New lending guidelines from HUD mean that FHA loan requirements will be significantly tightened for condominium sales. The new requirements could have a profoundly negative effect on the ability to sell or buy a condominium unit that…
Since the board of a community association is usually composed of a collective group of unique individuals with their own perspective and opinions, no two boards are ever the same. However, there are certain overall, universal qualities…
Chris D’Errico has handled about 1,000 residential rentals in the Boston area since 2003. These days, more and more of his calls are from condominium owners. Unable to find buyers for their homes, they’re turning to renting them. “It’s up…
It’s an unfortunate fact of condominium life: Board members’ responsibilities and their personal agendas intermingle more often than they should. After all, it’s part of human nature to want the best for us or our loved ones. Fa…
The drawbacks of serving on a board are well known. For one thing, it’s a lot of work. Hours of work, of poring over spreadsheets, of talking to property managers and vendors and residents and tenants when you could be watching the big …
Q Recently I left my job and have decided to start my own business. Am I permitted to operate a business out of my condominium unit? –Enterprising Entrepreneur A “Like many questions involving condominiums, the answer…
Who Passes the Annual Budget? Q Does our condominium board of directors need to have our next annual budget passed by the condominium owners or can they pass it themselves? –Following Protocol A “In most s…
Fresh from hoisting up the banking and automobile sectors, a newly muscular Uncle Sam is now turning his attention to putting the skids on the real estate meltdown. The Obama Administration earlier this year rolled out two major housin…
Jack has heard talk that the board has voted to continue a contract with the poorly-run lawn care company the association has contracted with for years. Rumor has it that damage was done to a window by a careless worker and a complaint h…
While only a few states guarantee a “right-to-dry,” at the time of this writing, proposed legislation aimed to remove bans on clotheslines within condominium associations appears on several statehouse docket lists in New England. Arguments…