Homeowner Associations– Good or Bad...and rarely voluntary!
While reading an article this morning about how the West Melbourne Homeowners Group Shuts Out Scouts Food Drive my thoughts went in several directions.
As a real estate agent I thought what a bad publicity step for the Hammocks Lakes East and Hammock Lakes West association. Of course, as an association, it is their decision to enforce the no soliciting restriction as firm as they desire.
Then I thought about how many buyers I have worked with through the years who required an HOA and the few who would not look at any home if there was an HOA. The views on each side of this coin can be pretty firm!
If one is buying in a new/newer development, especially in places like Viera, Suntree, Bayside Lakes in Palm Bay, Sunset Lakes in Merritt Island, Augusta Trace in Rockledge, etc. – expect an association.
And, as someone told me, associations exist to enforce conformity - appearance, landscape, if you can rent, facilities use, vehicles allowed, pets allowed, etc.
Here are a few articles I have written over the past several years about HOAs.
Homeowner Associations – You can’t Choose Your Family But You Can Choose Your HOA!
Deed Restrictions, Homeowner Associations and the like... Help or Obstacle?
"You ain't the boss of me!" To live with homeowner associations and deed restrictions or not?
Gary L. Waters PLLC, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region.
Read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information.
Good Evening Gary
Thanks for the post and additional information links on HOAs. As indicated HOAs can have a very positive and negative influence on protecting member rights. Have a great day.
Patrick - Thanks. Good or bad...much like most things in life.
Gary, This is a bit surprising to me. You said it, "And, as someone told me, associations exist to enforce conformity - appearance, landscape, if you can rent, facilities use, vehicles allowed, pets allowed, etc." A HOA shutting down the Boy Scouts? I think there's going to be some backlash coming out of this story.
Sandy - I think so as well. I toned down my initial post. My son is an Eagle Scout. I have a great deal of respect for the organization.
Not only do you have to take them or leave them, but it's worthwhile to read through the CCRs before closing escrow so that you really understand them. My farm has 39 condominium communities, so it's also worthwhile for me to have copies of the CCRs (I do) and be at least somewhat familiar with their indiosyncratic requirements, such as no flower pots visible from the front thoroughfares, nothing but white window coverings, no pets over 25 pounds, etc.
All of our condo communities have prohibitions against all soliciting. Doesn't matter how worthwhile one thinks the soliciting organization is because who gets to decide which organizations are worthwhile. There are many people who don't care for the Boy Scouts because of their discriminatory policies as a private organization. They are having lots of problems here in San Diego and California because of those policies.
Gary, good and bad of living in a Homeowner Associations it depend on the buyer's "need" e.g. maintenance free living. We have many 2nd/vacation homes that require care when owners are gone for the summer.
Jim - Very true.
Kwee - Need is the key word in your comment. Thanks!
Hope you have lots of fun and food with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!