Even after members of a key Senate committee rallied around a construction-defects reform bill this week, homebuilders continue to have serious questions about whether it will restart condominium construction in the way its sponsors want. Read the article…………………………….
Firestone residents concerned about potential for Homeowners Association to fund police cameras (CO)
The residents of a Firestone neighborhood are concerned about a new cost they could be taking on, thanks to new license plate readers in the town that the police are asking for help funding. The Town of Firestone said it began installing Flock license plate readers last year, 14 in total around the community. Now, […]
Ask Eartha: What should I know about charging my electric vehicle? (CO)
Dear Eartha, I recently got an electric vehicle. I love my new car, but charging has been a challenge because I live in a condo. I want to talk to my homeowners association about getting shared chargers, but I don’t know where to start. Can you help? Read the Q&A………………………………..
HOAs subject to increased liability for guests’ injuries in common areas, appeals court rules (CO)
Colorado’s second-highest court ruled for the first time on Thursday that guests of homeowners who are injured in the common areas of homeowner associations only need to satisfy a relatively low hurdle to sue the HOA. Read the article…………………………….
Construction-defects reform bill getting support. But will it get condos built? (CO)
After the addition of eight amendments meant to salve critics, sponsors of a construction-defects reform bill watched it pass the House Monday by a 59-5 margin that was jaw-dropping less than one year after an ideologically similar measure died in committee. Read the article…………………………….
Colorado construction defect bill, meant to boost condo building, passes House
A bill that aims to encourage condominium construction by lowering litigation risks passed the Colorado House on Monday. House Bill 25-1272 passed on a bipartisan 59-5 vote, with some of the chamber’s most progressive Democrats voting against it. Read the article…………………………….
Ask Eartha: What should I know about charging my electric vehicle? (CO)
Dear Eartha, I recently got an electric vehicle. I love my new car, but charging has been a challenge because I live in a condo. I want to talk to my homeowners association about getting shared chargers, but I don’t know where to start. Can you help? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Why there are a growing number of unsellable condos in Colorado
HOAs trying to limit monthly condo fees are opting for higher insurance deductibles, more deferred maintenance. But that puts the property on a list that may prevent buyers from getting a conventional loan. Read the article…………………………….
Lawmakers work to protect homeowners from dubious HOAs (CO)
No homeowners association. That was on my list of nonnegotiables when I shopped for a house a couple of decades ago. I don’t want someone measuring the height of my lawn or telling me what shade of beige I can paint my house or disallowing a front yard bird bath or hiking fees every year […]
House Advances Construction Defects Reform Bill (CO)
The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. “Increasing rents and home prices have created a housing affordability crisis and have made it nearly impossible for first-time homebuyers to enter the market,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. […]
Loss assessment coverage can help protect condo owners from skyrocketing assessments (CO)
News of a more than $8,000 special assessment on one condo owner in a Green Valley Ranch community has prompted many 9NEWS viewers to share similar stories of sudden high bills over the last 24 hours. Steve On Your Side has reported on a growing trend in homeowners association (HOA) insurance, where property owners are […]
HOA hits Green Valley Ranch property owners with $8,000 hail, wind damage fees
Residents of the First Creek Farm condominiums in Green Valley Ranch are grappling with large and unexpected fees nearly a year after a severe hailstorm struck the neighborhood on May 30, 2024. Homeowners are now being hit with substantial special assessment fees, some over $8,000, to cover what a property management group said is millions […]
Condo Construction Bill Clears Key Hurdle In Colorado Legislature
A bill aimed at reforming the state’s construction defects laws to make way for more condos and a less expensive housing market cleared the House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee in a 12-1 vote on March 18. Read the article…………………………….
Colorado legislators consider another round of HOA bills to protect homeowners from foreclosure
The Colorado General Assembly is poised to approve additional protections for homeowners who become indebted to their homeowners associations and risk losing their houses because of unpaid fines, late fees and legal bills. Two bills are up for consideration this legislative session. One is intended to protect homeowner equity and avoid courthouse foreclosure auctions, and […]
Saguache County Firewise – lessons from Calif. (CO)
During his presentation, Johnson showed numerous slides of the fire and also provided practical advice on how to implement fire zones around their homes. This information empowered the audience to take proactive steps to make their homes more resistant to a wildfire. The event was made possible through the joint efforts of the Crestone Volunteer […]
Construction Defects Reform Bill Passes Committee (CO)
The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. HB25-1272, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 12-1. Read the article…………………………….
Proposed amendments to Colorado’s condo construction defects bill looks to address opponent concerns
The longstanding fights between home builders and trial lawyers are in a different place as the bill to resolve longstanding condo construction defects issues heads to the committee on Tuesday. The hearing on House Bill 1272 in the House Transportation, Local Government and Housing Committee will review an eight-page amendment that is bringing some of […]
Bill to Protect HOA Homeowners Passes Committee (CO)
The Senate Local Government and Housing Committee today passed a bill that would strengthen safeguards for homeowners in homeowners associations (HOAs) to help them stay housed and recoup their property’s equity if they are forced to sell. Read the article…………………………….
