These are my personal images and photos that show the beauty of the view from Deer Ridge Mountain Resort and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cobbly Nob and the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area.
Just click the Play button to watch - or click Big Picture to see a much larger slide show on a dedicated page here at DeerRidgeOwners.com.
Deer Ridge Litigation Fund
Do you, as an owner at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, believe we are ALL entitled to have access and be able to copy the books and records of our Homeowner's Association?
So, do I.
But, apparently, Employee Joe Thomas and President Luther Parker and the Board disagree - and are doing all they can to block access, publication and candid discussion of the Asinine Assessment, special deals and favored treatment - at the expense of all Owners.
What ARE they so afraid of us finding out?
Maybe it has to do with the HUGE $10,000 overcharge for my HOA Fees, special assessments, water and cable TV bill - which, in my personal opinion, is due to fraudulent intent or at least gross negligence by the Deer Ridge Board of Directors and / or General Manager Joe Thomas. Please see the posts for details.
We have no choice but to file a lawsuit against GGRC and RML in order to finally, once and for all, make it clear that OWNERS do have a right to all the information about our property and our investment at Deer Ridge.
If you have thoughts and ideas and suggestions, please post them here on this blog.
If you have any clout with the Board, convince them to stop the charade - and let the owners have the information that all owners own!
If you want to help cover the legal costs to get us the right to see the bids for $50,000 for nuts and bolts - and the other background documents for the $353,500 Asinine Assessment, please click on the Donate Button below.
With enough in donations, we can hire BOTH an attorney AND a forensic accountant for the whole process through the Court in Sevier County to make absolutely certain we win EVERY point - and never have to fight Employee Joe and the Board on this stuff again.
Even a $100 contribution will help show that you are in favor of an open and FULLY transparent homeowners' association at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort!
Thanks so much to those of you who have already contributed!
GENERAL DISCLAIMER FOR ALL PAGES AND POSTS AND EVERYTHING ELSE I DO OR SAY REGARDING DEER RIDGE AND ANY AND ALL RELATED PARTIES:
Note: The following, and the information on any and all other posts and pages by me about General Manager Joe Thomas, GGRC, RML and /or the Board of Directors and its members, or any related topics, are my personal opinions based on my ongoing investigation into the actions and inactions of the GGRC and RML Board of Directors and / or Joe Thomas, General Manager.
While I believe these allegations to be true based on my objective analysis, these opinions remain as only allegations until I, or others, prove things in court.
My goal is to offer all owners all the information and evidence that I have available so that everyone can reach their own conclusions.
Please note the obvious:
Everything I ever say or write in person, via emails, or on my blog, about Deer Ridge or any and all related entities and organizations or any and all affiliated personnel or owners, is strictly my own personal opinion of course - based, in part, from my owning a unit at Deer Ridge for over five years - and on my own personal history.
That history includes earning a Presidential MBA degree, being awarded a Bachelor of Science, With Honors, in Engineering Physics from UT, working for NASA as a rocket scientist at Marshall Space Flight Center, 30 years of CEO experience directly employing and managing many hundreds of people at multiple companies I personally started and operated (including one that I took public), 15 years experience buying and selling over $100 million of property and managing more than 45,000 rental units - AND being able to read and do four-function arithmetic.
Legalese - And Powered Wig - Off
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Welcome to All Deer Ridge Owners
Welcome to all owners of Deer Ridge Mountain Resort condos in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
My goal is to help all Deer Ridge owners to have a voice in the management and operation of your property.
Click on the TITLES of any of the following subjects to read the whole posting - and see the comments made by your co-owners. You can also type any term into the below search box, or any word or term in the search cloud.
Click the big image at the top of the page to return to the front page at any time.
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Investment Analysis For A Rental Condo At Deer Ridge
Will you really lose $40,000 cash if you buy a rental condo at Deer Ridge and use Ridge Management Ltd?
As an owner-occupied home, Deer Ridge is an incredible value with THE best view in the Smokies and great amenities.
However, several owners and would-be owners of Deer Ridge condos have asked me if these units are a good rental property investment or not. To help answer that question
objectively, I had to analyze the real moving parts of buying and owning here.
