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Is Your Home and Community Right for You?

Guy thinking on couch

I have been managing associations for a long time, working with many different communities, each with its own unique culture, dynamics, amenities, services, and rules. Over the years, I've managed about 70 communities, and some universal truths about associations have emerged, beyond the legal and business aspects.

There are always a few owners who are highly engaged: they volunteer for the board and committees, attend every meeting, pick up trash, get to know their neighbors, host social events, and are otherwise fully involved in their community. The majority of owners, however, prefer to be left alone. They pay their assessments, follow the rules, and otherwise remain disengaged from the association.

Inevitably, there's always at least one owner who is perpetually dissatisfied. No matter what the board or my office does to address their concerns, they always find something to complain about. Some owners seem surprised to discover they are part of an association, using ignorance as an excuse to avoid following the rules or paying assessments. "But my realtor said or didn’t say" is not a valid argument.

Additionally, there are always a few owners who report every infraction they see, and sometimes one who spreads misinformation or partial information. Then there are those who react poorly when asked to perform maintenance or make a request that is denied. Instead of addressing the issue or trying to find compromise on their request, they call our office to scream at us, send nasty emails, embark on a mission to report other homes they believe are in violation, complain about the common areas, and make unsubstantiated accusations against the board or the association managers. They do everything except correct the issue.

Occasionally, some owners attempt to start campaigns to dissolve the association. One owner recently talked about "defunding the HOA." The process of dissolving an association is generally difficult, and most associations are tasked with maintaining critical infrastructure like roads and stormwater systems. Who will take care of these things if the HOA no longer exists? When roads start crumbling and no one wants to pay for maintenance because there are no longer covenants mandating it, what do you think happens to the value of your home? When your neighbor plasters their house with political signs and stops mowing their lawn, how does that look to potential buyers of your home?

Like them or not, associations have become a necessary part of the housing landscape, with predictions that 85% of all new homes in the coming years will be in an association. However, they are not the only option, and prospective homebuyers should consider several factors before purchasing a home.

First, determine if the home you are considering purchasing is in a situation you can live with. Some people love living in attached homes, like condos and townhomes, because of lower maintenance needs, less space, and proximity to urban areas. But consider how joined walls might affect your privacy, if noise carries through, and whether you like someone else doing your landscaping.

 Others prefer single-family homes for more space to garden, have a larger yard, etc. However, more space means more maintenance. Do you have the time to mow every weekend for 4-7 months a year, keep the gardens weed-free, and maintain clean siding? Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire contractors, the maintenance requirements need to be considered.

If it is being purchased as an investment, do you have vendors lined up to perform regular maintenance or will you have a local property management company maintain it? Will you be able to go by the house occasionally and check on the condition yourself? Will you or your property manager make sure your tenants know the covenants and what they are responsible for in the home?

Next, assess the neighborhood. Drive through it at different times on various days over a week or two. Are there 30 children playing outside on Saturdays, and you dislike the noise? Do you notice a lot of dog walkers, and you're afraid of dogs? Maybe some houses have non-traditional door colors like periwinkle and aquamarine, and you prefer primary colors. Are there frequent cookouts with music and guests on weekends, while you value solitude and quiet? If any of these factors bother you, this community might not be a good fit. It's essential to understand the community and accept that you probably won't be able to change it.

If you decide to proceed, thoroughly read your disclosure package. What are the community rules, and can you live with them? If each home is assigned two parking spaces and you have four cars, don't assume the association will allow you to park the extra cars on the property. In fact, assume they will not. You may need to pay for storage. If the rules state your house must be well maintained, be prepared to keep up with the exterior maintenance. If quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM, but you like to rev your motorcycle at 6 AM, that will be a violation.

Is the community financially stable and saving adequately for maintenance and replacement of assets? Can you afford for assessments to increase with inflation annually? Will you participate in community activities and attend meetings to stay informed? Would you serve on the board or a committee if needed? Understanding the financial situation and asking these questions about your willingness to participate will help you make an informed decision.

Finally, if you've bought a home in a neighborhood that isn't a good fit for you for

whatever reason, find a way to make peace with it or make a plan to move. It may sound blunt, but life is short, and we all deserve to be happy. If living in your home and community makes you unhappy to the point of frequently yelling at those involved in your community, complaining on social media daily, or planning the HOA's demise, you aren't thriving or living your best life. Spend that energy figuring out what you need to be happy, whether it's moving to a 15 acre lot in the middle of nowhere where you only see people when you buy groceries, moving into a 55+ community with lots of restrictions and manicured lawns, or downsizing to a townhome or condo because you hate yard work. Don't take your unhappiness out on others or make it someone else's burden.

If you believe your association isn't doing the right things, step up and run for the board. If other owners agree with you, you'll be elected. If not, volunteer for a committee or get to know your neighbors and learn their likes and dislikes. Start a food drive, invite the Red Cross to host a blood donation in your driveway, or host a summer potluck picnic. It's hard for anyone to take your complaints seriously if you don't participate in constructive activities.

Remember, you signed up for this. By purchasing your house, you essentially contracted with all the other owners to abide by the covenants, pay your assessments, and live peacefully. You never know what someone else is going through, and your interactions can significantly impact them. Everyone deserves a calm and constructive conversation, no matter how upset you may be. So be a good neighbor, tip your waitresses, call someone you love, and always be nice.

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