What you need to know about regulations in place to raise your own backyard chicken flock, amid egg shortage (CO)
As egg prices soar across the country, people in Colorado have turned to finding solutions at home, raising their own flock. While some see the success firsthand, others are facing challenges even getting chickens into their backyard, due to Home Owners Association (HOA) regulations. Read the article…………………………….
Condo building evacuated after man sprays pepper spray (CO)
Adams County Sheriff’s Office said a man was spraying the hallway with some sort of aerosol and made mention of a possible meth lab. Video news report……………………..
HOA pushes back on Red Mountain geothermal project (CO)
A Red Mountain property owner intending to install a geothermal system as part of a home-construction project has met opposition from the neighborhood’s governing association in a dispute now in the courts. Read the article…………………………….
CTA Effectively Dead
While you were busy watching the Oscars, the Treasury Department announced that it will take no enforcement action for failure to file CTA beneficial ownership reports. Moreover, the Department announced that its upcoming rules will apply to foreign entities only. Read the article…………………………….
CTA: Breakin the Law!
FinCEN is as sick of the CTA as you all are. Yesterday, they announced that no fines, penalties, or other enforcement action will occur for the failure to file a BOI report while they figure out what the heck they’re doing with the CTA and new rulemaking. Read the article…………………………….
Colorado lawmakers want to boost condo construction with new housing bill
Finding homes that people can afford has been challenging for years. A lack of condos is not helping the situation. Colorado lawmakers want to fix the issue with a new bill this year. Read the article…………………………….
CTA Timeline and Where We’re at Today (CO)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you already know about the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), the federal law focused on combating illicit financial activity. The CTA requires Reporting Companies, including associations, to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (“BOI”) report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). The report must contain certain information on Beneficial […]
Town of Vail accepting applications for Vail Commons Condominium lottery (CO)
The Town of Vail is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for a community lottery drawing for the sale of a Vail Commons Condominium in West Vail. This listing is in partnership with The Valley Home Store of Eagle County, who is the transaction broker for the approved buyer. Additional property information, […]
CTA Timeline and Where We’re at Today (CO)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you already know about the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), the federal law focused on combating illicit financial activity. The CTA requires Reporting Companies, including associations, to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (“BOI”) report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). The report must contain certain information on Beneficial […]
House Passes Bill to Protect HOA Homeowner Equity, Keep Coloradans Safely Housed (CO)
The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representative Naquetta Ricks and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would strengthen safeguards for HOA homeowners to help them retain the equity they built in their property and keep them safely housed. HB25-1043 passed by a vote of 38-24. Read the article…………………………….
HOA foreclosure bill back in front of Colorado lawmakers
A new bill being considered by Colorado lawmakers would protect homeowners from losing everything should they end up in foreclosure with their HOA. Video news report……………………..
Colorado homeowners outraged their new HOA company may be linked to former manager who reportedly stole $700,000
For years, homeowners in the Shadow Creek community in Aurora, Colorado, say they struggled with their homeowners association’s (HOA’s) management management company, Mastino Management, claiming there were problems with its payment system. When residents began to dig deeper, they discovered something troubling. Kim Bacon, owner of Mastino Management, last spring was ordered to pay more […]
Federal court urged to allow sale of Snowmass condo (CO)
A condominium in Snowmass Village is at the center of a dispute between the federal government and a Castle Rock couple alleged to have bought real estate in the Roaring Fork Valley using pandemic relief money they obtained through fraudulent means. Read the article…………………………….
How Colorado lawmakers and the governor want to incentivize the construction of affordable condos
State lawmakers are taking another crack at boosting condominium development in Colorado after years of stagnation by trying to reduce the chance of lawsuits filed against builders by homeowners over alleged construction errors. “Our state isn’t building homes that people can afford to buy any more,” said state Rep. Shannon Bird, a Westminster Democrat. […]
Measure banning non-functional turf for new Colorado apartment, condo complexes advances at the Capitol
New apartments and condominium complexes would be prohibited from planting non-functional turf beginning in 2028 under a bill being advanced by Colorado lawmakers. House Bill 1113 is aimed at limiting non-native grass and artificial alternatives in areas where it doesn’t serve a purpose. The bill’s sponsors say it’s another step toward reducing water use in […]
Latest in Corporate Transparency Act News (CO)
It’s back!! The nationwide injunction pausing enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was lifted on February 17, 2025, reinstating the beneficial owner information (BOI) reporting requirements for applicable communities. For more information regarding the CTA, check this blog. Read the article…………………………….
