Sometimes they are loved, sometimes despised, yet homeowners associations are a fact of life in the Triangle where most new subdivisions are requiring them. A homeowners association is created by the property developer and given the governance responsibility to enforce the covenants, conditions, and restrictions of managing the common interests of the single-family homes, condominiums or cooperative apartments that comprise the development.

Here’s what some folks in the blogosphere have to say about homeowner’s associations in the Triangle in reaction to the latest news story about a Wake Forrest Home Owners Association that said despite the current drought, homeowners would be forced to keep a green law or be in violation of the HOA.

The letter gave an October deadline to meet the HOA standards. Violators would be subject to fines or “self-help” — a landscape company would fix the violations; the homeowner would get the bill.

No thanks. I’ll take the hot sauce wrappers, Blues Festival “noise”, and varying shades of yellow, green, and brown that dot the Walltown landscape. Read More

Even though I shouldn’t be by now, I’m shocked to hear how much control HOAs have over people’s lives. Read More

This is exactly the reason I will live in a cardboard box under a railroad bridge before I live in a place that has an HOA. Read More

Not all homeowners associations are created equally. While homeowners associations seem to work well for most residents, you may want to inquire about the role and performance of the specific homeowners association in the development you are considering. And since such organizations depend upon the interest and participation of its members, you may want to volunteer to serve.

There are benefits to being part of a homeowners association as well as criticisms.

Most homeowners appreciate the proper management and upkeep of common amenities, like landscaping, clubhouses, tennis courts, walking trails and the like. Criticisms levied at these associations include a belief that they are undemocratic, lack a clear system of checks and balances, and that they amount to double taxation because residents must pay association assessments as well as property taxes.

Share Your Opinion!

What do you think of HOA’s? Do you prefer a community with a Home Owner’s Association, or one without? Have you had any positive or negative personal experiences with an HOA?

Tags: What really burns me! //