Mandatory HOA’s — Nirvana, or nightmare?

KNIEPER REAL ESTATE

Pam Knieper, Broker/Owner of Knieper Real Estate, is and has been the #1 Top Producer for more than 15 years in Hood County and running. She is known as the Waterfront Expert and the Authority on Real Estate.

We’ve all heard them; Nightmare stories about HOA’s (Home Owner’s Associations) and the ridiculous abuse of power that can sometimes occur. 

I have heard stories about HOA’s using drones to make sure no one is growing vegetables in their backyards, or homeowners being fined for not bringing in their garbage cans within 15 minutes of pickup (hard to do if you work for a living). I read one story about a homeowner who was sued by his HOA after installing new windows, apparently the new frames were “the wrong shade of eggshell cream.” It’s stories like these that cause some buyers to shy away from HOA’s. 

No one wants to be told what they can or cannot do with their own home, it can feel invasive and controlling, but consider the alternative … the horror Stories from owners in poorly managed HOA’s or outside of an HOA with no recourse beyond hiring an attorney when things go wrong.  Even if you live in a community with deed restrictions prohibiting things like old cars on blocks or knee-high weeds and grass, without an HOA to enforce the restrictions your remedies are at law, in a courtroom. Failure to enforce deed restrictions affects not only the quality of life in an area but can negatively impact property values.

HOA’s  began in the 1960’s as a direct result of the federal government’s push for more residential developments.  People were rapidly leaving the cities, choosing instead to live in the suburbs. Developers soon figured out that shared, common recreational space allowed for smaller personal lot sizes, allowing more homes to be built to meet the growing demand. Associations would be appointed to manage these developments and function as type of local government managing things which were previously taken care of by municipal workers, and the HOA was born.

Along with these amenities, like pools, playgrounds, green spaces, golf courses, and security gates came the cost of maintenance.  Hence, mandatory assessments. Unlike membership in a private club, assessments are tied to property ownership, and can vary from less than a $100 a year to several hundred dollars per month. 

Choosing to buy a home in a mandatory HOA or not is a very personal decision. No matter what you decide it will never be absolutely perfect.  Whether it’s a mildly irritating rule that, while inconvenient, was clearly designed to protect property values, or a major conflict with a neighbor over the goats in their backyard, life happens.   

So how do you choose? First and foremost, know what is important to you. Second, ask questions. And finally, work with a LOCAL REALTOR® who is familiar with the HOA’s in our area.  Someone who knows what the amenities, restrictions, and fees are.  A good REALTOR® should never let their client fall in love with a property only to later discover the transfer fees or monthly assessments exceed their budget, or that the Deed Restrictions won’t allow them to park their boat or RV in the driveway.

I live in an HOA (Bentwater), and I love it.  However, I recognize it may not be the right choice for everyone, so if you have questions about HOA’s give us a call at 817-219-0456 or visit us online at www.WeSellGranbury.com.  We love talking about Real Estate and we would love to talk to you.

pamK@knieperteam.com | 817-219-0456

Mandatory HOA’s — Nirvana, or nightmare?

Pam Knieper, Broker/Owner of Knieper Real Estate, is and has been the #1 Top Producer for more than 15 years in Hood County and running. She is known as the Waterfront Expert and the Authority on Real Estate.

We’ve all heard them; Nightmare stories about HOA’s (Home Owner’s Associations) and the ridiculous abuse of power that can sometimes occur. 

I have heard stories about HOA’s using drones to make sure no one is growing vegetables in their backyards, or homeowners being fined for not bringing in their garbage cans within 15 minutes of pickup (hard to do if you work for a living). I read one story about a homeowner who was sued by his HOA after installing new windows, apparently the new frames were “the wrong shade of eggshell cream.” It’s stories like these that cause some buyers to shy away from HOA’s. 

No one wants to be told what they can or cannot do with their own home, it can feel invasive and controlling, but consider the alternative … the horror Stories from owners in poorly managed HOA’s or outside of an HOA with no recourse beyond hiring an attorney when things go wrong.  Even if you live in a community with deed restrictions prohibiting things like old cars on blocks or knee-high weeds and grass, without an HOA to enforce the restrictions your remedies are at law, in a courtroom. Failure to enforce deed restrictions affects not only the quality of life in an area but can negatively impact property values.

HOA’s  began in the 1960’s as a direct result of the federal government’s push for more residential developments.  People were rapidly leaving the cities, choosing instead to live in the suburbs. Developers soon figured out that shared, common recreational space allowed for smaller personal lot sizes, allowing more homes to be built to meet the growing demand. Associations would be appointed to manage these developments and function as type of local government managing things which were previously taken care of by municipal workers, and the HOA was born.

Along with these amenities, like pools, playgrounds, green spaces, golf courses, and security gates came the cost of maintenance.  Hence, mandatory assessments. Unlike membership in a private club, assessments are tied to property ownership, and can vary from less than a $100 a year to several hundred dollars per month. 

Choosing to buy a home in a mandatory HOA or not is a very personal decision. No matter what you decide it will never be absolutely perfect.  Whether it’s a mildly irritating rule that, while inconvenient, was clearly designed to protect property values, or a major conflict with a neighbor over the goats in their backyard, life happens.   

So how do you choose? First and foremost, know what is important to you. Second, ask questions. And finally, work with a LOCAL REALTOR® who is familiar with the HOA’s in our area.  Someone who knows what the amenities, restrictions, and fees are.  A good REALTOR® should never let their client fall in love with a property only to later discover the transfer fees or monthly assessments exceed their budget, or that the Deed Restrictions won’t allow them to park their boat or RV in the driveway.

I live in an HOA (Bentwater), and I love it.  However, I recognize it may not be the right choice for everyone, so if you have questions about HOA’s give us a call at 817-219-0456 or visit us online at www.WeSellGranbury.com.  We love talking about Real Estate and we would love to talk to you.

pamK@knieperteam.com | 817-219-0456