lousy curb appeal

I drove by the home above (there is one farther back) a few months ago and it jogged my memory about a situation I encountered last year. I was showing homes to a first time buyer couple. They told me they preferred homes where there was no homeowner's association.  Since they were moving from a small apartment and would be spending money to furnish their new home they preferred not having the additional expense of HOA fees.

I drove up to a little Cape Cod with dormers, picket fence with roses, fireplace and an American flag. The interior was quaint with lots of cute nooks and crannies plus a built-in corner hutch in the dining room.  I knew they had fallen in love with it - they were holding hands as they took the tour



Woodbridge VA Home

Once outside I noticed the homes in the immediate area were in good condition and well cared for.  However, I knew there are homes throughout the subdivision that do not show as well - it doesn't have an HOA

They asked to tour the neighborhood to "get a feel" for it. Of course, they commented on the  "cosmetically and physically challenged" homes a few blocks away.

After all
  • The lack of an HOA set up the conditions for derelict houses in the subdivision
  • one of the neat houses within eyesight of the home they were interested in could go "rogue"
There are many reasons people may prefer  a home without an HOA.  However, these were first time buyers with no experience.  They were looking to me for direction. What direction would you have recommended?

We knew we could not write a contract on the cape cod as there was a problem with the husband's VA eligibility due to a break in service. Time resolved that problem and we are now looking at homes that have an HOA

Woodbridge VA Home


My husband and I have assisted many first time buyers during the 35 years we have been in the business.  We will counsel them thoroughly on the pros and cons of purchasing a home where there is no architectural or use control provided by a homeowner's association.  It is the type of counseling we would want a REALTOR® to give our first time buyer children if we were out of the area and unable to counsel them in the decision.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Kruschkas are long term Prince William County residents with 35 years experience as real estate brokers serving Woodbridge, Manassas, Dumfries, Manassas Park, Bristow, Brentsville, Gainesville and Haymarket.

Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS

If you plan to buy or sell a Prince William County home or property contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-499-9279. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

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Popular Prince William County homes include Eagles Pointe, Wellington, River Falls, Saratoga Hunt, Potomac Club, Winding Creek, Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, Brittany, Montclair, Ashland, Port Potomac, Rollingwood Village, Lake Terrapin, Lake Side and Meadowbrook Woods

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202 Comments on Is There Value Added In An HOA?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

FEB
02
2012
1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Karen,

I live in an older part of a urban center. Of course we don't have HOAs. I enjoy the blue, pink, green and yellow houses on our block. I also like the assortment of front yards, lawns, patios, planting, and water features. I'm quickly bored in neighborhoods that only have beige, grey and taupe houses with required lawns. 

I one downside of not having an HOA in my book is people can build up and block the views of the home next to them. 

It's wonderful that there are so many different ways to live and different choices for different people! People can choose their comfort level.  Variety is the spice of life!
7:39am • #183
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Steven  There is no doubt about that
8:24am • #185
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeff  That has been the theme throughout this discussion and I totally agree
8:26am • #186
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Liz  Right on
8:27am • #187
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Bob  You are welcome and glad to have been of help
8:28am • #188
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Kim  You made the point eloquently - having choices is the best way to go
8:30am • #189
875,045 Points 48 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I always ask why they do not want a POA and the answer is usually that they do not want to pay the fees. The good news is, out here, the POA fees are dirt cheap compared to the city and the problem is solved. They can consider most homes on the market (with or without POAs.)
12:15pm • #190
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joni  Some of our HOA fees are reasonable and some aren't
12:26pm • #191
Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Karen,

Thanks. I have not posted a blog recently perhaps this is the topic I was waiting for.
3:48pm • #192
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Karen    You can always catch up
7:47pm • #193
131,509 Points 15 Featured Posts

HOA's in Las Vegas -- Needed for the most part.

The suburb I lived in outside of Chicago -- No HOA needed...

The Condo community I was just in for taking a new listing -- Waste of money considering it's over $200 a month and the Association Management company is not doing their job.

 

 

 
8:36pm • #194
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Paul  That certainly could affect the sale
8:45pm • #195
FEB
03
2012

Many of our home-buyers are moving from out-of-state, often from big cities, where they've been dictated to by heavy local government regs AND stringent HOA's, so it's no wonder they are hesitant to move into another HOA environment. Our issue is less with non-HOA vs HOA subdivisions, but with HOA's vs rural. Rural is wide-open, and buying 10 acres sounds like a dream-come-true for many of our clients, but if a turkey or pig farm goes in next door after they've built their dream-home, not so much. 

I've served on several HOA boards and highly recommend it. Some of the folks who get involved with their boards are looking for more control than is healthy; a REALTOR® on the board can help keep things in balance.
9:09am • #196
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Larry  Your points are very well made.  There is also no doubt a realtor on the board can have the effect of keeping everything in balance
9:20am • #197
FEB
28
2012
1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

HOAs can be a pain in the butt; but if they can control the amount of knomes my neighbor puts in his yard I'm happy. I have nothing against 1 or 2, but too many of them in one area can be creepy IMO.

A major pet peeve to me is when the monthly HOA fee is rediculous, and there is no clear vision as to what they're using the money for. Value for the fee charged and a well managed HOA is key.

I also suggest that homeowners become actively involved in their HOA, and have a voice in the decisions that are being made for the community they live in.
6:23pm • #198
FEB
29
2012
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Adell  Your points are all well made
5:48am • #199
OCT
21
236,441 Points 5 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Very interesting post and great comments. I learned something here.
5:24pm • #200
OCT
22
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wayne  That certainly pleases me
2:52am • #201

I can respond to this post on two fronts, as a previous HOA president and as a home owner...

As a former board member of an HOA, I think what's important to understand is how the HOA was initially set-up, and the content of the guidelines within it. HOA's were originally formed to protect and uphold property values within a group of homesites. Nothing is worse than trying to sell a well maintained home next to one with a couch on the front porch and a car up on blocks in the driveway...I too believe in individualism, but not at someone else's expense. If you are planning on purchasing a home in a neighborhood which has an active HOA, it's your responsibility as a buyer to look into the deed restrictions listed within that document to see if they are compatible with your lifestyle. If you choose to buy into the neighborhood, and have an interest in what is going on with the HOA, volunteer to be on the board and participate! Most HOA's also take an active part in the city council and have a collective voice when it comes to issues at hand.

As a home owner, I would never even consider buying a home in a neighborhood that didn't have an HOA! I work hard to maintain my property and have pride in my home ownership. When it comes time to sell, I don't want to have to worry about what's going on with the connecting home sites around my property. Basic things like keeping the grass mowed and not "stacking" junk cars or trash in plain view you would think common sense, trust me it not always is.

I understand both view points on this issue, but I urge home buyers to do their homework before purchasing a home that has a neighborhood HOA...ultimately the choice falls to you.

 

 

 
5:39am • #202
1,308,632 Points 65 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Beth  You have an interesting outlook based on your experience - you should consider writing a post yourself
5:44am • #203

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Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service

Woodbridge, VA

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RE/MAX Olympic Realty

Address: 9214 Center St, Manassas, VA, 20110

Office Phone: (703) 499-9279

Cell Phone: (703) 819-3363

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