HOAs too Oppressive? (Phoenix: real estate, renters, attorneys)

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by notoriousM3

You folks are missing my point. If you think that disagreeing with you is disturbing then don't read my posts. I'm expressing my opinion here like everyone else. We can agree to disagree. You'll not convince me that my quality of life here is enhanced by my HOA. And yes I do think that 55 dollars a month is a lot of money.

If your comments are directed towards me, Notorious . . . I never implied or insinuated $55 was not "a lot of money" but it definitely depends on exactly what your dues cover in addition to the mowing of the 4 foot strip of grass.

My point is simple . . . by getting involved you may be surprised to learn how costly simple services are nowadays. You may also be surprised how much is being accomplished or at least how much the board is trying to accomplish in spite of the current conditions including the lack of money (properties in foreclosure rarely maintain any of their HOA responsibilities) and legal hurdles.

Good Luck

[poolgirl51]

Originally Posted by Bummer

Your posts on this thread are very disturbing, Notorious.

First off . . . what amenities and services do your HOA dues include (other than mowing the 4 foot strip of grass)? Also, rather than sitting back and bitching to total strangers, have you taken the time to "get involved" and attend a few meetings to determine what corrective actions are being considered and/or planned? Are there any laws or ordinances that either restrict and/or forbid the HOA from taking steps without legal process?

Another point . . . exactly how far do you believe 55 bucks-a-month will go nowadays; especially considering the probability that many of the vacant homes are not contributing now? Very possibly there is a money issue and maybe a one or two day organized neighborhood clean-up is necessary?

Sorry if I appear a little harsh but when I decided my HOA was not performing properly, I became active, began attending the regular meetings and finally became a member of the board. Not only have I learned more than I ever imagined, I also now understand there are so many "nuisance" laws and restrictions that must be addressed prior to taking action.

Bottom line . . . TRY THE POSITIVE APPROACH RATHER THAN THE NEGATIVE.

Bummer, you are exactly right on target. Great post!

[notoriousM3]

We are never going to see eye to eye on this one. yeah I probably should get involved with the HOA but quite frankly I work odd hours and I work a lot of hours. I also do a lot of volunteer work and time is not something I have a lot of. You and several other on this thread are convinced HOA's are good. I'm not seeing that light. And I've lived my entire life without one and I just don't see the value for my dues. The whole concept of someone telling me what I can and can't do to my property does not sit well with me. I'm for less government and rules NOT more! You guys have a nice life.

[KoryO]

Moderator cut: rude comments I grew up in Phoenix in a neighborhood without an HOA....and it's still a desirable place to live. (Ever see the website "modernphoenix"? Yeah....it's on there. I bet your neighborhood isn't.)

Older neighborhood does not equal ghetto, overgrown lawns and funky colored houses, ok?

And even though I haven't been to notoriousM3's hood, I have heard plenty from my friends in HOA's who have gotten "special assessments" to cover shortfalls from owners and REO's who can't/won't pay their monthly fees.

(BTW, notoriousM3....there may be another option if your city allows it. You might be able to start a movement to get rid of your HOA in your neighborhood. My neighborhood in Florida used to be a HOA one. The neighbors got rid of it.....funny thing is, the place is still desirable and one of the higher priced ones in the zipcode. Maybe your part of AZ has the same laws....hope so for your sake.)

[notoriousM3]

Koryo you are exactly right on target...great post!

[JessicaK]

55 bucks a month? Heh. You should drop on your knees every night and thank god for that sort of maintenance fee.
I work for a property management company and I have never seen fees that low. I have seen them as high as 900$ a month, but generally around the 300-400$ range. I firmly encourage anyone living in a Hoa to do a stint on the board, and if that is impossible to at least ATTEND the annual meeting.
That being said, there is no way in hell I'd ever live in a HOA. Ever.

[notoriousM3]

Originally Posted by JessicaK

55 bucks a month? Heh. You should drop on your knees every night and thank god for that sort of maintenance fee.
I work for a property management company and I have never seen fees that low. I have seen them as high as 900$ a month, but generally around the 300-400$ range. I firmly encourage anyone living in a Hoa to do a stint on the board, and if that is impossible to at least ATTEND the annual meeting.
That being said, there is no way in hell I'd ever live in a HOA. Ever.

900 dollars a month? You must be talking about beverly hills. Thats more than my mortgage. And the development I just moved from it was 35 dollars a month(westpark). So yes I think 55 dollars a month just for the "privledge" of living here is excessive!

[JessicaK]

FYI the one I referenced was in Waikiki.

Insurance for everything is going up, and the cost does go back to the HOA dues, I just sent out a budget raising one HOA's dues 79.4%,

[notoriousM3]

Originally Posted by JessicaK

FYI the one I referenced was in Waikiki.

Insurance for everything is going up, and the cost does go back to the HOA dues, I just sent out a budget raising one HOA's dues 79.4%,

If my dues went up 79% I'd be seeking legal advice

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by JessicaK

55 bucks a month? Heh. You should drop on your knees every night and thank god for that sort of maintenance fee.
I work for a property management company and I have never seen fees that low. I have seen them as high as 900$ a month, but generally around the 300-400$ range. I firmly encourage anyone living in a Hoa to do a stint on the board, and if that is impossible to at least ATTEND the annual meeting.
That being said, there is no way in hell I'd ever live in a HOA. Ever.

Thank you, JessicaK . . . beautifully stated.

As I posted earlier . . . rather than sitting back and complaining, try getting involved.