Monday, December 18, 2006

CA: Turf war erupts over artificial grass in Horsethief Canyon In October, Sterns, who is president of Huntington Beach-based All Star Turf, opted to replace the crabgrass on a patch of front yard he shares with a neighbor with the artificial variety.  Sterns said he installed the turf to conserve water. He notified his homeowners association in writing of the change that same week, he said 10:16:26 AM

Millions warm to condo ownership The 6 million condominiums in the United States constitute a major share of our total housing stock. They are becoming more popular, and more varied in style and use, with every passing year. 10:10:48 AM

FL: A big payday is possible for mobile home owners Potential payouts could range from about $650,000 to $3.25 million for each of the white metal mobile homes - all of which currently stand close to each other on narrow, one-way streets. 10:00:18 AM

MN: Blighted apartments revived as condos Building by building, suburban renewal appears to be taking hold in the former Wescott Square complex, as a new crop of private investors clean up units and convert apartments into condominiums. 9:55:45 AM

CA: Long Beach fatalities show dangers of grease fires A good reminder for your association newsletters.  Across the United States, cooking and heating accidents are by far the leading cause of structure fires. Cooking fires accounted for 28 percent of all residential fires last year, according to statistics from the California Fire Marshal's office. 9:49:04 AM

CA: Flood insurance a tough sell Barbara Graichen, president of the Natomas Community Association, said many do not believe they are at risk, while other cash-strapped families don't want to spend the money. She added that local officials have sent mixed messages to Natomas, telling the public that flood risks are high while still allowing new homes to be built there. 9:45:28 AM