What's your HOA like? (fit in, condos, house)

[amberamour]

We've lived in high rise condos here in SoFL where the HOA restricts a variety of issues, sometimes to a ridiculous degree. Seeing as there are so many subdivisions in the Upstate with associations, we'd like to know what to expect re: what they govern for homeowners and how restrictive things are, i.e. what types of trees you may plant, the color of your home, etc. Or does it exist mainly to support common areas such as the pool & clubhouse?

Also, do many HOAs have bylaws for noise control and neighbor-to-neighbor conflicts or is that left to the local police? We've had both terrible neighbors and constantly barking dogs in the past and although we don't really like HOAs they can help situations like that if they are empowered.

Thanks again for your feedback!

[janrey]

Originally Posted by carolinadreamin

We've lived in high rise condos here in SoFL where the HOA restricts a variety of issues, sometimes to a ridiculous degree. Seeing as there are so many subdivisions in the Upstate with associations, we'd like to know what to expect re: what they govern for homeowners and how restrictive things are, i.e. what types of trees you may plant, the color of your home, etc. Or does it exist mainly to support common areas such as the pool & clubhouse?

Also, do many HOAs have bylaws for noise control and neighbor-to-neighbor conflicts or is that left to the local police? We've had both terrible neighbors and constantly barking dogs in the past and although we don't really like HOAs they can help situations like that if they are empowered.

Thanks again for your feedback!

Like other areas they vary. House colors aren't really a problem because either the homes are brick or they are vinyl siding. Before you buy always ask to see the convenants first. Ours, for instance, restricts boats, trailers to fit in the garage where others restrict them to the backyard out of street site. We also restrict unlicensed vehicles. They must be in the garage or not on the property at all.

Landscaping varies mostly with concerns regarding what appears from the front and what is built on the land needing approval first (i.e. adding a porch, deck, or tree/play house of the permanent kind)

Other areas of HOA's is of course, the common areas. Most of the restrictions around here seem to be for property value reasons and none too restrictive. Just find one that fits your lifestyle and of course visit the property all times of the day and on weekends before buying by just parking nearby and walking the streets of the neighborhood if it's an established neighborhood. Newer neighborhoods being built won't give you ideas of what it will be like living with neighbors while older neighborhoods will.

[amberamour]

Thanks for answering part of my question. In our condo people who drove trucks for work couldn't park them on property. They were told their trucks were too ugly to be seen in the parking lot.

Seeing as we live out of state it would be hard to explore neighborhoods for very long but that's always a good suggestion if it can be done. We're going to have to rely on our pre-move visits to G'ville and after that, a trustworthy realtor to help point us in the right direction.

I'm still interested to find out if HOAs deal with neighbor-to-neighbor issues or if the police has that role.

[janrey]

Originally Posted by carolinadreamin

Thanks for answering part of my question. In our condo people who drove trucks for work couldn't park them on property. They were told their trucks were too ugly to be seen in the parking lot.

Seeing as we live out of state it would be hard to explore neighborhoods for very long but that's always a good suggestion if it can be done. We're going to have to rely on our pre-move visits to G'ville and after that, a trustworthy realtor to help point us in the right direction.

I'm still interested to find out if HOAs deal with neighbor-to-neighbor issues or if the police has that role.

As for trucks, I think if it fits in the garage your ok but probably most don't like them in the street or drive if large. Depending on the style of truck some might be ok. We have a Mitzubishi mighty max truck in our drive and this and trucks like it slightly larger seem to be ok but delivery type vehicles need to fit in your garage.

Yes, trust your realtor and explain your needs fully so they can steer you to neighborhoods that fit your needs. If you have the need to park a company vehicle then mention it, if you have the need to park a boat, again mention it. Find out the rules and you should be happy.



Most don't deal with issues such as noise unless it is something that is specifically in the HOA rules. Dog barking doesn't seem to be an HOA issue, rather it would be a police issue, however, in my opinion it's always best to try to deal pleasantly with the neighbor rather than involve others. Especially if it involves teenagers and drums ;-). Esthetics seem to be handle nicely by the committee without one really having to complain.