Homeowner association advocates versus entrenched industry lobbyists (Community Association Institute) to promote state laws protecting the constitutional rights of homeowners. Discussion of recent or proposed legislation in New Jersey, California, Texas etc.

A study of political and social issues posed by the rise of CIDs (common interest housing developments) in the US. The work explores the consequences of CIDs on government and argues that private, residential government has serious implications for civil liberties.

Work self-published by authors using CreateSpace.

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

Do you thrive or barely survive in a community governed by an association? With humor and down-to-earth facts, this guide offers real-life scenarios and solutions.

A stress-free guide to caring for your biggest investment. For many new homeowners, the euphoria that comes with buying the perfect new house can soon turn into total panic. First-time buyers often feel overwhelmed by the amount of maintenance their new home requires—not to mention the nasty problems and surprises that seem to be lurking around every corner (and in every wall). Finally, author and real estate guru Sid Davis provides the antidote for the common worries that plague every new owner. From easy repairs to seemingly insurmountable projects, readers will discover sanity-saving advice on: • improving roofing, siding, walkways, and driveways • fixing or replacing appliances and fixtures • refinancing tips and traps • reducing the costs of home ownership and maintenance • lowering property taxes • working with contractors and not getting taken • insurance tips • budgeting for the unexpected Owning a home should be exciting, not terrifying. Now with this reassuring guide, novice homeowners can experience all of the joy, and none of the trepidation, that comes with having a place of their own.

`HOA¿s Suck!¿ is an insider¿s tongue-in-cheek assessment about everything that is anything to do with a Home Owner¿s Association (HOA) ¿ the good, the bad, and the ugly. Condi walks you through the in¿s and out¿s based on a 20+ year career working with HOA¿s, and explains `why¿ about an awful lot of stuff that has either just confused you or made you mad ¿ including your neighbors. He even tells what you can do about it.Offering:¿The 69 Things You Need To Know About HOA living.¿Insights about little old ladies.¿What to do about fat chicks in your back yard.¿Why Board Members are conflicted.¿10 Things you can do to go get `emYou will laugh, be offended, recognize a lot of people you know or have seen, and find yourself saying things like:¿¿Really?¿¿¿That¿s ridiculous¿¿¿I wondered about that¿¿¿I thought so¿¿¿No wonder¿¿¿¿I need to do something NOW!¿

Expert advice for an exciting (but complicated) process.

I wrote this book to serve as a "primer" on the basics of what you can do to: - Make your personal time on the board more satisfying - Produce value for the homeowners in your HOA - Encourage other homeowners to volunteer to make their HOA a better place to live. This is a "foundation" book. I want you, as a volunteer board member, to have a foundation of knowledge in what a homeowners association is and how it should work. I have seen too many homeowners associations in which new board members have no basic knowledge in association best practices and they get caught up in the emotions of making decisions for their neighbors. Their volunteer time turns in to a frustrating experience and the existing problems persist with the association. With a good foundation, I believe you will be able to learn more about community associations and the common issues that confront them. With this book, you will have an outline that will help you organize your thoughts, build on a solid framework and make your volunteer time valuable to you and to your neighbors.