Does anyone out there really like HOA's (Home Owner Associations)? (University Park: 2009, condo)

[Cupcake77]

we just moved and had to pay $750 for HOA. All I know so far is no weeping willows. Not a big deal what plants we can and can't plant, most peoples yards I don't really see many flowers in any area I have been too. I just want them to keep the trashy yard ornaments limited to 0.

[MMichelle]

I've owned homes in and outside of an HOA. There are good and bad to both. For me the bottom line is the people. If the people have a level of "community" and a bit of pride in their homes it's a nice place to live, if not ... not so fun.

Trouble in an HOA usually begins with a homeowner who has not reviewed the gov. docs. prior to buying and then learns they "broke the rules". It's kind of like saying I'll drive my car without reading the numbers on the sign - then, being upset for getting a speeding ticket. It's a no win deal.

[MurphyPl1]

I actually really like our HOA. It's made organizing social events a lot easier and in a new neighborhood that is key to getting people to know each other. We have Curbside Cocktails, Easter Egg Hunts, Caroling, Fall Fest, National Night Out.

AND when a vigilante group associated with a TV show decided to use our neighborhood to film their show, we were able to rally a lot faster. There were conflicting views about the benefit of the show vs the sensationalism of the show but the key point is we were on it like white on rice. I am certain there are many other neighborhoods where people might have noticed odd goings on but didn't know anyone to mention it to. Or heck, might not have even noticed what was out of the ordinary.

[galore]

Does HOA stand for Home Owners Association or Home Owers Association?

[Grainraiser]

Originally Posted by galore

Does HOA stand for Home Owners Association or Home Owers Association?

Depends on the HOA. I have seen both apply

[bethboon2009]

I would not even consider buying a house that was not in a HOA.

[ATXIronHorse]

Originally Posted by L.A. Diva

I currently live in one and I think these types of organizations are way too strict and regulated. They prohibit so many things, which in a way is appreciated, because the neighborhood as a whole looks neat and uniform. It seems that there is very little wiggle room to really show that you have authority over your home, especially the exterior, example: this place is so regulated that holiday decorations are very limited when displayed, and the number of plants outside, no bikes to be left out on the lawn overnight. Is there anyone else out there who has some HOA good or bad stories to tell?

HOAs stick. HOAs are like finally moving out of your parents house to find you now have a new set of parents, but this time they cost you a monthly fee.

Buying a property then having to ask permission from your neighbors to erect a shed in back is ludicrous in my opinion.

[LQQKOUT]

Originally Posted by ATXIronHorse

HOAs stick. HOAs are like finally moving out of your parents house to find you now have a new set of parents, but this time they cost you a monthly fee.

Buying a property then having to ask permission from your neighbors to erect a shed in back is ludicrous in my opinion.

AMEN TO THAT! Kudos for you.

[LQQKOUT]

I purchased a home in a HOA, that was suppose to be very lacks on everything.....which is was for the first six months I was there....then the HOA was taken over by a outside company and new rules were in place. It was more like which neighbor can tell on who & Wistera Lane.

I got a letter at the first week or so of spring about my small...and I mean small weeds in my flower bed. You would have to come up to my door and move my bushes in order to see the small weeds. They were like the clover type close to the ground. We also got a letter for parking in OUR driveway and not in the garage. Our neighbor got one for a few kids toys she left at her front door.

I put a for sale sign in my yard and sold this house...even though I loved the home. And MOVED into a hood with NO HOA>

[Cupcake77]

Originally Posted by ATXIronHorse

HOAs stick. HOAs are like finally moving out of your parents house to find you now have a new set of parents, but this time they cost you a monthly fee.

Buying a property then having to ask permission from your neighbors to erect a shed in back is ludicrous in my opinion.

Because sheds are ugly. Depending on the neighbourhood, unless you have a huge yard with lots of tree's. A shed looks awful! yes your neighbors can see that eye sore everyday, and sometimes it can be seen from the street. horrrrrible.

Same goes for lawn ornaments.