To HOA or not to HOA; that is the question. (Winter Park: condo, lawyer)

[raj34787]

Hi guys,

I have a delimma; to buy in a subdivision or to buy an older home outside a subdivision. What are the advantages (if any) in living in a subdivision? What are the disadvantage of living in a subdivision (I can think of a ton but am curious what you guys think)?

Thanks!

[mommycity]

Read the HOA docs closely and more closely. You may be liable for a sewer problem of a neighor even though it's not your sewer line. Or you may not be able to grow a veggie garden. You have to pay for community upgrades if the board votes it in even if you don;t want it. Advantages: All the houses are the same and rules are generally enforced. Disadvantages: You can't usually have trailer, you can't deviate from color scheme, you may not be able to have 2 dogs, etc. If the homes in the older sub you want to buy in are generally neat, check the code rules about trailers, fencing, trash on premises, etc. You can notify code enforcement about any problems with neighbors. We have stayed away from HOA's because all of our friends have had so many problems. My friend was growing a couple tomato plants and a neighbor 'reported' her and she had to take them out.

[idr591]

HOA's offer no tangible benefits that I can think of. They will drive you crazy over silly things but will never address serious concerns.

There is a very long thread on here about HOA horror stories.

[annerk]

I live in a community with a "common sense" HOA. For my dues I get a well kept community that enforces the rules to make sure all homes are aesthetically pleasing. They don't have stupid rules about have specific colors of matching blinds in every window or anything like that, but rather rules like no newspaper or bedsheets in the windows, and no cars on blocks on lawns. There are 200 different color schemes on the color palette, more than enough to find something you'll like and keep every home from looking identical.

We have beautifully maintained common areas, security and a manned gate, a clubhouse, pool, health club, tennis and basketball courts, activities, and more. We also have basic cable included in our dues.

It just depends on the HOA. Not all of them are bad.

[The Boring OC]

HOAs are like a communist state. "You can't do this". "You can't do that". "You can't own a better car or truck and have it parked in your OWN driveway because Mr. and Mrs. Loser from 4522 are jealous of you". Forget it!

Live where YOU are the boss. There's absolutely no positive point of living in a HOA controlled community. You have to pay them for being a part of them and they (or one single individual with Hitler aspirations) wants to own you and your property telling you how to run things in your own place? no way!

I'm fortunate enough that I live in a very good neighborhood (with the exception of the "neighbors") close to Seminole County and Winter Park in a excellent and quiet sub-division which is entirely run by a communist HOA., but for some strange and lucky reason, my street it's single out from being in the damn HOA.

[Parrotrosie]

We wanted a house with newer building codes...and it wasn't likely going to be found outside and HOA. Ours seems to be just fine. Our neighbors don't seem to have any issues. Our covenant rules don't seem to be very strict to me either...just things I think are reasonable. Also, our grounds are very well maintained, very pretty to look at, and almost just over 300 acres of the over 700 total are reserved for conservation...they can never build on my petty trees and pond out back nor around the development. Our utilities are all under ground and our security system is included for the first ten years of the new houses (not sure about beyond that tho...)

We also get a community pool, tennis courts, gym, basketball courts, soccer field, and clubhouse with bbq for our use.

I am very certain there are some with issues, but like politics, you vote them in, you can vote them out, you can also run for the offices. Be proactive

[nb1968]

I hate HOA's. I have an annoying one in my neighborhood. You pay them to tell you what to do and to be 'condo commandos'
THey are worthless.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by nb1968

I hate HOA's. I have an annoying one in my neighborhood. You pay them to tell you what to do and to be 'condo commandos'
THey are worthless.

Then why don't you live someplace without one? Nobody forced you to live where you do.

[KorrMuraan]

Originally Posted by annerk

I live in a community with a "common sense" HOA. For my dues I get a well kept community that enforces the rules to make sure all homes are aesthetically pleasing. They don't have stupid rules about have specific colors of matching blinds in every window or anything like that, but rather rules like no newspaper or bedsheets in the windows, and no cars on blocks on lawns. There are 200 different color schemes on the color palette, more than enough to find something you'll like and keep every home from looking identical.

We have beautifully maintained common areas, security and a manned gate, a clubhouse, pool, health club, tennis and basketball courts, activities, and more. We also have basic cable included in our dues.

It just depends on the HOA. Not all of them are bad.

Exactly, just read the HOA rules BEFORE you purchase your home. If you don't want to read it yourself, get a lawyer to explain the highlights for you. Rarely are the nazi-like HOA rules that people complain about implemented after they move in. Know what you're getting into, or you only have yourself to blame.

[KorrMuraan]

Originally Posted by Parrotrosie

I am very certain there are some with issues, but like politics, you vote them in, you can vote them out, you can also run for the offices. Be proactive

This too