Navigating through any home sale can be full of bumps and pitfalls just in general. Now in our current climate, let's add on a short sale issue on top of all of our every day bumps. Okay, so now that we have navigated our way through three months of the murky waters that we currently call a 'short sale negotiation' now let me introduce you to our next delightful pain in my side. I'd like to introduce you to the fine gentleman who runs the Home Owners Association. We'll just call him MR. HOA.
Home Owner Association documents were requested in writing from Mr. HOA weeks ago. Numerous people have called to inquire about the status of the HOA documents to no avail. So here we are down to the final week before closing and we are still looking for these documents. I put in another call to Mr. HOA and inquire about the documents when Mr. HOA rudely announces, "All these reminder calls are not going to make me move any faster. We process them in the order received. I told you guys earlier that I would have them out today. I have ten escrows closing and I will get to them when I can."
This response absolutely appalled me. I understand that many people are a little stressed out on the job right now but what ever happened to professional courtesy and decorum. Needless to say, I responded by saying "Mr. HOA, I certainly appreciate hearing how you work and what your normal protocol is. It is my job to continue to represent the interest of my client My client is due to close escrow and requires that documentation immediately to do so. I will continue to call until such documents are received."
My question is and still remains, what goes on behind this Homeowners Association? I happen to be representing a seller in this case and truthfully would be very skeptical about ever introducing a buyer to this development after this interaction. What Mr. HOA fails to understand is that this interaction, on perhaps what was just an unfavorable day, has left an indelible impression on me. We must truly be careful of our approach or it can do irreparable harm. Mr. HOA you have managed to leave an absolutely dreadful impression.
Keisha Hosea is a local Market Expert and Realtor in Chino Hills, California with Keller Williams Realty, She is the Team Director and CEO of KASI Homes. She has been a local resident of Chino Hills and the Inland Empire for over 22 years and enjoys volunteering with the City of Chino Hills in her spare time. You may call her direct at (909) 261-6377 for further questions on this information or any other real estate advice. You may also visit the website at http://KASIHomes.com
Keisha Hosea, Realtor
DRE #01489430
KASI Homes--Keller Williams Realty
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We see that type mostly by HOAs unwilling to pay a management company. Most often they are small associations of less than 50 units. Since most of the local condo buyers are looking for a 2nd home or investment property they expect professional management. In the past it was simply to stop by and the management company would hand over a copy. Now most will email a copy to save on printing costs as some docs are many pages. In the last 5 years or so the practice was they would provide a copy and send a $75 charge to the closing attorney. After finding the number that do not close unacceptable a few are charging the fee before providing the docs.
Like you, I would not be in a hurry to show anyone anything in that HOA. I have also begun to make copies of the docs for my files so only the latest financials are required. Often those can be provided by a member or officer of the HOA.