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I'm trying to figure out where to relocate since becoming widowed - I really don't want a HOA (I've read too many horror stories) - my plan was/is to take some trips and visit areas (I hate the idea of paying rent and moving twice as well but don't want to buy something and realize it's a mistake) - the whole idea is scary, between moving by myself (and I'm not a 20 something like I did for my last move) - not knowing anyone, etc. - I just don't like the idea of regulations as to colors, decoration, etc. (I really don't do outrageous things, but still...) - I can't imagine a condo or apt. at this stage of my life so thinking a smallish townhouse or house - affordable of course.
Everything I read about NC it seems that all but the most rural areas have HOA's? - Is that the case?
No, thats not the case at all. Lots of neighborhoods don't have an HOA. Almost all don't, in fact. Its generally only the new, large "plantation" developments that do. And most that do, have them only to maintain a neighborhood pool or something like that, and don't get into dictating house colors, decorations, etc.
... I can't imagine a condo or apt. at this stage of my life so thinking a smallish townhouse or house - affordable of course.
Everything I read about NC it seems that all but the most rural areas have HOA's? - Is that the case?
There are plenty of smaller houses in Wilmington itself which are not in HOA communities. Just check in your price range in zip codes 28411, 28405, 28409 or 28412.
However, a townhouse community will have probably have a few restrictions and be part of a condominium association.
Furthermore, many (or most) HOA's are not horror stories. Communities need a governing structure if there are any amenities such as a pool or tennis court, otherwise no-one would pay for them or maintain them.
I believe it is a state regulation/law that any development built after 1999 with 20 or more homes has to have a HOA or similar. So plenty of older neighborhoods don't have them and very small neighborhoods don't, but if you're looking for newer construction in a non-tiny neighborhood it will almost certainly have a HOA.
I believe it is a state regulation/law that any development built after 1999 with 20 or more homes has to have a HOA or similar. So plenty of older neighborhoods don't have them and very small neighborhoods don't, but if you're looking for newer construction in a non-tiny neighborhood it will almost certainly have a HOA.
That law only applies to "planned communities" (actually "common interest communities", ie developments that own common or shared amenities like a community center, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc). Also, that law is purely related to legal and financial regulation such as requiring a board of directors, financial statements, etc. As I mentionedd earlier, many such communities exist, but do not get into the regulation of appearance, decorations, etc.
I'm trying to figure out where to relocate since becoming widowed - I really don't want a HOA (I've read too many horror stories) - my plan was/is to take some trips and visit areas (I hate the idea of paying rent and moving twice as well but don't want to buy something and realize it's a mistake) - the whole idea is scary, between moving by myself (and I'm not a 20 something like I did for my last move) - not knowing anyone, etc. - I just don't like the idea of regulations as to colors, decoration, etc. (I really don't do outrageous things, but still...) - I can't imagine a condo or apt. at this stage of my life so thinking a smallish townhouse or house - affordable of course.
Everything I read about NC it seems that all but the most rural areas have HOA's? - Is that the case?
Do you lean more toward being in the city or close to a city? Would you consider some hing within a reasonable drive to a city? We are about half way between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, in an HOA community. I have yet to learn of any restriction in the HOA rules that is unreasonable. What restriction specifically would you find unreasonable and not able to live with?
I have yet to learn of any restriction in the HOA rules that is unreasonable. What restriction specifically would you find unreasonable and not able to live with?
Furthermore, the HOA community clubhouse and pool are a good way to meet people. If the OP moved to a place like Waterford of the Carolinas, she would find affordable villas and have plenty of clubs and activities as a way to meet people.
I don't really understand why people find it so offensive to have uniform mailboxes. It's not like the HOA runs the rest of your life. We also live in an HOA community, and think most of the rules are reasonable.
Do you lean more toward being in the city or close to a city? Would you consider some hing within a reasonable drive to a city? We are about half way between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, in an HOA community. I have yet to learn of any restriction in the HOA rules that is unreasonable. What restriction specifically would you find unreasonable and not able to live with?
Quote:
Originally Posted by goldenage1
Furthermore, the HOA community clubhouse and pool are a good way to meet people. If the OP moved to a place like Waterford of the Carolinas, she would find affordable villas and have plenty of clubs and activities as a way to meet people.
I don't really understand why people find it so offensive to have uniform mailboxes. It's not like the HOA runs the rest of your life. We also live in an HOA community, and think most of the rules are reasonable.
OP you made the right decision. You don't need perpetual liens on your property that can never be paid off. You don't need the litigation or threat of litigation or the threat of "fines", etc. You don't need to pay ever-increasing assessments under threat of foreclosure forever into the future either.
You don't need an HOA to meet people. You certainly don't need to have all the restrictions and liens on your house under the pretext that you might meet people at a clubhouse. You have the freedom to join (and leave) clubs or gyms - you don't want your home entangled with an HOA. If you don't like a club or gym you can leave or join a different one. No reason to have it tied in with home ownership.
In HOA-land you'll find there is inevitably a small group of people that thrive on conflict and having a platform to say "no" or to harm other people. The management companies and HOA attorneys actually do so for $$ profit. The vendors that run these HOAs have all sorts of schemes for separating you from your money. They can use the threat of foreclosure to extort whatever fees they demand from you.
These places are not "mini-democracies" - they are often gulags run by a select few in conjunction with vendors. Inevitably you'll wind up with "controllers" seeking ever more control over you and your property.
There's a great NC Supreme Court case that illustrates the push to impose HOAs to satisfy the desire of a few to control everyone else. In the case, an HOA attorney and select individuals attempted to impose an HOA over an entire subdivision. The homeowners threatened with this were forced to sue and appeal all the way to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Fortunately the Supreme Court rejected the legal arguments made by the HOA attorney and his supporters. The Armstrongs posted a website and a blog detailing their legal battle. Consider reading the Armstrong's story here: The Ledges of Hidden Hills
Now think how bad things can get when you start off with a house burdened by an HOA to begin with. Just say "no". There is no way to cure the fundamental flaws associated with HOA burdened housing. If you want a primer on HOAs and the various industry groups preying upon prospective purchasers as well as existing owners, you might be interested in reading this site: theHOAprimer
Good luck!
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