Why do people put up with HOA's? (Hampton, Fairfax: for sale, condo)

[Fairfax Mom]

I live in a neighborhood of 1970's era homes - we have no HOA but almost everyone keeps up their homes and they look great!

I notice most people in VA have HOAs and I was wondering why. Where I come from in NJ - there are never any HOAs and everyone is fine with it.

Is this just a Virginia thing or do other parts of the country have HOA's also?

[VRE332]

It brings the community closer together. You get to know your neighbors better. You get more participation

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

Is this just a Virginia thing or do other parts of the country have HOA's also?

We've only owned homes in VA and WA and in both we had a HOA. You are fortunate to live in a neighborhood where people take care of their home without a HOA. Sometimes it's scary to see how people let go of their homes--the whole neighborhood suffers with eye sores or the undermining of the homes value when people don't care.

[scimitar12]

There are pros and cons to HOAs. As potentially restrictive as they can be at times they help minimize people moving in who may not care about their neighborhood. It is a shame that rules exist that basically tell people they can't park vehicles on lawns, and lawns must be cut, trash can't be laying around, oodles of toys can't be left outside either, cars can't be kept up on blocks for weeks at a time, tractor-trailers can't be parked outside, houses must be painted, windows can't be broken, etc. But, if you don't have these rules, there are a lot of people who will live exactly that way and not think twice about it. Sterling Park is that way thanks in no small part to a lack of HOAs. HOAs seem really common here in Virginia as many communities are not incorporated, leaving laws up to a county as opposed to a city. Not sure if that makes any difference...

[Fern435]

No HOA's for us. In theory they have a good purpose, but things get messy FAST.

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by walkingnoelle

No HOA's for us. In theory they have a good purpose, but things get messy FAST.

I disagree. It takes the right person, responsibility and know-how to be a HOA Board Member. If things get messy, it's because there was a lack of experience of the BOD and mix of people who do not care.

[Fern435]

That's fine that you disagree. I counted on it from someone here.

With what part do you disagree: 1) no HOA's for my family; 2) they are good in theory; or 3) things get messy?

Not all HOA's get messy. Just enough. They can get awfully oppressive over picky things like mailboxes, and the neighborhoods just look blah--no variety whatsoever.

Independent personalities need to check out prospective HOA's before buying.

[In Ilion, NY]

Yes, HOA's are a good thing....If you like that kind of thing. It makes sense to keep your property clean, plant some flowers..in general, take care of it-set an example. Nobody said you need to be a millionaire. We were all born with a certain amount of elbow grease. But I do have a problem with people who tell me what I can and cannot plant in my yard.

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by In Ilion, NY

But I do have a problem with people who tell me what I can and cannot plant in my yard.

what if your neighbor was putting putting up a purple fence, and you had your house for sale? Now what do you do?

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

I live in a neighborhood of 1970's era homes - we have no HOA but almost everyone keeps up their homes and they look great!

I notice most people in VA have HOAs and I was wondering why. Where I come from in NJ - there are never any HOAs and everyone is fine with it.

Is this just a Virginia thing or do other parts of the country have HOA's also?

I had one when we lived in Hampton and i have one now (condo complex.) Frankly, a no HOA neighborhood would be the first place i look to buy a house. HOAs are no better to me than telemarketers and parking enforcement officers, built to harass decent people and make their life a nightmare.