Get my complete, detailed investment analysis based on buying a rental condo unit at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
It shows what you MUST do to make money when you buy a rental unit at Deer Ridge.
Every Dollar You Pay For Deer Ridge Is The WRONG Amount!
Please read the various posts here on this Deer Ridge Owners Blog - and see my evidence and analysis which I believe shows conclusively that EVERY dollar of HOA Fees, EVERY dollar EVERY special assessment, EVERY water bill and cable TV sent out for YEARS to ALL Deer Ridge Owners has been wrong!
In many cases at least ONE THIRD of ALL owners have been GROSSLY overcharged. My calculations show that I have been overcharged more than TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS in the past 50 months I've owned at Deer Ridge.
The Board has been WRONGLY and arbitrarily ignoring the requirements of the Master Deed and the Bylaws for YEARS.
If my analysis is correct, the Board has zero choice. They MUST abide by the Master Deed Percentages.
But they haven’t.
However, if the Board knowingly ignored the clear directives of the Master Deed and the Bylaws when allocating costs to various unit types, and overcharging certain unit types on a regular basis, my opinion is that the Board and Joe Thomas may have acted fraudulently.
If they have not been fraudulent, then they have been, at the very least, grossly negligent.
Read the various blog postings - and judge for yourself.
Comments Welcome From All Visitors
You are welcome to leave your comments on the various posts on the blog. You no longer have to be registered to comment. (Even regular contributors had trouble remembering their log on passwords!)
Note that SPAM blockers are in place - and all comments require approval to be visible.
So, let's hear from you on these topics!
To view the comments, you need to click on the post topic to see the entire post and the comments.
"We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert." — J. Robert Oppenheimer. This includes the Board of Directors of Deer Ridge Mountain Resort.
HOA Fees At Deer Ridge Mountain Resort - Highest In The Gatlinburg Area?
Our fees for our unit went up to $270 from $235 per month in 2008. I am convinced that the total increase was a hidden fee to support the always unprofitable RML operation – which offers me and other non-RML users a ZERO benefit.
Actually, it is worse than that – I wish it were only a ZERO benefit. The Board continues to unfairly charge ALL owners for RML. And the big increase in HOA fees in 2008 are just one of the ways we are being “taxed.” We, and other owners, see this as actionable and are considering filing a lawsuit to modify the HOA fees to reflect this taxation.
Apparently, during the Board meeting in 2008, Larry Ohm constantly referred to need for an “operating assessment” to cover the RML negative cash flow. At the end, in order to cover up the real need for these funds, the HOA fees for EVERYONE were increased to help cover RML’s inability to be self-supporting. So, as a result, we have to cough up $420 EXTRA each year as our taxation for RML. Every owner at Deer Ridge has to do the same thing – with many having to pay even more each year to keep RML on life support. I find this outrageous and legally actionable.
What Needs To Happen – Zero Based Budgeting
What needs to be done is that we need to go back to what Jimmy Carter called Zero Based Budgeting. We need to complete reconstruct all the costs of operating GGRC and EXCLUDE every dollar having to do with the operation of RML. Based on the new, real arithmetic, we then should calculate how much the HOA fees are for all 84 units. Period.
All costs – and I mean ALL costs – having to do with RML would then be calculated separately. THAT amount would need to be funded by RML users only – and not by those of us who do not use or benefit from RML. That’s the RIGHT way to do HOA fees – and assessments. Not with the lies, deceit and subterfuge that is used now to hide what Larry Ohm calls “operating deficits.”
Do We Have THE Most Expensive HOA Fees in Gatlinburg?
Right now, on a sq ft basis, it is my understanding that Deer Ridge Mountain Resort has THE highest HOA fees in the entire Gatlinburg, Tennessee area.
If anyone has any facts regarding this, I invite you to post your comments here.
1 comment to HOA Fees At Deer Ridge Mountain Resort – Highest In The Gatlinburg Area?
You are correct on all accounts Robert, and right on track.
If HOA fee’s did NOT support the RML, then there will be other even more invasive questions for owners to THINK about. Until owner pressure occurs and questions are asked directly by many owners demanding and expecting answers, we will NOT be given answers on anything. Past history has proved this.
