The purpose of this report is to inform others of the terrible nature of this condominium (homeowners) association. Treehouse in the Woods is a condominium association located in Round Lake, IL. This community consists of upscale townhomes that were constructed in the mid/late 1990s. I purchased a home there in 1999 which I still own today. During my time owning a home in this community the board of directors has changed management about 3 times. The management company for the last 5 years has been Lieberman Management Services Inc (I strongly recommend you to research this company as they are the primary force behind many of the problems in my community).
I have always paid my assessment on time as well as my mortgage. In fact I owe more than my home is worth like so many others yet I continue to pay the mortgage and assessment (not sure why given all the problems I have with this community). I fell behind on my assessments between August 2010 and December 2010 because I was involved in helping 2 family members that were going through treatments for recent cancer diagnoses. For about 4 months I was unable to make any payments because I was also helping my family members pay for their cancer treatments (which cost about $50,000 combined). I immediately began making payments again in December 2010.
As of February 1 I believe I owe about $500 in back-assessments. Rather than try to contact me, send a letter or make a phone call this association has decided it would be best to waste money on legal fees in order to take me to court for $500 in unpaid assessments. They have added substantial legal fees and fines for failing to provide a copy of my tenant's lease agreement. In this time of economic uncertainty and declining home values I shocked, dismayed and offended by this association's behavior. If you are a potential home buyer do not purchase a home in this terrible community. You will pay unreasonable assessments for the rest of your time living here. You will deal with a n**i-like association and management company that treat you like a renter rather than a homeowner. You will be at their mercy. Buy a single family house instead. Avoid a condominium association, townhome association or homeowner association at all costs. They really eliminate any benefit of owning a home.
Other people deserve to know about this association's tactics. They will try to take your home if you fall slightly behind. You could lose everything you have worked so hard to save. Don't take chances...find a better place to buy a home and avoid Treehouse in the Woods Condominium Association and Lieberman Management Services Inc at all costs.