Are you a good HOA? Or are you a bad HOA? They are not all created equal. Generally when we sell a home in a subdivision that has an HOA, the buyers don’t get all the HOA rules and regulation until after the closing. Well, they need to see them first. You need to know what you are getting into!
A couple years ago I sold a home to a first time home buyer. He worked for a heating and air conditioning company, and drove a company truck. Well in this particular subdivision, you cannot park a vehicle with advertising on it in your drive way. Well, the truck was about 10 inches too tall to get into the garage with the ladders and etc. on it. We drove around the neighborhood, and seen at least 15 vehicles sitting in driveways. Cable companies, etc. A very clean and nice looking sub-division. They knew going in what the rules were, and they wanted to buy anyway. First week after they moved in, they got the letter! They are still there, so guess they worked it out…but had me thinking.
I totally understand the reasoning behind a HOA. It is to keep the neighborhood clean and appealing to keep the home values up, and some offer amenities that the average home owner cannot afford, such as a swimming pool or tennis court, and keep the common areas looking nice. It keeps your neighbors from having the sofa on the front porch, and the toilet planter at the street, and grass a foot tall. 
But saying you can’t work for a company, and drive a company car, that won’t fit into your garage? Remember, we are talking Austin and the surrounding area…Builders don’t build garages large enough for anything except small cars or small trucks generally. I can understand if you drive a semi truck, you can’t get that in a drive way, and I imagine it would block driveways parked in the street… But, I wouldn‘t mind knowing that my neighbor works for the local cable company, or is a plumber…or they know that I am a REALTOR®.
I have a client that lives in a gated community, and they are not allowed to have wreaths on their doors. Now that is brutal! No holiday wreaths!
When builders build a subdivision, generally a HOA group is assigned, and after the subdivision is built out, they will elect officers. This is the time to remember to that this is your subdivision. Rules can be added or taken away if it is put before the board and voted on at a meeting. Get involved in your community! You don’t have to be an officer if you don’t want to be, but the officers always need help, and would welcome your involvement.
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Sherry I have heard good and bad things about HOA. I certainly hope you get a good number of folks that stop by to read this all inportant blog.
Carl & Ceil- Thank you! I hope alot of people read also.
hi, Sherry:
When we purchased our home in Round Rock, we were most excited about having a Deed Restricted Community, and the enforcement of those restrictions. How disappointed we quickly became.
I don't understand why would you buy in a deed restricted, HOA run Community when you have no intention on following the rules?
And it's usually the little things. But, it's classic American mentality: if one person drives a truck with signs on the side, then I can too... And if some one doesn't bring their garbage can in, then neither will I... and if so-and-so painted their house with out board approval, so can I... Pretty soon, no one cares about any of the rules, and they justify it by pointing out every one else's bad behaviors.
One of our former HOA Presidents resigned when he was threatened with physical violence when he told a neighbor the boat he had parked in the street was a Deed Restriction Violation and could be towed. Another neighbor replaced his roof with a shingle that did not meet HOA requirements - they pocketed the difference from insurance using a substandard shingle. And there's nothing we can do: the owners don't have the money to put a new roof on, and the HOA doesn't want to pay a lawyer to file suit to obtain a judgement when the owners will just file bankruptcy.
So, you're right - know what your getting into when you purchase a home. Find out whether the HOA enforces the rules, or is completely impotent, as most are. And try to decide what would bother you more: the neighbor with waist-high weeds in his front lawn or the HOA that doesn't do any thing about the neighbor with the waist-high weeds in his front lawn? For me, it's the latter...
We're a Bad HOA by the way...
We are in a bad HOA. The President fenced in common land adjoining his property. So did the Secretary. When challenged, they said "we have to get along" Than, abruptly a police chief warned that it will cost $5000 to take the fence issue to court and force them to move the fence to their own property lines (the police chief and secretary are married). A former employee of a law office ventured an opinion that you would never win. Nothing is enforced. Three houses are for sale and no takers -- potential buyers drive through the neighborhood than cancel the showings. Trash cans are left out be wo of the officers. Basket ball hoops are left in the cul de sacs. People park on the grass between the curb and sidewalk. One area looks so bad, it almost approaches 3rd world. Some think that the HOA should be a social club with officers voted in based on popularity vice knowledge. Housing values are dropping faster than the norm. Love them or not, if properly run they serve a purpose of maintaining values