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I would never buy in a HOA, for too many reason listed. For those who says as long as you follow the rules in other blogs, they will leave you alone. Not true. If someone don't like you for whatever reason they will find a reason to mess with you. If you want and like to follow rules. I am sure a Prison somewhere will do the same thing for you.
It is bad enough Government interfering with our lives and then to add this on top. NO WAY. These link are just a few sample of hoard of reasons not to buy in a HOA's People worried about getto. Then don't live in a getto neighborhood. To me it is double taxes. I am sure when you need to grow food, you won't be able to when things become unglued.
Homeowners Associations: George K. Staropoli - Citizens for Local Constitutional Government (http://www.ahrc.se/new/index.php/src/tools/sub/yp/action/display/id/324 - broken link)
Ummmmm . . . last time I checked, a person can buy wherever they choose . . . if someone doesn't want in a neighborhood w/ an HOA, then it isn't like the government or local municipalities have a gun to someone's head, forcing them to buy in an HOA-controlled community.
And - some neighborhoods w/ HOAs are stricter than others. Not every HOA is repressive and overly legalistic.
If you don't like HOAs . . . then don't buy a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, lol. It ain't that hard, Libertarian.
Ummmmm . . . last time I checked, a person can buy wherever they choose . . . if someone doesn't want in a neighborhood w/ an HOA, then it isn't like the government or local municipalities have a gun to someone's head, forcing them to buy in an HOA-controlled community.
And - some neighborhoods w/ HOAs are stricter than others. Not every HOA is repressive and overly legalistic.
If you don't like HOAs . . . then don't buy a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, lol. It ain't that hard, Libertarian.
One thing though, isn't it harder to find new homes or newer homes that don't have HOAs?
Maybe. The newer mega neighborhoods seem to have them and if I lived in one of those neighborhoods I might want an HOA too. But I don't want one and I don't want to live in one of those neighborhoods (although I don't think they're all commies, lol).
The homes in our neighborhood range in age from 30 years to brand new. It's a little subdivision and we have covenants but no enforcement mechanism. The last 2 homes we have purchased have been in the same type of neighborhood. There are lots of these little subdivisions around if you look for them, ask your realtor to find them for you. We've never had a problem finding nice neighborhoods and avoiding HOA's.
One thing though, isn't it harder to find new homes or newer homes that don't have HOAs?
It seems here in Charlotte it is. Where I moved from in the Kansas City metro area it was pretty standard, too, to have a HOA, but again - in the new/newer neighborhoods.
However . . . some of the restrictions here are the most repressive I have ever heard of. It's one thing to have rules that really do preserve property values such as keeping up the lawn, but some stuff seems overly legalistic to me. Of course, one person's repressive restriction may be another person's security blanket, lol!!!
Well, I could certainly tell you guys about my own personal HOA horror story. However, we (me and the HOA) are in a legal battle and I do not wish to talk (you never know who is reading this).
Anyways, I was a MUCH happier person when I was renting than I am now. SERIOUSLY!!! My first time buying a home has been a living nightmare thanks to the HOA!!! Again, I won't share the details at the moment. However, I plan on starting a thread once this legal battle is over. The good news is there are attorneys here in Charlotte that specialize in dealing with over aggressive HOAs.
Not all HOAs are bad. Unfortunately, the bad HOAs get more attention though. In these tough economic times, HOAs (bad ones) are pulling some jaw-dropping stunts to collect money (and often times it is money outside of the HOA dues). I will say this much about my personal experience. I HAVE NEVER BEEN LATE ON MY DUES!!! (my dues are automatically drafted from my bank account). Also, I HAVE NEVER BROKEN ANY OF THE RULES OF MY COMMUNITY!!!
I purchased my first home (this home) when I was 27 years old; and I did it (a conventional loan) without a co-signature. If a legal battle with an HOA can happen to a consumer with good credit (like me), it can happen to anyone. Charlotte needs to step up and crack down on shady HOA practices. HOAs know that most homeowners can't afford an attorney to fight them back (thank God I can).
Well, I could certainly tell you guys about my own personal HOA horror story. However, we (me and the HOA) are in a legal battle and I do not wish to talk (you never know who is reading this).
Anyways, I was a MUCH happier person when I was renting than I am now. SERIOUSLY!!! My first time buying a home has been a living nightmare thanks to the HOA!!! Again, I won't share the details at the moment. However, I plan on starting a thread once this legal battle is over. The good news is there are attorneys here in Charlotte that specialize in dealing with over aggressive HOAs.
Not all HOAs are bad. Unfortunately, the bad HOAs get more attention though. In these tough economic times, HOAs (bad ones) are pulling some jaw-dropping stunts to collect money (and often times it is money outside of the HOA dues). I will say this much about my personal experience. I HAVE NEVER BEEN LATE ON MY DUES!!! (my dues are automatically drafted from my bank account). Also, I HAVE NEVER BROKEN ANY OF THE RULES OF MY COMMUNITY!!!
I purchased my first home (this home) when I was 27 years old; and I did it (a conventional loan) without a co-signature. If a legal battle with an HOA can happen to a consumer with good credit (like me), it can happen to anyone. Charlotte needs to step up and crack down on shady HOA practices. HOAs know that most homeowners can't afford an attorney to fight them back (thank God I can).
I am really sorry to hear this, Urban. You are a responsible person so I know this has to be a helluva story if you are having HOA problems.
I agree - folks are having problems paying HOA dues - especially if they are out of work. I think it is RIDICULOUS that a HOA can foreclose on a house, unless the homeowner owes THOUSANDS of dollars, as in over $25,000.
I believe HOAs are governed through the state, not municipalities, but I could be wrong.
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