You’re thinking about moving here and you hear all the horror stories about Home Owner Associations.  But are they true?  Your friends and colleagues tell you that they aren’t worth the money they pay each month or year.  How often have you heard, "I never use the pool, clubhouse, tennis courts or walking trails." "I just don’t see the value." "I have a neighbor that never cuts their grass or they painted their house an awful color."

Where I came from on Long Island we never had an association but we had a private swim club/recreation area.  Not everyone joined and the swim club eventually fell into disarray.  People did whatever they wanted to their home’s exterior and just didn’t understand the importance of having covenants and restrictions.  What my neighbors did eventually affected property values.

Most "HOA’s" serve a great purpose.  They protect our values by enforcing the covenants & restrictions but are not dictatorial.  As a body, "HOA’s" can get things accomplished that could benefit the community and surrounding homeowners.  I’ve lived in communities where HOA’s were able to have speed limits lowered, traffic studies done and protected our values when a home owner decides to rent their home and the tenant doesn’t keep the home up. They work to bring us together in a very positive social atmosphere.  They organize events from parties for the children, Poker night for the guys and gals, tennis and golf clinics and even swim teams that compete with other communities.

The larger my investment, the better I want the Home Owner Association to be.  They represent each and everyone of us.  Warren Buffett once said, "Price is what you pay.  Value is what you get."

So I ask you, Home Owner association Friend or Foe?

Let me hear from you!