Homeowner Assoc in the SLC valley (Ogden, Layton: real estate, HOA, condo)

[silverfeather]

I moved to the SLC valley 15 months ago. I purchased a home in a community that is managed by a HOA. I've lived in several managed communities and appreciate consistent enforcement of rules that maintains a level of performance, supporting property values.

However, the HOA in our community is inconsistent, arbitrary, and painfully slow. Shortly after moving in, one of the explanations I heard for the lack luster HOA performance was that folks in Utah were not accustom to living in managed communities. Our developer was concerned enforcing the rules would alienate the residents not used to HOA management.

So, here is my question; is the HOA concept that new to Utah? Personally, I believe it's just one of many excuses our management company throws out to placate the developer.

[coolcats]

I specifically chose a neighborhood without an HOA. No sense in spending $70 or so per month for little benefits. My HOA in Virginia decreased services and rose rates like clockwork.

[mountainfaith]

We're looking for an area w/o an HOA as well. Already have that now, and increases so much a year. Would love to not have all those extra fees. We don't see the difference between the HOA communities and the many communities w/o HOAs. And sure would like to have that money freed up for family use instead.

On this note, how common are HOA's out there? How about in Layton, North Ogden, Harrisville, Syracuse type areas?

[cottonwood2420]

In utah there are many nice neighboorhoods to live in. There are alot of planned developments but there are all kinds of older/newer neighboorhoods that are non HOA. I find that HOA'S are useless and is a waist of money but of course then you would have to the yardwork which i dont mind doing because i love doing that even though alot are unable,too busy or too lazy to do that.

[melaniee]

Originally Posted by silverfeather

So, here is my question; is the HOA concept that new to Utah? Personally, I believe it's just one of many excuses our management company throws out to placate the developer.

I don't know about SLC but here in St George there are many many developments that have HOA so they are not that new here.

[REBL]

Silverfeather, I think you can see from the few responses you've received that HOAs are not seen favorably in the state of Utah. I sold real estate in Utah for 7 years and people hated HOAs, so trust your management company's explanation. However, you may also suggest to them that if they enforced the CC&Rs with consistency that people would come to appreciate the purpose of the HOA and started complaining about violations themselves. HOAs are meant to enhance a communities appeal and maintain values (if not increase them) but they will never do that if the HOAs don't enforce the rules.

[Elder_Shawn]

We currently live in an HOA for a small number of homes and I've enjoyed it thus far. I've lived in Utah most of my live and had never heard of an HOA outside of a condo complex. I'll lay out the pros and cons as I see it.

Pros:
- HOA fee is actually cheaper than what I would pay for Water, Trash, Recycling, Plowing, Lawn Care etc each month.
- My neighbors are bound to restrictions that prevent them from doing stupid things like painting their doors florescent green, hanging up lame posters in their windows, parking their cars on the lawn, loud music, broken down cars on blocks.

Cons:
- Everything has to be run by the assoc presidency and has to match existing styles or colors.
- We can't just build a new garage unless everyone else agrees to build one also. Some people have money to do things right on the spot while others don't.

[silverfeather]

Originally Posted by cottonwood2420

I find that HOA'S are useless and is a waist of money but of course then you would have to the yardwork which i dont mind doing because i love doing that even though alot are unable,too busy or too lazy to do that.

Homeowners in our development are responsible for their own property. I spend a great deal of time building and tending my gardens. Our HOA cares for landscape in the green areas, parks, volleyball/basketball courts, lake, etc, and they don't do a great job at that.
My irritation comes from the homes surrounding me that don't pull weeds or care for their lawns. My neighbor had weeds 4 feet tall, in the front yard and it took our HOA over 4.5 months to take action. I like HOA's if administered correctly.

[silverfeather]

Originally Posted by REBL

However, you may also suggest to them that if they enforced the CC&Rs with consistency that people would come to appreciate the purpose of the HOA and started complaining about violations themselves. HOAs are meant to enhance a communities appeal and maintain values (if not increase them) but they will never do that if the HOAs don't enforce the rules.

Unfortunately, our HOA won't enforce consistently no matter how often homeowners ask. I agree REBL, HOA's can be an asset.

[silverfeather]

[quote=Elder_Shawn;283901]
Pros:
- HOA fee is actually cheaper than what I would pay for Water, Trash, Recycling, Plowing, Lawn Care etc each month.
- My neighbors are bound to restrictions that prevent them from doing stupid things like painting their doors florescent green, hanging up lame posters in their windows, parking their cars on the lawn, loud music, broken down cars on blocks.
[quote]

Our fees don't cover water, trash, lawn care, etc. According to our CC&R's we shouldn't have to deal with all the issues you mentioned, but our HOA is incapable of enforcing our restrictions.
However, if a homeowner is influential, the HOA closes their eyes completely. We had a powerful homeowner that planted pumpkins in their front flower beds and the HOA refused to send them a letter, while others that attempted to meet requirements suffered the wrath of the HOA admin.
We pay big dollars to the company that contract to administer our HOA. All of the employees earn at least 1/3 more than the standard in the SLC valley. We have a party planner (with no previous experience) that makes 67K plus benefits and an office admin that makes $23 dollars an hour plus benefits.
In addition to our standard HOA fee, we have to pay an additional fee for exclusive internet service provided by Qwest. It's more expensive than DSL from ComCast and doesn't work near as well.