustling, Somerville has everything city dwellers love, want or need within walking distance of their own front doors. But with friendly neighborhoods and a strong sense of community pride, it’s as welcoming as any small tow…