All Forum Posts by: Michael Bingham

Hi, everyone. I do have a rental but my probable foundation issue(s) are with my primary residence, which I had considered house hacking. I'm seeing more and more cracking around some windows and even in the brick/masonry. It looks like most of it was painted over and/or given a cosmetic "covering". I bought the house about a year ago and the only thing noted in the inspection report was the need for extended downspouts. My question is - Does anyone have any thoughts or wisdom about how to sue the previous seller to get them to pay for foundation repairs? I know that probably wouldn't work out and may not even be worth my time since it can be so hard to prove. I still need to consult an attorney to see what the laws are St. Louis City about foundation issue disclosures. I haven't asked neighbors yet or dug into any definite hiding this on the seller's part. And I'm looking into experts who can do inspections to tell me what the foundation issue is. But, I see signs they covered up foundation cracking (mostly with paint) and they marked "No" for any issues on the disclosures. I know there's so much gray area and a lot of variables, questions, etc., but I'm just looking for any insight. Honestly, I've been getting screwed with some big ticket issues (related to HOAs, selling different properties, continual unforeseen maintenance and costs) and this one really crushed me once I realized it was an actual issue. Like, I'm having a seriously tough time. The house was built in 1913, so I'd be very surprised if there were any new settling.

Hi! I'm looking for a lawyer to represent me, a condo owner, in a 20-unit building against the HOA in St. Louis (City), MO. It has to do with common space and my HOA fee. It actually seems like a very clear-cut case (in my favor). Thanks!

@Andrew Freed

Thanks! I did ask for a refund and they refused. I also have it in the Disclosures that the area in question is common space.

I have a condo that, apparently, has some building common space within it. I had received the documents when buying it two years ago with the bylaws, etc., and had reviewed them. But, the plat map showing the common space was not included. The HOA lawyer and board essentially say it was the county's fault for "mislabeling" the plat map, which they recently had to find from the county (they say). Now the HOA lawyer has the board spooked as they term it a liability issue to have common space within my condo. So, they want to change or even wall off the common space. The problem is that it has my washer and dryer. The space and condo have been like that for 14 years with numerous owners and tenants. I'm pretty sure the board just wants to give me grief. The condo documents don't allow easements, yet the HOA lawyer claims they automatically have one for common space. And I've been paying an HOA fee based on that square footage. I'm trying to sell the condo but it's bad timing due to the season. And, ya, I'll never get myself into an HOA again. Any thoughts, other than to tell them to leave me alone or spend thousands on a lawyer? In St. Louis City.