Colorado lawmakers say help is on the way for aspiring homebuyers: “This bill is meant for you”
Six years after moving into his brand new Colorado condo, Alvin Cooper learned he and many of his neighbors had six years of water damage under the floorboards. He says faulty construction was to blame. The builder disagreed. “Filed a suit because couldn’t get them to do the right thing, basically,” Cooper said. Several years […]
Imporant Update: Corporate Transparancy Act Reinstated (Due 03/21/25) (CO)
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an Order reinstating The Act, citing a Supreme Court of the United States’ decision that set precedent for their decision. At such, the Act has been reinstated and a deadline of filing the Beneficial Ownership Information with FinCEN is […]
Can Colorado lawmakers this year find a way to jumpstart affordable condo market?
It’s viewed as the “third rail” in affordable housing — the one path lawmakers have feared to tread. Not this year. A bill expected to be introduced this month takes a new approach to the challenges surrounding condominium construction, and its sponsors hope to avoid the battles between homebuilders and trial lawyers that have perennially […]
HOA foreclosure bill that would add homeowner protections back in front of Colorado lawmakers
A new bill being considered by Colorado lawmakers would protect homeowners from losing everything should they end up in foreclosure with their HOA. Colorado resident Holly Crystal is among those testifying in support. Read the article…………………………….
Colorado lawmakers take aim at turf — again
Colorado lawmakers want to add more restrictions on thirsty grass in new residential developments in an effort to conserve water. House Bill 1113 would limit planting non-functional turf, artificial turf or invasive plant species in new and redeveloped apartment or condominium housing. Read the article…………………………….
Colorado lawmakers target more HOA reforms in new bills, but homeowner rights groups aren’t sold on some of the measures
Colorado lawmakers are again eyeing reform measures for homeowners associations, building off past efforts to establish guardrails on a largely unregulated sector that governs millions of Colorado property owners. Roughly 2.7 million Coloradans lived under an HOA as of 2023, representing around half the state’s population. In recent years, HOAs have been mired in controversies. […]
Colorado lawmakers to introduce legislation to address affordable condo construction issues
A bill expected to be introduced on Tuesday takes a new approach to the problems of affordable condo construction, and its sponsors hope to avoid the battles between homebuilders and trial lawyers in their approach. Read the article…………………………….
Colorado homeowners claim HOA management company that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars is connected to a new group
More than $2 million is how much a Colorado judge ordered Mastino Management and owner Kim Bacon to pay to an HOA that she was responsible for operating. “We started digging around right around as soon as all this all came to light,” Craig Haynes, a former resident, said. Court records show that last spring, […]
Longmont Prairie Dog Colony Faces Extermination After HOA Board Vote (CO)
The HOA Board at Harvest Junction Village, in Longmont, voted to exterminate or relocate a prairie dog colony located within the community. The main concern of the board members is that the prairie dogs that currently live in common spaces in Harvest Junction Village will migrate into residents’ yards or spread disease. Read the article…………………………….
How to become a Firewise community and sign up for emergency notifications in El Paso and Teller Counties (CO)
Ahead of a wildfire town hall being held by the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) News5 wants to share a few ways you can be prepared for wildfires and help prevent them. “This isn’t ‘if’ a wildfire is going to happen, it’s ‘when’ a wildfire is going to happen,” Jessica McIntire the program coordinator for […]
A tragic ending for woman police attempted to arrest (CO)
A woman fired in January for embezzling from an Aspen homeowners association died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Thursday night after police attempted to serve her with an arrest warrant for stealing from a Basalt property management and construction company. Read the article…………………………….
Aurora condominium complex raising concerns after series of mail thefts caught on camera (CO)
Surveillance video at an Aurora condominium complex shows someone breaking into 19 mailboxes last week. The thefts happened at the Sunflower Condominiums last Monday and Wednesday mornings. The thief also broke into the postal service door and although the mailboxes have since been repaired, the repair costs totaled more than $2,000. Read the article…………………………….
Bookkeeping scandal erupts at homeowners association (CO)
A bookkeeper recently resigned from an Aspen homeowners association after she confessed to theft and reimbursed them with a cashier’s check for just over $200,000, according to an email and people knowledgeable about the situation. The board of directors representing the HOA for Burlingame Ranch I Condominiums accepted the payment from Elizabeth Stewart, who confessed […]
U.S. Supreme Court Weighs in on Corporate Transparency Act (CO)
The latest installment of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) saga occurred today, January 23, 2025, when the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the CTA beneficial owner information (BOI) reporting requirements, pending appeal on the merits of the underlying lawsuit. Previously, a nationwide injunction was entered, temporarily halting enforcement of the CTA. Read the article…………………………….
Colorado HOA votes for prairie dog removal amid controversy
A Colorado homeowners association has voted to allow the relocation of a prairie dog colony living in a community open space — but only until March 1. After that, any remaining prairie dogs will be exterminated, according to a neighbor involved in efforts to save the animals. Read the article…………………………….
Fire warden warns against fire mitigation group (CO)
“At a time when private property owners in our county are losing fire insurance daily or cannot obtain fire insurance for new construction, we cannot have an organization putting our county at risk with nonstandard practices or misleading information and our citizens now have the same information we have,” Williams said. NoFloCo says it is […]