Homeowner Association Fees?

before you rent,make sure you read the details of this HOA so no "surprises" come up.

Most HOA's are good,but some of them have some hidden agendas.

HOA's were originally created to protect the value of the neighborhood property while the subdivision is being built. The contractor could force anyone buying a house to maintain it in show case standards so the unsold new homes will bring top dollar. The problem is what you found. After the HOA is turned over to the local citizens, a group of nosy cranks are in charge and can make everyones life a hell. HOA's Covenants also limit the number of potential buyers you will have when you go to sell. Anyone that has dealt with an HOA won't consider buying a home with HOA covenants. If you don't pay HoA fees, they can file a lien against your home for the fees and get the money when you sell your home, or in some states, they can sue, obtain a lien against your home and force a sheriff's auction to collect on the lien. You loose your home. Now you know why I have never, and never will, purchase a home with HOA covenants.

Previous answer had a good point. For instance, we bought a house that was first phase of four phase construction. The developer maintained the president of HOA role until construction was complete. To protect the image of his development, he didn't allow dog houses, clothes lines, certain lawn ornaments, and so on. Some homeowners decided to have dog runs and houses anyway. The case went to civic court. Guess who pays the legal costs...the HOA.

In addition to handling the community maintenance issues like playgrounds, picnic facilities, and pools, the HOA will also represent the community to the municipality. It is the HOA that should speak for the community if there are issues with snow or trash removal or clean culverts.

You really need to read the bylaws. There is no standard set of laws. They may mow, or they may pay someone to check weekly that YOU mowed. The same goes for the snow. They may simply verify that rules are followed and take action if they are not.

I really hate HOA's. They literally have the power to foreclose on your property if you do not follow their rules, which can be amazingly strict and long.

I only lived in one house that had them. They had a very strict list of allowable trees you could plant. Although I never wanted a disallowed tree I took issue with the reasoning for the "bad trees". Someone deemed them "ugly" and therefore unallowed. Personal opinions should not have come into play, but they do.

You will need to see the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions in order to know what the HOA fees cover. There is no set obligation of any HOA, so it varies all over the board.

In Colorado, you have the right to inspect these documents before you close on the sale, and if you don't like what's in there, in your subjective discretion, you can cancel out of the contract with no penalties.

Just have your Realtor get these for you, check them out, and then decide from there.

Best of luck!

Each HOA covers different services. In my neighborhood, we are responsible for removing snow off the side walks and for mowing our own yards.

Where my girlfriend lives, they don't have to do any of that - the HOA covers it. Of course, she also pays more than double per year in HOA fees.

Get a copy of the HOA rules and review them.

In maryland, you have 5 days to review the documents. If your state doesn't have this, make the contract contingent on reviewing the HOA docs.

Each HOA has different rules. In one community in MD, you can't park a pick up traffic (anytype) overnight.

They cover the maintenance and upkeep of building exteriors and all common areas - grounds, private streets, parking lots, garbage collection, etc.

Make sure you read the complete HOA rules and regulations before you commit to buy.

basically all maintenance issues