Exactly where the funding acutally came from to run the RML and where exactly are the HOA funds spent in percentages? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out funding here isn’t upfront since none of us are told the answers. It does take a Philidelphia Lawyer to see it on black and white though!!! Same old tactics, same manager/board ~ different day!
The RML was what i will call fund exhausted, well into the red (from board meeting in 08) that it could not operate into 2009 without an immediate infusion of cash. Barely enough to make it through the end of 08. So, since it is up and running and a rather large salary x84 is coming from it, and i live in a major pumpkin patch (lol) ~ it has been successfully funded (at least at this time, and that is more food for thought!) by hoa fee’s.
Congratulations Board & Joe, AND KUDO’s to you. My opinion remains you “managed” to take more $ from owners and make a mess of things again! Enough said about that.
Highest HOA’s in area………
Yes, i believe you are correct again. For owners that are attempting to sell your units i can tell you as you already are aware the market is soft. Especially right now in condo’s. It will pick up, but that in itself is truly not the problem. If you are not serious about exiting then keep your units priced high because the problem is NOT the price of your units. Buyers expect that price. Your units are worth every penny. That shows us that your realestate is actually worth that tag and you normally should attain that price; however, what buyers did NOT expect are the ridiculous, totally out of line HOA fee’s brought on by management for RML purposes. Buyers purchasing condo’s EXPECT hoa’s and that is understood and not an issue, however; when they see this sort of HOA tag they already know it is mismanaged, terribly so. Add high assessments looming for 2 years to it and mismanagement for a long time comes into FULL CAPS in buyers brains! Light on yet? We as owners have permitted a very small group of individuals year after year, and an employee to govern our investment/s. It is their investment also, TRUE (except for the employee that is) and that in itself makes me wonder, and i bet it does those reading this as well.
****************What to do? Here is an option*************
1. Take your units off the RML ASAP.
2. Rent them yourselves, use other rental companies as there are plenty to choose from. There are many, many options.
3. It will not take many to drop, or very long before the RML cannot survive. The numbers are becoming close. (ps: watch the scramble for cabins if it comes closer!)
At that point in time, this place can and will be managed more efficiently and effectively and at much less expense in every aspect. Everything and everyone needed will be in place. No more politicians.
Bottom Line: No more RML BAILOUTS. Another owner gave me an idea of $1.00 a year salary for a manager!!!
Much of this is sad. Much of this is disgusting. Some of what i have written is comical! Regardless what occurs: LIFE IS GOOD! BE SURE TO SMILE AND ENJOY EVERY DAY! I hope to see all of you this weekend.
Check out our new Deer Ridge Owners webcam for the current view from our balcony!
Just click the photo for the most recent update. Updated every 5 minutes.
Top 10 Cam Award!
Our new Cobbly Nob TN site was just chosen as an Earthcam Top 10 Webcam!
All of this in just our first two weeks of operation - and before we install our new wide angle, high definition lens! Stay tuned for even better images!
EarthCam, Inc. is the global leader in providing webcam content, technology and services and ranks among the top 1% of all websites. EarthCam.com is the world’s favorite webcam network and the EarthCam Network cameras have been seen on top news shows, including CNN’s Headline News.
New YouTube Channel For Deer Ridge Owners!
Check out ALL of our videos on our new YouTube Channel for Deer Ridge Owners:
We already have videos that will walk you around the whole property and give you reviews from past guests and tourists. Find out what they REALLY have to say about Deer Ridge!
We are adding even more videos in the next few weeks - so check out our Deer Ridge Owners Channel often!
Update: Just added two new videos for a total of 20 videos so far! Check them out!
Owner Files $3 Million Lawsuit Against HOA, General Manager And Board Members
A homeowner in Gatlinburg, Tennessee has filed a $3 Million Lawsuit against his HOA, General Manager And All Individual Board Members at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort.
In response to their meritless, retaliatory $1 Million defamation lawsuit against me, I have now filed a $3 Million lawsuit against Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, AKA Gatlinburg Golf and Racquet Club HOA and Joe Thomas, Luther Parker, Larry Ohm, Margie Duncan, David Barone and Tom Reise, all as individuals.
If you believe in free speech as much as we do, we need your help - no matter where in America you may live.
