Not all communities in Seminole County have Home Owner Associations, but, there are a good portion that do.
When I work with a client who is ready to buy a home, it's important to know if they want to live in a "deed" restricted community or not. If they want a community with a Home Owners Association, I then suggest that they be prepared to read a copy of the deed restrictions and covenants for the community in which they hope to buy in.
Often times, it's more efficient if the Buyer reviews the restrictions BEFORE writing an offer on a property...especially if they have specific questions...such as the number of allowable pets, whether they can put up a fence, if a trampoline is permitted, etc. as those are all detailed in the Association deed restrictions & covenant documents for a community.
If there is no time to request a copy of the documents prior to offer submission, a contingency can be written into the offer that allows the Buyer a review period and the ability to withdraw should they not be satisfied with the rules.
There have been too many times over the years when I've talked with Sellers who admit they never read their association restrictions UNTIL they had a problem.
Some of the most common "problems" that could be avoided if a Buyer reviews the HOA documents prior to offer submission are:
- Is there a pet restriction? Size, weight, number of pets?
- Can you put up a fence on the property? Does it have to be a certain type such as wood, iron or PVC?
- Must you get approval for exterior changes to the property such as painting, landscaping, etc.?
- Are there rental restrictions should you need to relocate and want to rent rather than sell?
- Is there a restriction on "For Sale" signs? (Some communities don't permit them)
- Are trampolines or playsets permitted?
There is nothing worse than unloading the trampoline from the moving truck only to be told by the friendly Board of Directors that trampolines are against the "rules."
Buyers, you need to know what you are getting yourself into when you buy into a community with deed restrictions. While they are often well regarded as measures to maintain the aesthetics of a community, they may also be too strict for your liking.
If you are a Buyer who is interested in purchasing a home in Seminole County, which encompasses Lake Mary, Winter Springs, Sanford, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Casselberry and Fern Park, I'd be happy to help you find a home in a community with restrictions that you can live with!
LaShawn Norden, PA, REALTOR, RE/MAX Central Realty, Lake Mary, (321) 377-0157, LaShawn@LaShawnNorden.com, www.LaShawnNorden.com
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