KellyJ's Blog

Ours is absolutely awful. They selectively enforce as they see fit. I will NEVER EVER buy in a neighborhood with ANY KIND of HOA again in my life.

and personally I truly think they are a waste as they don't benefit the community NO ONE absolutely no one should BE ORDERED WHAT COLOR PAINT TO PAINT THEIR HOMES.........and this is something THAT THEY ARE NOT TELLING BUYERS EITHER.....they make the HOA appears as heaven sent organization for the sake of keeping the community CLEAN...........BUNCH OF LOSERS AND BUNCH OF BS.........

Yeah, I won't be signing anything which take away my rights on my property. I'll paint my house what ever color I want, and you can't tell me, I can't hang my clothes on a line in my own yard. Among other assinying rules the HOAs have. I do understand why some sign into these things. They want to have their yards all look the same. It's good for them.

once for parking what they said was a work vehicle in my drive way (it my husbands work truck but it does not have commercial tags nor any ad on it and is covered under personal insurance), once for a dead lawn that was the result of a bad lawn care company and once for planting plants they didn't like. All three times I told them the same thing...SUE ME and I WILL bankrupt this HOA then sell! See bottom line, if they sue EVERY MEMEBER in the community is responsible for the bills they incur and they know that chances are they won't win so they are going to have more problems pursuing it than if they just back off. Your not powerless as a homeowner you just have to make sure the power stays where it belong, with those that paid for their house and pay their taxes and NOT with a small group of people on an power trip.

I will say this I continue to help neighbors so this year not too many letters or harrassments of any type....like Tallen mentioned they know about the suing procedure is a no win situation......so there's hope.

Candy ~ no one was pointing at you. This is a large problem that affect thousands here in Florida and I would venture a guess that at least 75% of them NEVER read the by-laws just signed them. As for your by-laws and painting, I would suggest that you double check them to see if there is a stipulation that requires you to paint within a certain color scheme. I know here it states they have to be withing "neutral earth tones". That is a pretty broad choice of colors when you really think about it. As for your landscaping...well if your by-law dictate it has to be "professionals" and the HOA is using community volunteers then I would challeng that, but be aware that it could end up costing everyone a raise in dues. Is it possible that the HOA is trying to "save" money by using these volunteers. I know ours pays in excess of $9000.00 a year for the company they use and all they do is mow 4 little circles in the cul-de-sacs. That to me is criminal, but we don't have any volunteers that will do it for free so our dues are crazy and they go up every year. This year it was $850.00.

It takes educating the community and a willingness to stand your ground. Like I said the power needs to stay with those that paid for their homes and not the idiots running rough-shod over them.

Not too many people know exactly what an HOA does, and this information may be helpful to some experiencing problems. Unfortunately, when one buys a home agreeing to the HOA rules, it's very difficult to break or change them. Because the HOA lawyers have a contract signed by the buyers that they agree to all of the conditions before moving in. Because sometimes, buyers don't read the small print, these contracts, such as one buying a home, should also be reviewed by the buyer's lawyer's as well before purchase of the house. Then to keep from any changes occuring, one will have to go to every meeting to oppose what changes are wanting to be made in order to show proof to your lawyer that a disagreement took place. But because the buyer signs a binding contract, unfortunately, 9 out of 10 times, they loose.

(Quote):

Most HOAs are corporations established under the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. An HOA is similar to other corporations -- it is governed by a board of directors elected by the members and a set of rules called by-laws. Books and records of financial transactions must be kept, taxes paid, and certain services provided to members. Usually the board has an annual budget prepared to estimate expenses, and then assesses each member a share of the costs.

HOAs vary greatly in the services which they provide. The developer establishes the scope of the association initially by setting out the services and expenses in the association's budget. The declaration provides the means by which the association can enforce the members' obligations and the by-laws set f

Wow..Tallen maybe this is something we can work together........really. As you are aware many are affected and many were very unclear. In my situation, I was just told how nice it was to have one..it maintains the community nice and yes...what I said is true and what you said is also true..that's why I am taking my time and fully have everything in writing. Because I was a member I also have 2 years worth of back and forth and there's clear negligence as per the attorneys, I guess right now in my life I am going through a lot with my ailing husband and everything else..but as soon as everything settles I will not deterred from this project..Personally, I don't thing you nor me nor anyone living in a subdivision needs to be told WHEN TO MAWN your lawn...ya think??? It is abusive; someone is making big bucks and I have not doubt some embezzling is in order.......which of course, hard evidence will be needed. For the most part, I think I have enough to go on..and maybe that's why they don't bother me anymore. I can tell you this..we have a small sub..I fought for two years and questioned why we were paying a landscaper 3,000 a month......conveniently its been changed but I have notice is the same person under different business name and his fees are back up..THANKS YOU THOUGH..HEARING THAT FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS LIVED HERE..I MUST ASK THIS IS A PROJECT THAT NEEDS BIG TIME addressing and we need people.....maybe in some near future this is something WE CAN MAKE HAPPEN for ourselves and our communities......

Even though it's a NY State Page, it can still direct you to the State's page of information needed. The information is excellent.

LOL.....YBSROBIN in your quote:

The primary purpose of the association is to protect and preserve the value of the privately and commonly used property. In furtherance of that goal there may be restrictions concerning pets; requirements as to fence height; or limitations on the number of cars allowed in the driveways. These rules often conflict with the desires of an individual owner but exist for the general good of the entire community. In addition, the association may have the responsibility to repair and maintain portions of the community, such as roads, roofs, and recreation facilities.

YEP THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT...until I myself was a member and saw it was a different ball game. For the most part, THEY JUST DON'T CARE...just collect the money and make people miserable. I have witnessed it first hand and also documented it...which that's another thing. The Minutes were supposed to be documented as public records and the last time I checked many were not in there...just an example...