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Killer CC&Rs. Why Home Owners Associations can be the death of a deal

By
Real Estate Agent with CB Valley Broker

You would love to paint the house pink. Or want to have a few chicken in the backyard. Are a HAM radio lover and need a 30ft antenna. Have an RV/boat/5th wheel, fleet of toys... Need a 6 ft fence for the dogs.

Or whatever individuality requires. You love the house. NOW: READ THE CC&Rs!!!

CC&Rs, aka conditions, covenants and restrictions are usually set up by the subdividing entity. This can be a person or a company or what or whoever else is in charge of rules and wants to have certain regulations in place before selling.

Those can be (and mostly are) straight forward. They set standards that aim at keeping the subdivision clean, comparably uniform, groomed and non disturbed.

But sometimes they are much more restrictive and can be a true hindrance to the sale because most people do not want to drive in the garage each time the come home, want different plants in the front yard or are fans of urban poultry.

You cannot change the CC&Rs so read them and make sure you know what is coming. They might be ancient and expired (the title company can find out) but if they are in place, valid and enforced you better are willing to comply.

And then there is the actual HOA (home owners association). There will be a president and a board. While most HOAs are benign, nice and don't cause trouble, it pays off to meet and greet the person who is in charge. Whatever you find will be an indicator of trouble or peaceful live.

 

 

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