‘Failed experiment:’ Veterans’ homes bills raise privatization concerns | Fox17: "GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A proposal meant to improve care for veterans in Michigan could prove to be a sweeping overhaul of how health care for veterans is managed statewide.
But critics worry this latest effort by lawmakers to fix the state's veterans health care system will only continue to push state workers out in favor of more privatized care."
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Privatization ‘Disproportionately Hurts Poor Individuals and Families’ | The Nation
Privatization ‘Disproportionately Hurts Poor Individuals and Families’ | The Nation: "In a compendium of privatization disasters, the watchdog group In the Public Interest (ITPI) concludes that “government privatization disproportionately hurts poor individuals and families.” By shifting social costs onto the public, the market logic of “personal responsibility” serves as a pretext for a self-perpetuating spiral of social disinvestment.
One way privatization fleeces the poor is by making basic public services cost more. "
------
Privatization is not all good or all bad. Selling off government-owned enterprises, like car companies, airlines, and steel mills, may have worked pretty well in Europe, but privatization in Russia was a massive disaster that created the oligarchs and destroyed the Russian economy. It went from being a major industrial powerhouse to a third world exporter of petroleum products. The big question is how you measure success. Advocates of privatization always talk about economic efficiency, but this is often just rhetoric. In reality, many times all they do is fire government employees and replace them with lower-paid private employees who don't get decent benefits. Then they pocket the savings instead of passing them along to the taxpayers/consumers. And you have to consider accountability--how do you make sure the function is performed properly. So I realize that this report from ITPI is rhetorical as well--the organization is funded by public employee unions, but we do need to look hard at these fast-tracked, take-it-or-leave-it, privatization deals that so many people think are the solution to all problems.
One way privatization fleeces the poor is by making basic public services cost more. "
------
Privatization is not all good or all bad. Selling off government-owned enterprises, like car companies, airlines, and steel mills, may have worked pretty well in Europe, but privatization in Russia was a massive disaster that created the oligarchs and destroyed the Russian economy. It went from being a major industrial powerhouse to a third world exporter of petroleum products. The big question is how you measure success. Advocates of privatization always talk about economic efficiency, but this is often just rhetoric. In reality, many times all they do is fire government employees and replace them with lower-paid private employees who don't get decent benefits. Then they pocket the savings instead of passing them along to the taxpayers/consumers. And you have to consider accountability--how do you make sure the function is performed properly. So I realize that this report from ITPI is rhetorical as well--the organization is funded by public employee unions, but we do need to look hard at these fast-tracked, take-it-or-leave-it, privatization deals that so many people think are the solution to all problems.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Whistle blower: Management firm misused HOA funds | Aspen Daily News Online
Whistle blower: Management firm misused HOA funds | Aspen Daily News Online
"A complaint filed with the state of Colorado’s real estate regulatory agency alleges that a local property management firm has, since 2012, misused funds intended for homeowners’ association payments in the upscale residential neighborhoods at the base of Aspen Highlands.
The funds in question could total $500,000 or more, said a witness to the complaint filed recently with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Division of Real Estate, alleging misrepresentations by Diamond Kip’s Inc., which does business as Aspen Valley Services."
"A complaint filed with the state of Colorado’s real estate regulatory agency alleges that a local property management firm has, since 2012, misused funds intended for homeowners’ association payments in the upscale residential neighborhoods at the base of Aspen Highlands.
The funds in question could total $500,000 or more, said a witness to the complaint filed recently with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Division of Real Estate, alleging misrepresentations by Diamond Kip’s Inc., which does business as Aspen Valley Services."
Department Seeks to Expand Infrastructure Privatization > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Article
Department Seeks to Expand Infrastructure Privatization > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Article
Military family housing privatization has been under way since 1996. The defense acquisitions website reports that at the beginning of the program, the department had an inventory of approximately 257,000 family housing units. Current plans are to privatize about 75 percent of existing family housing units worldwide.
