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What To Know About Your Homeowner Association
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Your Homeowner Association: White
Knight Or Beast?






They are needed to make life and homeownership easier. But a growing number of
Americans are questioning the power and pettiness of homeowner associations (HOAs).

In the US there are over 60 million people living in homes that are part of a network of
condominium and homeowner associations. It's a very simple concept. Share the costs, and
share the maintenance.

Real estate developers pushed the HOA concept

The idea behind the homeowner association came from real estate developers. Developers
wanted a way to market and sell houses that they built in residential subdivisions, thus the
homeowner association.

The developer is freed from the association when a predetermined number of houses has
been sold. A board of directors is formed, and this board then has the task of running the
association according to the bylaws.

Homebuyers have no choice

When you buy a house in a development that belongs to a homeowner association, you
automatically become a member. There is no other option. Opponents of HOAs consider that
this lack of freedom or choice steps on the rights of the prospective homebuyer. A buyer
might like the house but might be opposed to being a member in the homeowner association.

HOAs are seen as very restrictive and they have too many  petty regulations. For some,
leaving your car on the street overnight is a violation. Others, painting your door red might get
you fined. While some will give you a warning if your rose bush is too high, or your fence is
too low.

As a rule of thumb, always get the approval of your homeowner association  when you  are
planning a home renovation project. Make sure the approval is in writing.

There are some steps you can take to help you deal with your homeowner association.

Be active in the community.

Information is the key to dealing with your HOA. Read all the mail that comes from the HOA. If
there is a website, visit the site regularly. Look for any changes, and for any events being
scheduled. Make an effort to attend all the meetings. Ask questions and speak up at the
meetings. Talk to your neighbors and make friends. There is strength in numbers.

Pay your homeowner association dues on time

Your homeowner association can foreclose if you do not pay your dues. Many homeowners
believe that if they are behind a few months it is okay. Well, it is not. HOAs operate on small
budgets. They need every dollar to pay for the day-to-day operations of the complex.

Review the financial statements  and other documents of the homeowner
association

You might not agree with some of the things your HOA is doing. But before you start accusing
and point the finger, read the by-laws and regulations. You might discover that the actions
were perfectly legal and within the guidelines. If the statements show that the association is
running in the red it is a cause for concern. This could mean an increase in due in the near
future. Raise the issue at the next meeting.

Remember why you bought the house in the first place. You liked the neighborhood. The
house had a lovely backyard, and it was close to the schools and the major mall. So if you
have an issue always present your point of view in a professional way. You might lose a few
arguments but you will be respected.
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