A recent case in Florida (MacKenzie v. Centext Homes, 208 So.3d.790 (2016)) was not bashful about holding a developer to the same rules as other property owners in a Homeowners’ Association (“HOA”). The HOA in this case was still largely under developer’s control during the period in question. The developer controlled Board included a reserve […]
Developer Held to Same Rules as Other Owners Read More »
Facts Plaintiff, Coley, owns a home in an HOA, the Eskaton Village (“Association”). Two other Eskaton named entities (“Eskaton”) develop and support HOAs. A five-member board runs the Association, subject to the Declaration. Eskaton has always controlled three of the five directors on the Association Board because it owns 137 of the 267 units. The
Self-Dealing by Director is a Breach of Fiduciary Duty (Case 1) Read More »
Facts David Bagwell was the developer of three homeowners’ associations (HOAs). David and his wife Susan (the Bagwells), acted as directors of each of the HOAs. Sister Initiative, LLC (the LLC) loaned money to the HOAs and was owned by Bagwells’ daughters. Susan Bagwell was the manager of the LLC. The Bagwells also owned several
Association NOT Liable for Loans Made By Developer Related Entity Read More »
Even the best and most established real estate developers can face hard times, especially in the aftermath of recession and economic downturn, as we experienced a few short years ago. Many condominium and subdivision developments found themselves half completed, both in terms of units and homes built, and common area improvements (like streets and curbs)
A Court in Colorado recently dealt with a developer who placed a provision in the declaration of a condominium association prohibiting amendment of the declaration – ever – without the declarant’s written consent, and requiring that all construction defect claims be resolved through arbitration (Vallagio at Inverness Residential Condominium Association, Inc. v. Metropolitan Homes, Inc.
Developers Sometimes Draft Documents for Their Own Benefit Read More »
Facts Plaintiff, Ms. Carmichael, is on the board of directors of Commerce Towers Condominium (“Association”). On the board with her is Mr. Frese and Mr. Vickers. Mr. Vickers, Mr. Frese and Mr. Tarantino are the officers of the Association. (collectively “Officers”). All three are also the officers of Tarantino Properties, Inc. (the “Management Company”). Carmichael
Self-Dealing by Director is a Breach of Fiduciary Duty (Case 2) Read More »
Developers of condominium communities and HOAs often reserve access easement rights within the Declaration/Deed Restrictions for the subdivision, especially when the Developer owns yet-undeveloped neighboring property. But what happens if the Developer forgets to reserve such easement rights specifically within the Declaration or Deed Restrictions? A recent case explores this dilemma, and at least in
HOAs Unite! Developer’s Easement Rights are Not Never-Ending Read More »
Facts Plaintiffs are property owners in what were originally three separate planned communities known as Mystic Lands. Defendants are the developer/declarant and its sole shareholder, Shinitzky. In October of 2006 the Plaintiff and his wife entered into a contract with declarant to purchase Lot 28 in Mystic Ridge. The Property Information Sheet stated “the streets
Developers/Declarants Breached Contract by Failing to Pave Roads Read More »
The developer has not turned over your association but should have or the developer is about to turn over the association, but has not told you what that means. This Vlog will tell you what you need to know in 60 seconds. Want to learn more about Wisconsin condominium and HOA law from experienced condo
Association/Developer Turnover Process in Less Than 1 Minute Read More »
Declarant/Developers of Community Associations love to reserve themselves rights within the Declaration that extend far beyond their Declarant control powers. This is nothing new. But when a Homeowners Association puts it foot down, who will end up on top? It depends on how all the sections in the Declaration read together, and as this case
Post-Turnover Declarant Rights? Think Again…This One has a Happy Ending for the HOA Read More »