“Why did it take us so long to implement housing privatization?” Potochney asked. “I don’t think there’s anybody who doesn’t think it’s a great thing, and it’s worked well, and it’s saved us money, and it’s gotten soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines better housing than they had before.”
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Feds Looking at Easing Up Financing Rules for Condo Developers - CoStar Group
Feds Looking at Easing Up Financing Rules for Condo Developers - CoStar Group: "FHA currently requires that approved condominium developments have a minimum of 50% of the units occupied by owners. While having too few owner-occupants can detract from the viability of a project, requiring too many can harm its marketability, the agency said.
Through this proposed rule change, FHA is proposing to establish an allowable range between 25% and 75%. The range allows FHA to choose a specific percentage that is responsive to future market changes.
FHA is also looking at expanding the range for allowable nonresidential use.
FHA currently requires that the commercial/nonresidential space within an approved condominium development not exceed 50% of the project’s total floor area, and anticipates maintaining this as a requirement in the near term.
However, as the agency gains experience with this program, it may wish to modify this limitation and is therefore proposing to establish a range between 25% and 60%, it said.
FHA also has proposed reinstating spot approvals in unapproved condominium developments and to require condo projects to recertify their approval status every three years rather than the current two-year requirement.
"
'via Blog this'
Through this proposed rule change, FHA is proposing to establish an allowable range between 25% and 75%. The range allows FHA to choose a specific percentage that is responsive to future market changes.
FHA is also looking at expanding the range for allowable nonresidential use.
FHA currently requires that the commercial/nonresidential space within an approved condominium development not exceed 50% of the project’s total floor area, and anticipates maintaining this as a requirement in the near term.
However, as the agency gains experience with this program, it may wish to modify this limitation and is therefore proposing to establish a range between 25% and 60%, it said.
FHA also has proposed reinstating spot approvals in unapproved condominium developments and to require condo projects to recertify their approval status every three years rather than the current two-year requirement.
"
'via Blog this'
New FHA Condo Rules Expand Access to Reverse Mortgages
New FHA Condo Rules Expand Access to Reverse Mortgages: "In response to changing conditions in the condominium market, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today proposed new rules that would allow individual condo units to become eligible for FHA financing, including Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), an agency spokesman confirmed to RMD.
FHA is currently seeking public comments on the 43-page proposed rule that seeks to reinstate a process similar to “spot approvals” in unapproved condo developments, as well as create a range of thresholds required for FHA approval, including the minimum owner-occupants in approved condo projects and limits on commercial/non-residential space, the agency stated in a release.
The proposal, which “certainly includes HECMs,” according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spokesman, will differ from the agency’s former “spot approvals” process, though no further details were able to be provided."
'via Blog this'
FHA is currently seeking public comments on the 43-page proposed rule that seeks to reinstate a process similar to “spot approvals” in unapproved condo developments, as well as create a range of thresholds required for FHA approval, including the minimum owner-occupants in approved condo projects and limits on commercial/non-residential space, the agency stated in a release.
The proposal, which “certainly includes HECMs,” according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spokesman, will differ from the agency’s former “spot approvals” process, though no further details were able to be provided."
'via Blog this'
Will you become a citizen of Asgardia, the first nation state in space? | Science | The Guardian
Will you become a citizen of Asgardia, the first nation state in space? | Science | The Guardian: "Proposals for the “first nation state in space” have been unveiled by a team of scientists and legal experts, who say the move will foster peace, open up access to space technologies and offer protection for citizens of planet Earth.
Dubbed “Asgardia” after one of the mythical worlds inhabited by the Norse gods, the team say the “new nation” will eventually become a member of the United Nations, with its own flag and anthem devised by members of the public through a series of competitions."
