HOA-free neighborhoods? (Denver, Highlands Ranch, Acres Green: foreclosures, homeowners association, condos)

[rebagirl]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

That would be hard in and around metro Denver. HOA's have been popular for more than 25 years.

Not all HOA's are nasty. You'll have to read your fair share of HOA CC&R's.

You will find non HOA properties about $5-$15 less per square foot then the same age/style in an HOA. On average they stay on the market 39 days longer.

Not many people that want to have the RV in their driveway will also put up with living next door to a "collector" of not so fine statues, junk, dead landscaping, etc.

My first house here backed to Chatfield - across the street from a non HOA community - the owners of the house behind me added a frame garage to his red brick ranch - the painted the garage and added shutters to the house, painted them both lime green.

p.s. most pools are regulated, because of the "attractive nuisance" - you also need extra insurance and a separate fence.

Well, maybe I will have to succumb to some sort of HOA. I've only had to deal with one once while living in a condo, and since we were renting at the time, it was more our landlord's problem rather than ours. I will certainly do a ton of research before jumping into a covenant-controlled community. It came as a surprise to me how many Colorado neighborhoods have HOA's. I don't want a neighborhood where nearly every house looks the same--perfectly manicured, color-coordinated, with that model-home look at all times. I need some character.

By the way, I've found many homes (mostly built in the 70's) that do not list an HOA. Many of these homes cost more than a brand-new home in the same general area. I'm guessing that proximity to Denver is a reason. For example, a 2800-3200 sq. ft. home in older Littleton can be found for about $340K. But a similar new home further south in Roxborough area will be considerably less. I know this is a bit of a generalization, but I've found this to be true a number of times.

[2bindenver]

Originally Posted by rebagirl

I'm guessing that proximity to Denver is a reason. For example, a 2800-3200 sq. ft. home in older Littleton can be found for about $340K. But a similar new home further south in Roxborough area will be considerably less.

What you don't know is that Roxborough is in a "red" zone - high propensity of expansive soil.

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

What you don't know is that Roxborough is in a "red" zone - high propensity of expansive soil.

Is there a map available online that shows where these problem areas are?

[denverian]

Stapleton has no HOA if you're in single family houses. I like to garden and woldn't live anywhere that required approval every time I put something in the ground. We also have crazy colored houses, but then it's all about the style of the house. A stucco mediterranean house wouldn't look good purple, but a victorian does.

[rebagirl]

2bindenver: Thanks for the info. We're not interested in the Roxborough area anyway, but just used that as an example. Is there a way to know which areas have soil issues or which areas tend to appreciate? We have been focusing on Littleton mainly, but there is a possibility we may look into Parker again as well. (Depends on the job offers, which are becoming interesting and promising!)

Denverian: I kind of like the housing styles in Stapleton, but they are really close together with pretty small lots. Not sure about that, but may look into it. Thanks for your input as well.

[denverian]

Originally Posted by rebagirl

2bindenver: Thanks for the info. We're not interested in the Roxborough area anyway, but just used that as an example. Is there a way to know which areas have soil issues or which areas tend to appreciate? We have been focusing on Littleton mainly, but there is a possibility we may look into Parker again as well. (Depends on the job offers, which are becoming interesting and promising!)

Denverian: I kind of like the housing styles in Stapleton, but they are really close together with pretty small lots. Not sure about that, but may look into it. Thanks for your input as well.

I guess I'm just used to small lots (lived in a condo for years in Orange County) but most of the houses here have nice back yards with room for a little garden, swingset, and patio. It's also cheaper for water and you don't waste so much time mowing. Plenty of parks and trails if you want to stretch your legs, and it's very social. Many of our neighbors are like family to us.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by BarryK123

Is there a map available online that shows where these problem areas are?

Here it is for Jefferson County:
- http://geosurvey.state.co.us/portals...0Expansive.pdf

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

p.s. most pools are regulated, because of the "attractive nuisance" - you also need extra insurance and a separate fence.

This is true, per city code where you live. Louisville requires a fence and the house can be part of the "fence", ie, the pool doesn't have to be fenced off separately.

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Here it is for Jefferson County:
- http://geosurvey.state.co.us/portals...0Expansive.pdf

Thanks Mike!

[esya]

colorado law provides that covenants typically have expire after 50 years unless renewed, so......most neighborhoods had them at one time. Usually the HOAs weaken before that, as well.