2023

Financial Issues, Budgets & Reserves December 19, 2023

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: A New Era of Transparency for Homeowners

Introduction In a significant shift towards transparency, Fannie Mae, the Federal National Mortgage Association, has recently announced that it will make its once-secret “Condo Unavailable Projects and Phases Report” accessible to the public. The decision to make this report publicly available reflects a broader industry trend towards transparency, acknowledging the pivotal role that information plays in empowering consumers and fostering…
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Rules & Regulations December 11, 2023

Deck the Halls, Mind the Rules: Navigating Association Decorations Restrictions with Holiday Cheer

‘Tis the season to stow away the skeletons, pumpkins, and witches, and usher in the festive spirit with twinkling lights, wreaths, and snowmen. As the allure of multicolored lights and decorations brightens the early darkness, residents of condominium associations need to align their festive expressions with community rules. For association boards and property managers, enforcing rules and regulations requires a…
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Condo & HOA Legislation November 29, 2023

Navigating the CTA:  A Guide for Condos and HOAs to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act

March 1, 2024 – Federal Court rules that the Corporate Transparency Act is Unconstitutional: What does it mean for Community Associations? Read our updated blog article. The Corporate Transparency Act is a federal law that was enacted in 2021 to stop individuals in foreign countries from illegally moving money into the United States.  The Corporate Transparency Act creates new reporting…
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Bylaw & Covenant Enforcement November 29, 2023

Can A Michigan Condominium Association Collect Attorney Fees for Bylaw Violations?

In Michigan, the responsibility for attorney fees and costs in litigation typically lies with the parties involved. Following the ‘American rule,’ attorney fees are not recoverable unless expressly allowed by statute, court rule, common-law exception, or contract. Dessart v. Burak, 470 Mich. 37, 42, 678 N.W.2d 615 (2004); Grace v. Grace, 253 Mich.App. 357, 370–371, 655 N.W.2d 595 (2002),” Reed…
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Board of Directors November 21, 2023

What Every Condo or HOA Needs To Know About Emotional Support Animals

Over the last several years, emotional support animals have been a continuous source of speculation and confusion for many Michigan condo and HOA boards. We all have seen the news stories of individuals attempting to bring animals such as squirrels and even alligators into places of public accommodation under the claim that they are emotional support animals. Many will read…
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Community Association Governance & Meetings November 14, 2023

What You Need to Know About Handling Conflicts of Interest on Your Michigan Condo Board

A condominium association is governed by its board of directors.  In Michigan, it is common that members of a board of directors are uncompensated volunteers.  It is also common that co-owners elect board members who have a particular set of skills or knowledge relevant to running a condominium, whether that be knowledge of accounting, construction, or management.  When a condominium…
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