'via Blog this'
Dubbed “Asgardia” after one of the mythical worlds inhabited by the Norse gods, the team say the “new nation” will eventually become a member of the United Nations, with its own flag and anthem devised by members of the public through a series of competitions."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Trotwood HOA responds to liens, worn facilities | Dayton News | www.whio.com
Trotwood HOA responds to liens, worn facilities | Dayton News | www.whio.com
And here is the HOA's response to media coverage of owners withholding assessment payments because they don't think they are getting their money's worth, and then getting hit with liens:
"Not long after last week’s report, the HOA sent out an email in response. “The recent WHIO-TV broadcast orchestrated by a delinquent homeowner…will fail in its attempt to stop the collection of delinquent assessments. If you thought you could move here and change our neighborhood to be like the ghetto you came from…think again.”
And here is the HOA's response to media coverage of owners withholding assessment payments because they don't think they are getting their money's worth, and then getting hit with liens:
"Not long after last week’s report, the HOA sent out an email in response. “The recent WHIO-TV broadcast orchestrated by a delinquent homeowner…will fail in its attempt to stop the collection of delinquent assessments. If you thought you could move here and change our neighborhood to be like the ghetto you came from…think again.”
Homeowners pay thousands to illegal HOA | Fox 59
Homeowners pay thousands to illegal HOA | Fox 59
"CUMBERLAND, Ind. – For more than a decade, homeowners in a Cumberland neighborhood have been paying dues to an illegal HOA. According to state records, the Harvest Glen HOA was dissolved in 2002 because required paperwork to reinstate the organization was never completed. A few days ago, the neighborhood treasurer sent each homeowner a letter and a stack of approximately 100 pages of detailed expense reports showing how HOA dues were spent. Every year, every Harvest Glen homeowner pays $50 for HOA dues, which is mainly for lawn care upkeep in the common areas. For the past 14 years, state records show the neighborhood hasn’t had an operating HOA."
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OK, so maybe we didn't dot every "i" and cross every "t" for the last fourteen years, but basically we more or less kinda sorta did HOA-type stuff. What's your prob?
"CUMBERLAND, Ind. – For more than a decade, homeowners in a Cumberland neighborhood have been paying dues to an illegal HOA. According to state records, the Harvest Glen HOA was dissolved in 2002 because required paperwork to reinstate the organization was never completed. A few days ago, the neighborhood treasurer sent each homeowner a letter and a stack of approximately 100 pages of detailed expense reports showing how HOA dues were spent. Every year, every Harvest Glen homeowner pays $50 for HOA dues, which is mainly for lawn care upkeep in the common areas. For the past 14 years, state records show the neighborhood hasn’t had an operating HOA."
-------------
OK, so maybe we didn't dot every "i" and cross every "t" for the last fourteen years, but basically we more or less kinda sorta did HOA-type stuff. What's your prob?
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Woman accused of stealing from Kennesaw HOA | WAGA
Woman accused of stealing from Kennesaw HOA | WAGA: "KENNESAW, Ga. - A former Kennesaw property manager faces criminal charges.
Wendy Teresa Robinson is accused of stealing more than $8,000 from a home owners’ association fund. Police said Robinson worked as the property manager for the Legacy Park HOA at the time of the theft."
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The need for outside financial oversight of condos and HOAs becomes more obvious every day.
Wendy Teresa Robinson is accused of stealing more than $8,000 from a home owners’ association fund. Police said Robinson worked as the property manager for the Legacy Park HOA at the time of the theft."
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The need for outside financial oversight of condos and HOAs becomes more obvious every day.
Dissecting the CAI white paper manifesto on Association Governance (part 1) – Independent American Communities
Monday, May 16, 2016
Despite Their Higher Education, Millennials Still Aren't Buying Homes - CityLab
Despite Their Higher Education, Millennials Still Aren't Buying Homes - CityLab:
"A bachelor’s degree is not a requirement for homeownership, but it is starting to look like one. As household incomes are increasingly linked to educational attainment, so is homeownership status. At the same time, higher education can be a temporary barrier to homeownership. This paradox might be the driving factor of the U.S. housing market today, which is still slow to grow even despite a strong recovery"
------------------
I've seen several studies on this. The growing income gap between college graduates and people without degrees means that graduates are more likely to be able to buy a home. But, because it takes four years to get the degree, the college graduates get married and/or enter the housing market later. The often-repeated claim that college graduates can't afford homes because of student loans doesn't stand up to empirical analysis. But part of this is on the supply side. The real estate development industry is not building many starter homes at present, in large part because of the higher lending standards that still prevail.
