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The Value of an HOA

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty

This morning I was on a scheduled landscape walk for my HOA. Being on the board of directors has opened my eyes to so many things that go on behind the scenes. For the most part, people really do like the covenant controlled aspects of HOA's but are usually apathetic to the implimentation of the rules. The rules only apply to the "offenders" and not to the typical homeowner. I would like to think that my HOA is reasonable and not a bunch of over the top, beat you over the head burearcratic types.

When you think about all the activities that go one within an HOA, it can be overwhelming. For example. my HOA just broke away from the developer controlled language that were in the original covenants. This meant that as an HOA, we were still subject to many of the developers 'wishes' even thought they have been gone for over a year. What a legal hassle to change all of the documents but consider the alternative to not taking this action.

A good HOA works with it's homeowners but also should take positions that may not be popular. For example, I think parking issues are probably the biggest headache that HOA's have to deal with. You want your residents to be happy but at the end of the day, the rules must be enforced. By the way, my biggest issue with all the rules and regulations within an HOA is enforcement. How can all of these rules be enforced without calling the HOA police?

Imagine not having an HOA. Even though HOA's can be a huge pain to it's residents, imagine the alternative.

Amy McAllister
Amy McAllister Realty LLC - Hood River, OR
REALTOR Hood River, Oregon
I can relate to these same HOA issues. I live in a PUD with CCR's. Parking is a big issue here also. Residents are not supposed to park in the visitor parking, yet continually do. After our last HOA meeting, letters were sent out to everyone in the community reminding them of the rules and no parking in visitor spaces, or on the streets, and that offending homeowners would be sent a warning notice, if they continued to not follow the rules their vehicles would be towed. For about 2 weeks people were abiding by the rules, then it was right back to how it's been. From what I have seen, it is extremely difficult to enforce the rules.  The problem in my community is that several of the residents have multiple vehicles. They use their garage for other toys, gear, bikes, etc. and choose not to park a car in it. This is why they continue to park in the visitor parking or on the narrow streets. It is frustrating for those in the community who abide by the rules and don't want to look at neighbors cars.
Jul 16, 2007 08:08 AM
Teresita "Terry" Pollard
Exit Realty Excel - Riverview, FL
I lived in an area where we have HOA and no CDD.  The problem with our HOA is that they are mainly for the common grounds.  We do not have anything else for it, but they raise the fees every year.  So I really do not believe in HOA because they are only taking advantage of the homeowners as far as I'm concern.  My community are always abiding by the rule, only a few will not and they get a letter from the management.  I do agree with you that HOA may be good for the residents so that the community will be maintained even though I do not believe in it.
Jul 16, 2007 08:39 AM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer
Here the HOA's get wild and crazy with enforcement.  You don't have to worry about enforcement, their interpretation of the bylaws is insane!
Jul 17, 2007 05:36 AM