Need Help Desperately on How to Handle Nasty HOA Situation (foreclose, credit) - Charlotte - North Carolina (NC) - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

vindaloo · 09-26-2009, 06:55 PM

Here is the real situation for those that are delinquent with HOA dues and/or assessments: Any assessments which are not paid when due shall be delinquent. If the assessment is not paid within fifteen days after the due date, a late charge of $15 shall be added to it and the assesment shall bear interest from the date of delinquency at the rate of six percent per annum, and the association may bring an action at law against the owner personally obligated to pay the same or forclose the lien against the property, and interests, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees of any such action shall be added to the amount of such assessment. No owner may waive or otherwise escape liability for the assessments provided for herein by non-use of the common area or abandonment of his lot.

kbrkr · 09-27-2009, 09:41 AM

See...this is what I'm most fearful of. I am a meticulous homeowner, but admit my schedule sometimes let's things go; like my wobbly mail box. I don't want some hit squad coming to my house dictating that I MUST fix my wobbly mailbox. There are SOOOOO many more important things in life.

What does the HOA do about brown lawns/grass? Do they mandate you water it or spend money on SOD?

I can understand the spirit of the HOA, but like everything, I'm worried about the extremes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by karenew

I received my first notice from our HOA today, ironically. We moved here in July from an area that doesn't have HOAs, so we have only heard horror stories, but had no personal experience.

Until today.

Our mailbox apparently has a small dent and is missing some paint. (I guess someone - possibly the postal carrier- ran into it?)

I understand why HOA exist, but I also think that they have way too much power.

Weedydidi · 09-27-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumbollo

Probably the biggest reason that HOAs have issues isn't because of people not paying dues, but rather asses running down every street with a copy of the rules where they have self-appointed themselves judge jury and executioner for how every person in the neighborhood should conduct their lives. If you tried to "pounce" on me, I would twist your head until your eyes popped. Thank God you don't live in my neighborhood.

I couldn't give you rep points for this post (apparently have to spread some around) so I'm re-posting it to say EXACTLY!!

And to those people who think that HOA's protect their property values (which, in fact, they do not) tell me which really affects property values: trashcans being left out or foreclosed properties on your street?

Jake Ryan · 09-27-2009, 10:22 AM

That's just it, if your mailbox is wobbly or your grass is brown it needs to be fixed. if you signed up to move into a community that is governed by a hoa, and has rules and regulation you signed up to keep up with your home which includes mailboxes and grass.

Now this is all within reason, if your mailbox is broken and needs to be fixed I would think most HOA's will give you a few weeks to get it fixed before sending a letter, assesing fines, hearings etc...(at least mine does).

But, at the end of the day HOA's maintain property values. What if you were selling your home and the neighbors had old, beat up cars on their lawn, wasteland like grass, broken mailboxes etc? It would devalue your home and that's nothing anybody wants.

IMO if your mailbox is wobbly, you should get it fixed. if your schedule is too ful maybe there is a handyman that can fix it.

coastalgirl · 09-27-2009, 10:36 AM

I have said it before and I'll say it again. I would NEVER live in a neighborhood that doesn't have an HOA. I don't want to live in a run down ghetto where people don't take care of their property. If you play by the rules, the HOA won't bother you.

vindaloo · 09-27-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weedydidi

I couldn't give you rep points for this post (apparently have to spread some around) so I'm re-posting it to say EXACTLY!!

And to those people who think that HOA's protect their property values (which, in fact, they do not) tell me which really affects property values: trashcans being left out or foreclosed properties on your street?

First, I don't harrass anyone. If their grass goes without being cut for over a couple of weeks, I send them a notice. I do not go around with a copy of regulations like some nutcase suggested. I phone people and talk to them fact to face in a very polite, businesslike manner. I get great cooperation for the most part. I do not accept people letting their dogs crap on the sidewalks or common areas where others walk, unsightly lawns, loud boisterous parties after 10:00 (which is a city ordinance), or other infractions of the rules which are pretty standard. As far as trashcans being left out, they are put out Tuesday evenings for pickup on Wednesday mornings. People put their containers back into their garages when they return from work.

HOAs protect home values if they are ran properly. They ensure the upkeep of common areas are maintained and that a presentable appearance in the development is also maintained. This is not harsh or out of the ordinary. Who doesn't want this? Anyone that can't comply with the HOA rules should live in the country. They are not demanding or harsh. The only people that complain are those that don't get involved or that don't comply with the "simple" requirements.

We have a few places that are under foreclosure. The situation may be different as they were never occupied. But that can be a problem with property values. It depends on who buys the property, etc.

I suggest that if anyone lives in a HOA division, look out for seminars on HOAs. It will give you the legalities, and clarify matters. The main purpose of the HOA is to bring the community together in a positive prospective and inspire all homeowners to want to be part of the community.

vindaloo · 09-27-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake Ryan

That's just it, if your mailbox is wobbly or your grass is brown it needs to be fixed. if you signed up to move into a community that is governed by a hoa, and has rules and regulation you signed up to keep up with your home which includes mailboxes and grass.

Now this is all within reason, if your mailbox is broken and needs to be fixed I would think most HOA's will give you a few weeks to get it fixed before sending a letter, assesing fines, hearings etc...(at least mine does).

But, at the end of the day HOA's maintain property values. What if you were selling your home and the neighbors had old, beat up cars on their lawn, wasteland like grass, broken mailboxes etc? It would devalue your home and that's nothing anybody wants.

IMO if your mailbox is wobbly, you should get it fixed. if your schedule is too ful maybe there is a handyman that can fix it.

Very well put.

vindaloo · 09-27-2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbrkr

See...
I don't want some hit squad coming to my house dictating that I MUST fix my wobbly mailbox. There are SOOOOO many more important things in life.

What does the HOA do about brown lawns/grass? Do they mandate you water it or spend money on SOD?

I can understand the spirit of the HOA, but like everything, I'm worried about the extremes!

First, you will receive a notice letter giving you ample time to replace it.
Secondly, why wouldn't you water and maintain your yard after all, you said you were a meticulous homeowner? Being such, you should do that without being told. If there is a drought, chances are that your grass will turn brown. Otherwise, it is pretty easy to water occasionally. Finally, there aren't any extremes. HOA rules are pretty much the same everywhere and the requirements are very basic and not out of the ordinary. Don't worry and do what people normally do and you will never hear from them unless it is an invitation to a meeting. Get involved with the HOA and you will feel better.

freedomlibertarian · 09-27-2009, 12:26 PM

Wrong. It is not that I don't understand the ostensible purpose of HOA's. It is that money is not the end all and be all of living. One should enjoy living in the home. And having other people tell you how to live is not my idea of living at all. It is protracted childhood. Further, in a declining housing market, houses are no longer investments; they are expenses.

Have you seen the home in person? If not, then your attitude is just a bit too condescending. I have done well in realestate than you will ever do in your lifetime. There, that is a condescending, but probably true also.

sheenie2000 · 09-27-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weedydidi

I couldn't give you rep points for this post (apparently have to spread some around) so I'm re-posting it to say EXACTLY!!

And to those people who think that HOA's protect their property values (which, in fact, they do not) tell me which really affects property values: trashcans being left out or foreclosed properties on your street?

I agree. I'm skeptical that HOAs protect home values. Do neighborhoods like Dilworth, Myers Park, Madison Park, etc have HOAs? I know Madison Park and Montibello subdivision (off Carmel Rd) have no HOAs and they are well maintained. These are pretty desirable neighborhoods. And they haven't dropped in value as much as uhh the new neighborhoods with HOA police.