tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16483028.post4125409569548355859..comments2023-11-11T03:34:32.826-05:00Comments on HoCo Hayduke: Suburban overlords...Haydukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09770056537577811703noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16483028.post-20761765905070755532007-01-07T17:40:00.000-05:002007-01-07T17:40:00.000-05:00Don't really have a choice? Or do you mean don't ...Don't really have a choice? Or do you mean don't really have a choice because you want to buy a "new" house in a specific area?<br /><br />There's plenty of very nice homes in this area that don't have mandatory HOA covenants. Choices exist, no one's being forced.<br /><br />HOAs can't change rules unless their bylaws allow them to change rules and typically require approval by a quorum of the membership, not just the board. If you don't care for how rules are allowed to be changed in a partcular development, do your homework first and choose another neighborhood nearby.<br /><br />Yes, HOAs can be an expensive means to insure against a really bad neighbor here or there negatively impacting the neighborhood. I find those that tread lightly work best.<br /><br />Some people even take the drastic step of donating their time, participating on HOA boards to ensure dumb stuff doesn't occur.<br /><br />HOA controls do exist, too. The State of MD has a very nice handbook that details the state level controls already in place.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16483028.post-43008114625727322132006-12-21T07:51:00.000-05:002006-12-21T07:51:00.000-05:00The problem with HOAs is that you really don't hav...The problem with HOAs is that you really don't have a choice. Almost all new housing, with the the exception of infill, is in an HOA. If you want to buy a house, you are practically forced into one. People can read all they want, but they really have no choice.<br /><br />Also, HOAs will change rules, retroactiviely inforce rules not previously on the books, or improperly cite a resident who then has to pay to defend him/herself. I was sent a bill once for the HOA lawyer fees to determine if I had violated the rules (I hadn't and I didn't pay the bill either, after I fought it).<br /><br />HOAs have their place,as does covenants, but they really have to be controlled better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16483028.post-62478878424498614122006-12-21T02:38:00.000-05:002006-12-21T02:38:00.000-05:00Not that I agree, but here's the devil's advocate ...Not that I agree, but here's the devil's advocate position.<br /><br />Either:<br />a) buyers didn't read all the paperwork at settlement before signing<br />or<br />b) buyers did read all the paperwork, but figured they wouldn't actually be held to their word to adhere to the covenants signed and now want the community to live with their neon purple window shutters, 6-foot satellite dish, commode on the front lawn, etc.<br /><br />For truly outlandish restrictions, typically associations can and do vote to change them. And overzealous association boards are quite often voted out quickly, too. Covenants can be a good thing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16483028.post-46513128617366218362006-12-20T08:49:00.000-05:002006-12-20T08:49:00.000-05:00Does anyone recall back to a few years ago where t...Does anyone recall back to a few years ago where the villages had a "most beautiful yard" contest or something like that? Turns out all of the contenders were in violation of CA covenants. CA was kind enough to give homeowners time to rectify their violations before being cited. Ha!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16483028.post-50660635733333151282006-12-19T19:03:00.000-05:002006-12-19T19:03:00.000-05:00Overlord is often an accurate term. These assn's ...Overlord is often an accurate term. These assn's are too frequently filled with those who seek to 'lord over' their neighbors. <br /><br />In addition to unequal harassment, the covenants are nearly always filled with anti-environmental mandates. No clothes hanging, lawn mowed ever 3rd day, no tree planting (true, no kidding).<br /><br />I'd like a covenant that says if my neighbor can't smell, feel, or see what I'm doing, he/she shouldn't complain. One of my neighbors told me that other neighbors will watch and police everyone, and then complain about things that have no effect on them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com