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Hi. I am seeing a lot of gated communities pop up here and there. Beside the lack of privacy, ones around here are on less than acre of land, are there any other disadvantages or advantages only someone who is living in one would come to realize. Thanks.
The streets are no longer public streets. That means you, along with your neighbors, are responsible for their care and maintenance. It also might mean "special assesments" if your HOA hasn't managed their money properly.
It also means that your HOA, and ultimately you as a member of the HOA, are liable for any injuries and deaths on those streets. The big pockets of the city coffers will not be available to pay for the injury.
Further, if some creative lawyer can attach some quality of the roadway to the injury or death of his client, big $$$ come to mind. Your HOA insurance policy, and ultimatley you will be paying for th deferred maintenance that created the pothole in the street.
Oh yes, what about HOA fee limits? Is there a limitation on how much they can be raised each year? I have yet to see such a limitation written in the CCR docs. If there isn't any limit, it's conceivable that you monthly fees could skyrocket at any time, for any reason, such as when your HOA gets sued.
Here in Southern California, HOA fees can be increasead a maximum of 20% per year, without a majority of a vote. It's all up to the Board. Special Assessments, however, have to have a 51% vote. I would never live in an HOA.
Never thought of these disadvantages. The community we want to buy in is not gated, and we thought that would be bad. But keep those disadvantages coming!
You can have an HOA in a gated community or non-gated.
I like the fact of an HOA because I wouldn't want someone parking their fishing boat in their driveway next to my house or painting their house pink. How well run/involved an HOA is makes a huge difference also. I really like our subdivision HOA. I feel for the dues we pay, its well worth it.
The streets are no longer public streets. That means you, along with your neighbors, are responsible for their care and maintenance. It also might mean "special assesments" if your HOA hasn't managed their money properly.
How about some advantages:
Those private streets? The members of the HOA can "close" them for their own community parties. I live in a guard gated community. 3 times a year we have a community "block" party - we have to ask no cities permission - it is wonderful.
Maintenance? Yep - we are responsible. That is why we have a reserve for such things.
Access? There is controlled access to our community - we do not get people simply driving through. No "Lookie Lous" Makes the community safer and quieter
HOA fees? Our community has not raised the monthy fee in 6 years. And, we may not have to for a while. Very well managed
Liability? Yes that could be an issue. But, that is what insurance is for
Location: Halfway between Number 4 Privet Drive and Forks, WA
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I like the fact of an HOA because I wouldn't want someone parking their fishing boat in their driveway next to my house or painting their house pink. How well run/involved an HOA is makes a huge difference also. I really like our subdivision HOA. I feel for the dues we pay, its well worth it.
In our subdivision, these are called restrictive covenants..basically outlines what you can and cannot do-without having to pay a HOA fee....
Another disadvantage is homeowners can be fined heavily for the smallest infraction(s).
In our subdivision, these are called restrictive covenants..basically outlines what you can and cannot do-without having to pay a HOA fee....
Another disadvantage is homeowners can be fined heavily for the smallest infraction(s).
Well, fees are a totally different matter. Like I stated I am satisfied for what I get for the yearly dues I pay.
I guess technically you can be fined for small infractions in certain subdivisions, but I think that is the rare exception rather than the norm (just because of what I've seen w/our HOA).
In our subdivision, these are called restrictive covenants..basically outlines what you can and cannot do-without having to pay a HOA fee....
Actually - "restrictive covenants" are also known as deed restrictions. AND, to have an HOA, you need Deed restrictions. And, I would bet, that in your subdivision, which you indicate has no hoa fee, there is an HOA - if for nothing else, to ENFORCE those "restrictive covenants"
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