By Sandra L. Gottlieb, Partner, SwedelsonGottlieb Now that the “spot loan” approval process (which allowed for on-the-spot FHA approval of an association for the benefit of a buyer) has been eliminated, it is only possible for an owner or prospective purchaser of a condominium to obtain an FHA-insured loan if…
Blog Posting by David C. Swedelson, Partner, SwedelsonGottlieb Mother’s Day is coming up, and I was thinking about my mom, who passed away almost 25 years ago. I still remember some of the sage advice she handed out, although I must admit that, at times, I did not appreciate everything…
Blog Posting by David C. Swedelson, Senior Partner, SwedelsonGottlieb. I just read an excellent article by Robert M. Nordlund, P.E., R.S. with Association Reserves, Inc. that addresses the issue of how much California condominium associations should be reserving. He starts out with the proposition that “[t]ypically (that is a dangerous…
Blog posting by David Swedelson, Senior Partner, SwedelsonGottlieb As community association attorneys, we are often asked to assist boards and management in dealing with disputes between homeowners. We have seen disputes over view obstructions, dog waste or barking, noise issues from hard surface flooring or too many parties. Usually, we…
By David Swedelson, Senior Partner, SwedelsonGottlieb There is an old saying that the three big “issues” at community associations are people, pets and parking. Some may disagree, but the fact is that pets are often an issue. And when it comes to pets, and specifically dogs, dog poop or waste…
We were advised that the California Senate Transportation & Housing Committee is prepared to vote on SB 563 (DeSaulnier) that deals with Community Association Board Meetings. We encourage you to contact the members of this Committee and tell them to vote “NO” on SB 563 which will, if made law,…
By David C. Swedelson, Partner, SwedelsonGottlieb With record rainfalls in December 2010, and a rainy season that stretched into March 2011, California community associations and their management have been kept busy responding to reports of leaks and “water intrusion” (when the water from any source intrudes into a unit or…
New embezzlement story out of Las Vegas. The Nevada Attorney General’s Office, with the assistance of the FBI, served a warrant at the Paradise Spa Homeowners Association on Las Vegas Boulevard South near Serene Avenue. Owners allege the association’s board embezzled more than $1 million of their money. The news…
By David C. Swedelson, Partner, SwedelsonGottlieb This article was prepared for a recent program that David spoke at dealing with rule enforcement. There is no disputing the fact that serving on the board at any community association is time consuming and can often become frustrating. You have a multitude of…
Post by David Swedelson, Partner, SwedelsonGottlieb We are often asked to assist California community associations dealing with unauthorized homeowner commercial activities when prohibited by the association’s governing documents. Usually, the issue is whether the commercial activity will or is impairing the residential character of the community. So, for example, we…