Stephen Marcus

It is no secret that I am no fan of residential associations, largely because people don’t always know what they are getting into.  And when they have an inkling and specifically ask for non HOA housing, none are  available.The decision is made by third parties who have a vested interest in imposing mandatory membership  associations on housing consumers.  

Granted, there are exceptions to every rule and some would argue that 55 or older communities might fall under that category.  For some people it is the perfect solution. Or is it?

When Collin’s parents died within 2 weeks of each other, leaving 14 year old Collin an orphan.  He went to live with his grandparents in Prescott, Arizona.  The Passmores, a couple in their 70’s, live in a 55 and older development where no one under the age of 19 is allowed. And now, a year later, 15 year old Collin has been told by the HOA that he has to leave because he is too young to live there.  

Stephen Marcus joins us On The Commons.  Steve, a Massachusetts attorney and long time member of the Community Association Institute represents condominiums and homeowner associations in Massachusetts.  While Steve is not involved with this heart wrenching story I asked him to talk about 55 and older communities.  What are we dealing with and how can we make residential America less threatening?  Are the HOA attorneys being truthful when they predict gloom and doom for HOAs and board members who do not enforce every rule swiftly and decisively?  Where did 19 come from?  Is there room for compassion in residential America?  We’ll get a few answers and perhaps have more questions.  

Listen to Stephen Marcus

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Bill Davis

We get mail, emails, messages and other forms of communication.  Always happy to hear from you.    I find it interesting that so many of you have the same name,  “Anonymous”, often there is no name or return address for snail mail or email addresses so this show is dedicated to responding to a couple of recent messages.   

First of all, I got a letter proving beyond the shadow of a doubt that all is not well in HOAland.  The letter starts off by saying   “my HOA board is provoking me to commit suicide.”  I can fully understand the sheer frustration of having to deal with a bunch of bullies but PLEASE don’t commit suicide.  No HOA is worth your life.    I have yet to find any truthful and honest benefit of an HOA for the owners.  Sadly many frustrated, harassed and abused HOA owners have committed suicide over the years.  And the HOA lives on to abuse more homeowners.  The best advice I have for you is to GET OUT and, with other HOA survivors help  get the message out.  Talk to legislators IN PUBLIC, preferably with cameras on so they can’t just sweep your comments and concern under the rug as they have a tendency  to do.  It is time they understand what they have done and FIX IT. 

Bill Davis joins us On The Commons.  Bill, a Texas attorney represents HOA homeowners and has more insight from a real life point.  I get the most comments about Bill.  People want me to clone him, another Anonymous writer complains about Bills audio quality but then says, “once you get Bill’s audio problems fixed; more episodes with Bill and John Cowherd together.”  Bill and I talk about some of the issues raised by the writer and explain the problem with his audio.  You will be happy to know that we had no problems with the audio on this show. Tune in to find out what Bill did to “fix” it.

Listen to Bill Davis
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