The use of a Home Owners Association by Tony Green

Image of townhomes

My homeowner’s dues went up again last month. Why? In my case, my fees have increased 100 dollars in the eight years since I purchased the home I currently live in. My question is, “what is the point?” It seems single unit homes are maintained in decent condition without working with Home Owners Associations.

Without doubt, I will concur the streets within the complex receive fresh paving and the grass is cut on occasion but in the case of an regular home the street department are taking care of that from the taxes we already pay.

I recall an issue with the color of the paint on my house. The person we bought the house from had installed a wire to run a phone line to the bedroom. (Do not ask me why this was not done when the home was originally built almost 40 years ago). It seemed they drilled a hole through the wall from the terminal in next to the storage area. In any case, I received a complaint from management because the wire was mismatched to the color of the house. In the end, I had find the exact color of paint at Home Depot and bought a one quart can to paint over around four inches of wire. 

I recall another instance where my wife was attempting to organize a garage sale. Later I received a letter we had not been granted permission from the homeowners Association in order to conduct a garage sale. Why is it I need to ask person to put on a garage sale on a property I purchased? Isn’t that one of the good things about being a homeowner?

Finally, I reviewed the financial statements sent by the managements of the Home Owners Association and even with after noting how methodical the details are laid out of how every penny has been sent and how the budgets are determined I still wonder, “Where is all of my hard earned money going?” 

If you manage a HOA and can tell me I would be very happy to hear what your feelings are on the matter.