"A bachelor’s degree is not a requirement for homeownership, but it is starting to look like one. As household incomes are increasingly linked to educational attainment, so is homeownership status. At the same time, higher education can be a temporary barrier to homeownership. This paradox might be the driving factor of the U.S. housing market today, which is still slow to grow even despite a strong recovery"
------------------
I've seen several studies on this. The growing income gap between college graduates and people without degrees means that graduates are more likely to be able to buy a home. But, because it takes four years to get the degree, the college graduates get married and/or enter the housing market later. The often-repeated claim that college graduates can't afford homes because of student loans doesn't stand up to empirical analysis. But part of this is on the supply side. The real estate development industry is not building many starter homes at present, in large part because of the higher lending standards that still prevail.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Squatters See a New Frontier in the Empty Homes of Las Vegas - The New York Times
Squatters See a New Frontier in the Empty Homes of Las Vegas - The New York Times
"In Las Vegas, the crackdown against squatters coincides with a resurgence, albeit modest, in the local housing market. Foreclosures are falling and home prices are creeping upward (though they remain far short of the prerecession peak). But with a transient population of down-and-out gamblers and a glut of homes that have already been foreclosed, opportunists can still take their pick of thousands of empty houses. Inside one, squatters had scrawled a warning to stay away on a wall: “Violent tweekers on guard.”
---------
During the housing boom there was far too much housing built in Las Vegas. Developers were trying to take advantage of the easy credit that was available to home buyers back then. In other words, these housing units were expressly built for people who couldn't afford them. There was no real market for them then, and there is even less of a market now. So now that the cocktail waitresses and golf caddies have lost their $300,000 homes to foreclosure, there is no real buyer for these units and they sit idle. In come the squatters. This is going on in other nations as well. Spain is a great example, where Barcelona elected a socialist as mayor in part based on a proposal to legalize squatting.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
"In Las Vegas, the crackdown against squatters coincides with a resurgence, albeit modest, in the local housing market. Foreclosures are falling and home prices are creeping upward (though they remain far short of the prerecession peak). But with a transient population of down-and-out gamblers and a glut of homes that have already been foreclosed, opportunists can still take their pick of thousands of empty houses. Inside one, squatters had scrawled a warning to stay away on a wall: “Violent tweekers on guard.”
---------
During the housing boom there was far too much housing built in Las Vegas. Developers were trying to take advantage of the easy credit that was available to home buyers back then. In other words, these housing units were expressly built for people who couldn't afford them. There was no real market for them then, and there is even less of a market now. So now that the cocktail waitresses and golf caddies have lost their $300,000 homes to foreclosure, there is no real buyer for these units and they sit idle. In come the squatters. This is going on in other nations as well. Spain is a great example, where Barcelona elected a socialist as mayor in part based on a proposal to legalize squatting.
Thanks to Fred Pilot for this link.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Happy Together - The New Yorker
Happy Together - The New Yorker
"The building, Kennedy’s new home, is run by the co-living startup Common, which offers what it calls “flexible, community-driven housing.” Co-living has also been billed as “dorms for grown-ups,” a description that Common resists. But the company has set out to restore a certain subset of young, urban professionals to the paradise they lost when they left college campuses—a furnished place to live, unlimited coffee and toilet paper, a sense of belonging."
----------------
Sounds a bit like an episode of "Friends," and I can see the attraction of it. A lot of Americs are looking for a sense of community in a small, shared, living environment. Except for some seniors developments, I don't think many people find that in condominiums or HOAs.
