problems with HOA? - Page 2

proudlyfromNJ · ‎05-01-2010

We don't have any around here unless it is newly built condos. The town laws keep the town looking nice. No junk piled in yards, etc. Everyone keeps their home looking neat, clean and nice.

Azcowgirl · ‎04-10-2012

I sold my Dads house just in time to avoid the HOA requiring that I redo the driveway. Through the years for the most part, I have been grateful for the r and r’s of HOA communities we have lived in.

Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

I am opposed to them, for me. Yes, I have had issues with the need to conform to a "standard". Not to mention the dues, which were not always spent how I would have wished.

Enforced "community" is not my thing, at all. I live on a state road and own my property without the encumbrance of an HOA. The neighborhood is a little eclectic but it's very nice.

Houses can be run down in the "planned" communities, as well. So much litigation over who shot John. Enforcement of the covenants and by-laws is not a slam dunk.

You may love it. Yes, read the docs - in fact, I am sure you will have to do just that and then sign a document at closing that you agree to abide by them, or legal action may be taken against you by the association.

Cogito ergo sum

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

Several years ago we almost bought a home in an HOA and after we read the rules we backed out. One rule was we could not bbq meat in the back yard. Why? Because if someone in the area was a vegetarian the smell might offend them. We would have had to go to the community park for a burger. Another reason was they could regulated how many cats or dogs you could have in your house. (And they said they have the right to come into my house if they deemed necessary) At they time we had 7 all indoor kitties and that was above the limit. The sales agent told us to just put a couple of them to sleep. Of course, it didn’t matter if you had 7 kids. That was the straw that broke the camels back. When we backed out the sales agent was none to pleased and thought we were being to picky. Also, no water features in the front, back or side yard, only HOA approved plants, colors etc. If there was to be a storm, the yard had to be perfect within 24 hours. If trees shedded their leaves, all leaves had to be picked up daily. No cars parked outside of garage. They must be in garage at all times. If you had visitors they could not park on the street and that included vendors. And the list went on. We decided to stay in our non HOA home. HOA’s have some good points but I don’t like paying my hard earned money for people to nit pick.

I read that that there is a HOA in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley that even tells you what kind of car they will also inside the subdivision. No Honda’s, Fords, Chevys etc. only BMW, Mercedes and the like. That is just carrying things to far.

QVCkitty1 · ‎05-23-2015

I'm sure they work well for some, I just can't imagine putting up with someone telling me what .I can do with my own property. My town has an active code enforcer who checks on lawns, snow removal and obvious infractions. I wouldn't care for any authority beyond that.

" You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."
Daniel Patrick Moynihan

pupwhipped · ‎03-11-2010

Nope, no more HOA living for me...not in this lifetime! But, to be fair, there certainly are things you gain for the things you give up... definitely pluses and minuses. But be prepared for others to tell you what you can or cannot do with your own home. And there can be quite the disagreement on such things.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

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.

software · ‎06-08-2016

Outside washing the car?

I figured that would be #1 in their massive list of rules, no carwashing.

It depends on your lifestyle. If you are active with kids, it could be annoying.

(kids aren't as diligent in following rules)

Friend of mine lived in a condo community. There was an asphalt parking lot at the street, maintained by the community, but their homes were all in a cluster back off the road & parking. Like a little village. She loved it there until it was decided a very nice tree near her home had to be cut down because it had gotten too big. The tree shaded her home in the summer. Relatively speaking it wasn't that big of a tree, but too big for the community.

@lovesrecess

@Kachina624 wrote:
HOAs have as many personalities as people do. I'd talk to several people presently living there to determine which way the wind blows. Drive through the area and talk to people who are outside washing the car, doing yard work, etc.

mac116 · ‎03-26-2010

My good friend was widowed, and moved into a HOA community that does yard maintenance and snow shoveling. All home and driveway maintenance is her responsibility. Non-gated community. She pays $285 per month in HOA fees.