What about home owners' associations?

[Sonoran Silkies]

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I take umbrage at your comments about board members. I have been an HOA board member for 5 years and have known many HOA board members, not only on my board but also those of other HOAs. Absolutely NONE of them fit your characterization. Yes, it is possible that someone with that personality could run for the board, but chances are that if that is the personality, h/shee won't survive office for a 2nd term. At least in Arizona, the HOA already has a lien on the house--whether you pay assessments or fines on time or late.

 

[heatherindeskies]

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it is just my OPINION, but i fear if you go by the rules and ASK, someone will have a fit and find a reason to deny them. I think a alot of people on those boards like controlling others and being very nosy versus a genuine concern for the neighbors. I would hide them and ask forgiveness down the road. and be nice to the nearest neighbors in the meantime!
don't give the control freaks ammunition!!!!!!

 

[desertdarlene]

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I agree and when I have looked at future homes in the past, I tried to avoid those with HOAs. I've lived in apartments my whole adult life and part of my teenage years and had to deal with all the restrictions there. I figured that if I paid for a home with my good money, then I should be able to do "normal" legal things like wash my car, keep a cat, hang the flag, etc.

 

[Marshmallow Man]

Quote:
I take umbrage at your comments about board members. I have been an HOA board member for 5 years and have known many HOA board members, not only on my board but also those of other HOAs. Absolutely NONE of them fit your characterization. Yes, it is possible that someone with that personality could run for the board, but chances are that if that is the personality, h/shee won't survive office for a 2nd term. At least in Arizona, the HOA already has a lien on the house--whether you pay assessments or fines on time or late.

Sorry. Nazi is probably too strong of a term. Like I said I see the purpose of HOA's. If you like a neighborhood where all the houses are all earth tones or similar shades that don't stand out and where everybody has to conform to certain standards then a covenant controlled community is good. They also help keep values up which is good. I just prefer to be able to decide what to do with my property vs what the original builders that designed the covenants decide. Sorry if you were offended.