"The building, Kennedy’s new home, is run by the co-living startup Common, which offers what it calls “flexible, community-driven housing.” Co-living has also been billed as “dorms for grown-ups,” a description that Common resists. But the company has set out to restore a certain subset of young, urban professionals to the paradise they lost when they left college campuses—a furnished place to live, unlimited coffee and toilet paper, a sense of belonging."
----------------
Sounds a bit like an episode of "Friends," and I can see the attraction of it. A lot of Americs are looking for a sense of community in a small, shared, living environment. Except for some seniors developments, I don't think many people find that in condominiums or HOAs.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Legislator pushing for more oversight of homeowners associations | Local news | tucson.com
Legislator pushing for more oversight of homeowners associations | Local news | tucson.com
"Farnsworth’s bills would add regulations to the operation of HOAs. SB 1496 deals with HOA directors, stipulating that if a member of the board of directors is removed from their position, he or she cannot be reappointed to that post. It’s an issue that has been raised by homeowners. The other bill is SB 1498, which would require HOAs to provide ample warning time for homeowners before charging late fees and inform homeowners of their right to dispute the fees through a state process. HOAs would also have to maintain members’ voting records for one year. Both bills have passed the Legislature. Gov. Doug Ducey signed SB 1498 into law. The other bill has not yet been signed."
------------
See the post immediately below.
"Farnsworth’s bills would add regulations to the operation of HOAs. SB 1496 deals with HOA directors, stipulating that if a member of the board of directors is removed from their position, he or she cannot be reappointed to that post. It’s an issue that has been raised by homeowners. The other bill is SB 1498, which would require HOAs to provide ample warning time for homeowners before charging late fees and inform homeowners of their right to dispute the fees through a state process. HOAs would also have to maintain members’ voting records for one year. Both bills have passed the Legislature. Gov. Doug Ducey signed SB 1498 into law. The other bill has not yet been signed."
------------
See the post immediately below.
Former Quail Run HOA treasurer accused of grand theft - wptv.com
Former Quail Run HOA treasurer accused of grand theft - wptv.com
From Palm Beach: "A former treasurer for the Quail Run Homeowners Association has been charged with grand theft, according to the Boynton Beach Police Department. Police arrested Norman Glavas, 69, Thursday morning. Investigators say he embezzled more than $50,000 from the HOA."
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The need for transparency and oversight of HOA/condo association finances is obvious.
From Palm Beach: "A former treasurer for the Quail Run Homeowners Association has been charged with grand theft, according to the Boynton Beach Police Department. Police arrested Norman Glavas, 69, Thursday morning. Investigators say he embezzled more than $50,000 from the HOA."
------------
The need for transparency and oversight of HOA/condo association finances is obvious.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
HOA bans homeowners renting to sex offenders, but is it legal?
HOA bans homeowners renting to sex offenders, but is it legal?: "HOUSTON - A Fort Bend County neighborhood's homeowners association has put a ban on any homeowner renting to a registered sex offender.
Lots of families with young children live in the Kingdom Heights neighborhood. The deed restrictions established by the HOA for the quiet suburban Houston community are crystal clear -- no homeowner may lease a residence to a registered sex offender...The state's property code calls into question the HOA's deed restrictions. It was revised last year and states that HOAs can no longer be involved in the approval process of a lease agreement for prospective tenants. Essentially it says an HOA has to mind its own business."
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Once again we have an HOA attempting to do something that appears to be against the law. See below for the HOA in California that wants to violate state law concerning watering lawns in a drought.
Lots of families with young children live in the Kingdom Heights neighborhood. The deed restrictions established by the HOA for the quiet suburban Houston community are crystal clear -- no homeowner may lease a residence to a registered sex offender...The state's property code calls into question the HOA's deed restrictions. It was revised last year and states that HOAs can no longer be involved in the approval process of a lease agreement for prospective tenants. Essentially it says an HOA has to mind its own business."
--------------
Once again we have an HOA attempting to do something that appears to be against the law. See below for the HOA in California that wants to violate state law concerning watering lawns in a drought.
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