Decorated Mouse Pad With Contemporary Condominium Coattage

Posted In: Condominium

Jesus Poppert says...

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (7/09)



As a current condominium owner and former board member of the HOA, reading "New Neighborhoods" by Gary A. Poliakoff and Ryan Poliakoff confirmed the importance of acquiring knowledge before considering this type of living arrangement. This book is certainly one that any prospective buyer or anyone that is embarking on co-op living should read before signing the contract.



There is glory in having all the amenities of condo/co-op complex living - grounds maintenance, exterior building upkeep, use of pool/recreation area; however, there is also a payback.The rates could be high, or in some cases nothing is covered by the dues.Parking can be an issue as well as noisy neighbors. The HOA can impose its own rules, sometimes totally irrational or one-sided.On the other hand, the rules keep the complex at the certain standard and if you don't want to conform to those rules/standards, then this type of living is not for you.



The authors give a very concise but comprehensive look into complex living.They cover an area that most prospective buyers don't even consider - the role of the developer and the original filed documents.They also cover the role of the HOA and the rules that can be imposed (or changed) at any time, the owner's rights and responsibilities, and legal conditions.Although condo or co-op living may sound attractive, it is not like owning your own home on your own property.However, if you know all this, condo living can be very rewarding.Personally, I prefer it.We've owned our own free-standing homes for almost 40 years and moving into a condo gave us the freedom of having amenities like yard maintenance, great neighborhood, and quiet neighbors.It is important to be clear what it is you expect in condo living and "New Neighborhoods" by Gary A. Poliakoff and Ryan Polialkoff is the perfect book to read before making that final decision.This is also a perfect book for real-estate sellers to provide to their prospective buyers.

Posted on August 31, 2011

Gale Dowdy says...

Living in a HOA community for the first time in my life, this book was an educational eye-opener.I strongly urge anyone who is either living now or considering living in one of the communities mentioned on the cover of the book New Neighborhoods to buy this book. The format is inviting and the information is easily understood. The value was many times greater than what I paid for the book. I do not understand how Frances Beard's review called this book "Milk Toast". It addressed many issues in many areas, giving me more information than I expected. I have no fight with my board. I just wanted to know my rights as a condo owner and to become aware of various situations that I did not know existed in these types of communities and what could be done about them if they did come up. I am grateful to the Poliakoff's for writing this book because for a very small investment I feel I have received a wealth of legal information. Can't beat that!

Dyanna Jamiel

Posted on August 31, 2011

Alecia Obarr says...

Having read "New Neighborhoods" from cover to cover, I can say that it is the best book I've ever come across on the subject of living in communities run by condo or homeowners' associations. Gary and Ryan Poliakoff have done a superb job in explaining all the important ins and outs of this mainstay of American lifestyle and they have done it in an engaging style that is both entertaining and easy to understand.An instructive, entertaining read!



Howard Shapiro

Posted on September 1, 2011

Eliana Seeholzer says...

The Poliakoff name in Florida homeowners association/condominium law is synonymous with quality.This is why I bought the book.



However, it is not as I expected.This book is a guide for those folks who want to get into a deed restricted community, whether condo or homeowner association.



I was looking for solutions for run a way boards intent on control and enforcing rules that were not intended by the developer.



It was a milktoast simple approach to a serious problem.



I was very disappointed.



Frances Beard

Posted on September 3, 2011

Minh Lespedes says...

New Neighborhoods is written by experts on living in a Co-op, HOA and condo living and gives you a great insight into how living in a home governed by an association affects you.This book is really an eye opener if you are considering condo living, things you may never have thought of are all covered in this easy to read, detailed book.Communication is key, when a condo buyer doesn't feel fully informed, it breeds unhappiness.Avoid any mis-communications, lack of information and any questions you might have by picking up a copy of this book.

I learned that in the United States over 60 million people live in shared ownership communities! This book can help anyone who does live in a shared ownership community to understand and know what their rights and their obligations are in this type of living environment.Learn the advantages and disadvantages of shared owner ship and use this knowledge to make an educated decision on if this is for you and your family.

This book is a must read before you make a decision on that condo!

Posted on September 4, 2011

Hoa Pilapil says...

At last, New Neighborhoods, The Consumers Guide to Condominium, Co-op and HOA Living is the ideal introduction for everybody considering living in a shared ownership community. It describes the advantages and the responsibilities and it explains why the owners must be actively involved in the management.



The book achieves the delicate balance between reflecting the obvious expertise of the authors and the danger of being too legalistic.In fact the information in this book will be of direct value throughout the United States even though the specific laws vary from state to state. This is not a legal reference.



This book should be required reading for every potential buyer and for every person on the board of directors.It is exceedingly well written, is easy to read, and is truly informative.These opinions are based on 20 years experience in the field.

Posted on September 5, 2011

Hilary Gersch says...

This is a very informative book and easy to read. It should be required reading for anyone buying a house. Because of the impeccable grammar, it should also be required reading for high school students.

Posted on September 5, 2011

Ema Krulik says...

I bought this item thinking it was the best in the market.The combination transmitter reciver has to be no further than 15 feet away for it to work.Not sure if the issue was with the transmitter but after the trouble I went through I don't trust the skylink brand.

Amazon was very good in returning my entire purchase price + the shipping cost. Also the return shipping was free. Amazon amazed me :) but skylink did not .

Posted on September 8, 2011

Natosha Surrency says...

The Poliakoff team perfectly meshed their strengths to create a unique and valuable resource for anybody considering living in shared ownership housing.The authors use their expertise to provide important insight into the benefits and drawbacks of community living and explain the often confusing concepts in easy to understand language with humor and real-life examples.



Potential purchasers can educate themselves on the type of property that they are buying while current owners can understand their rights and responsibilities as a member of the housing community.New Neighborhoods is a must read and a must share with any current or future owner, Board of Director, or real estate professional desiring to be educated and entertained on condominium, cooperative, and homeowners associations.

Posted on September 9, 2011

Kristine Gilbreath says...

As advertised, this book is written with easy to understand explanations of HOA and condo associations.It avoids some of the arcane legal references of other books on the same topic.However, it fell short for me because I was looking for more specific information on Florida properties and often it would say you need to check the laws of your state.If the same level of detail was provided with Florida specifics it would have been perfect for my needs.But, I guess

if it was written just for Florida the authors would have a smaller audience.

Posted on September 13, 2011