Re: problems with HOA?

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

There are some basic things you have to understand about most HOA - those who volunteer to run for the board are basically controlling personalities. They want to be in control, and that is why they want to be on the board. Usually they have some personal reason they desire to be on the board - they want to either make some rules or change something to suit their own personal agenda. Then as soon as they get what they want changed , they don't run again. Personally, I've found I'm more effective as a person who watchguards the board. When they do something I don't approve of I get up a petition for a change - if I get 60% of the homeowners to sign it - it becomes a rule, over riding the board. It's good for the board to be aware their power is limited.

riley1 · ‎03-10-2010

@151949 - I have not found that to be true with our HOA.

I have however, found certain residents to be obnoxious when they think the rules don't apply to them. And, when they want the community to do something that will benefit them and only them.

riley1 · ‎03-10-2010

Let me add - Not all HOA's are created equal. Each one has a different set of rules and regulations, what is allowed/not allowed varies by the HOA. My HOA is pretty easy going with a few basic rules to follow. I looked at several that were far more rigid. It really depends on what you are looking for in an HOA and how the rules will apply to you and your lifestyle.

Ex: There is no overnight parking on the street for residents or guests - Since every house has a driveway there really is no reason for people to park on the street. The streets are somewhat narrow and if you get cars parked on both sides an emergency vehicle will have a hard time getting through.

FrostyBabe1 · ‎05-09-2016

@riley1 wrote:
@151949 - I have not found that to be true with our HOA.

I have however, found certain residents to be obnoxious when they think the rules don't apply to them. And, when they want the community to do something that will benefit them and only them.

Sounds like one of residents in the building next to mine. He's truly a legend in his own mind. Our rules clearly state that garage doors are to be closed at all times, except when entering or exiting. He leaves his open ALL THE TIME, and then throws tantrums when told it needs to be closed. I'm not sure he's been fined yet, but the rules do provide for that.

~The more someone needs to brag about how wonderful, special, successful, wealthy or important they are, the greater the likelihood that it isn't true. ~

Nataliesgramma · ‎03-28-2015

Some are a good thing...others are VERY restrictive.....

Read the covenants and then decide...

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

@Nataliesgramma wrote:
Some are a good thing...others are VERY restrictive.....

Read the covenants and then decide...

While I agree to a point - there is always the personalities of the board members that has to be considered, and that changes periodically. In our board's case - every 3 years.

YorkieonmyPillow · ‎01-13-2013

@haddon9 wrote:
I live in an HOA community but it's pretty lax. Yes we have to get permission to add a deck or a patio but you would need to get approval from the township anyway. Exterior colors have to fit into the community. Thank goodness no one would be allowed to paint the house purple or multi colored!

Some other things that we can't do...no clothes hanging out on a line (I actually like this since we're in a suburban community and not out in the country...I don't want to see my neighbors' laundry.) no sheds (which I don't like since many are very attractive and handy).

The cost here is only $500.00 a year and doesn't cover landscaping, mowing or snow removal. The homeowners are responsible for that. It does cover common areas which keeps the community attractive, plus the clubhouse and pools.

Each one is different. I don't think I would like to live in a very strict one but a more relaxed one is nice. It keeps the community looking good overall.

If you live in a suburb maybe, but we don't have to get "permission" for ANYTHING..........non-restricted.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@riley1 wrote:
Let me add - Not all HOA's are created equal. Each one has a different set of rules and regulations, what is allowed/not allowed varies by the HOA. My HOA is pretty easy going with a few basic rules to follow. I looked at several that were far more rigid. It really depends on what you are looking for in an HOA and how the rules will apply to you and your lifestyle.

Ex: There is no overnight parking on the street for residents or guests - Since every house has a driveway there really is no reason for people to park on the street. The streets are somewhat narrow and if you get cars parked on both sides an emergency vehicle will have a hard time getting through.

So say you. My DH and I own four vehicles. We have a 2 car garage and a large driveway, but sometimes need to park a vehicle in the street and when we have company, they park in the street too.

Our streets are public property and anyone can park a legally resigtered, insured vehicle on them. We own a camper too. Sometimes it is in our driveway where we load it for a trip. It might be in the driveway overnight or parked on the street overnight, as well as one of our boats...we have 2.

No way would I live in HOA territory. We really don't have to. Our neighborhood is nice, well kept and everyone is neat and clean and they care about their homes and the condition of it. My neighbors are respectable of others.

blackhole99 · ‎08-22-2013

I guess if you have to or want to live in a neighborhood situation you may not mind following some rules. My niece and her husband bought a home in a Historical District and you cannot make any improvement to your home without the boards ok. They are freezing in the winter because all the windows need to be replaced and they can't find anyone who wants to reproduce those windows. They have had the windows repaired, but they are fairly large and single glass, The guy that did the work charged them a fortune and they are still freezing.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I have never lived under a HOA, and they are indeed as different as snowflakes.

Some are good some are not. You just have to be really careful to read everything, and be honest with yourself about what kinds of restrictions you are willing to live with.

I personally don't think they are a bad thing most times. If they are very strict and consistent, I would find it an advantage . They help to maintain the integrity of the area, which helps to protect or even enhance property values, and enhances the experience of living in the area.

I wouldn't be happy living in a neighborhood where people could jack up cars, paint the house bright purple, put 100 yard ornaments in their tiny yard and any other number of not so great things people will do if there is no governing body to tell them they can't.

I definitely see a time in my life where living under the right HOA will be the right thing for me, but that is something people have to decide for themselves. Just be sure you get all the facts and information before hand, and don't kid yourself about what you really will and won't like/tolerate in such an arrangement.