The Deer Ridge HOA board and individual board members have filed a $1 Million Lawsuit against me in their ongoing attempts to stop this blog and have its contents removed. Click Press Release for details.
This power clique wants to continue to block free speech on this property and to keep their illegitimate secrets hidden from other owners.
They are willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars of other owners' money on legal fees to keep themselves in power while they continue to break both Tennessee state law and Deer Ridge property law.
We need your help with the legal fees that will be required to force them to abide by the law - and insure that Deer Ridge Mountain Resort is entitled to free speech like the rest of America.
If you would like to join with others who believe in free speech and believe that all of the 305,000 Home Owner Associations across the nation should be protected from tyrannical boards that ignore the laws, please click the
Donate Button below.
Even a donation of just a few dollars would be very greatly appreciated as a way of showing that we have financial support from thousands of Americans for these important issues!
Thanks so much to all of those of you who have already contributed!
Please help us broadcast this Press Release to others you know who can spread the word. You are welcome to link to this site from Twitter, Facebook or other sites.
With your help we can fight and win this $1 Million lawsuit - and keep this blog active - and an inspiration and model for other HOA Abuse Blogs across the nation.
Our fees for our unit went up to $270 from $235 per month in 2008. I am convinced that the total increase was a hidden fee to support the always unprofitable RML operation – which offers me and other non-RML users a ZERO benefit.
This is all my opinion………
You are correct on all accounts Robert, and right on track.
If HOA fee’s did NOT support the RML, then there will be other even more invasive questions for owners to THINK about. Until owner pressure occurs and questions are asked directly by many owners demanding and expecting answers, we will NOT be given answers on anything. Past history has proved this.
Exactly where the funding acutally came from to run the RML and where exactly are the HOA funds spent in percentages? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out funding here isn’t upfront since none of us are told the answers. It does take a Philidelphia Lawyer to see it on black and white though!!! Same old tactics, same manager/board ~ different day!
The RML was what i will call fund exhausted, well into the red (from board meeting in 08) that it could not operate into 2009 without an immediate infusion of cash. Barely enough to make it through the end of 08. So, since it is up and running and a rather large salary x84 is coming from it, and i live in a major pumpkin patch (lol) ~ it has been successfully funded (at least at this time, and that is more food for thought!) by hoa fee’s.
Congratulations Board & Joe, AND KUDO’s to you. My opinion remains you “managed” to take more $ from owners and make a mess of things again! Enough said about that.
Highest HOA’s in area………
Yes, i believe you are correct again. For owners that are attempting to sell your units i can tell you as you already are aware the market is soft. Especially right now in condo’s. It will pick up, but that in itself is truly not the problem. If you are not serious about exiting then keep your units priced high because the problem is NOT the price of your units. Buyers expect that price. Your units are worth every penny. That shows us that your realestate is actually worth that tag and you normally should attain that price; however, what buyers did NOT expect are the ridiculous, totally out of line HOA fee’s brought on by management for RML purposes. Buyers purchasing condo’s EXPECT hoa’s and that is understood and not an issue, however; when they see this sort of HOA tag they already know it is mismanaged, terribly so. Add high assessments looming for 2 years to it and mismanagement for a long time comes into FULL CAPS in buyers brains! Light on yet? We as owners have permitted a very small group of individuals year after year, and an employee to govern our investment/s. It is their investment also, TRUE (except for the employee that is) and that in itself makes me wonder, and i bet it does those reading this as well.
****************What to do? Here is an option*************
1. Take your units off the RML ASAP.
2. Rent them yourselves, use other rental companies as there are plenty to choose from. There are many, many options.
3. It will not take many to drop, or very long before the RML cannot survive. The numbers are becoming close. (ps: watch the scramble for cabins if it comes closer!)
At that point in time, this place can and will be managed more efficiently and effectively and at much less expense in every aspect. Everything and everyone needed will be in place. No more politicians.
Bottom Line: No more RML BAILOUTS. Another owner gave me an idea of $1.00 a year salary for a manager!!!
Much of this is sad. Much of this is disgusting. Some of what i have written is comical! Regardless what occurs: LIFE IS GOOD! BE SURE TO SMILE AND ENJOY EVERY DAY! I hope to see all of you this weekend.
tm