Declaration of Dependence - The Benefit of a Homeowner Association
As we search for the best master planned communities in the Southeast, we're always taken back when we stumble across homes on highly visible roads that remind us of the A&E television show ‘Hoarders’. This reality show features the compulsive behavior of people who have a hard time parting with personal belongings, items which could be considered junk. For those of us with tidy type A personalities, having a neighbor’s yard cluttered with junk is a nightmare. While some folks don’t care for the rules and regulations of master planned communities, buyers would be prudent to consider the protection homeowner association’s provide for the common good. Buyers should consider the worst case scenario's possible, when buying in rural areas.
According to the Community Associations Institute, approximately 25 million homes are governed by homeowners associations (HOA). The HOA provides a Board of Directors the enforcement power to maintain rules and regulations established by the majority of property owners such as exterior paint colors, boat/RV storage, noise, etc. A wise Board of Directors can improve living conditions in a neighborhood, making the quality of life even better. When comparing master planned communities, it is worth while to study the effectiveness, fiscal management and property owner satisfaction of an HOA before purchasing a home in a perspective community.
In the case of the home featured in our photo above, you would think the county and/or local municipality would demand this property owner clean up their mess. Who knows how long this residential property has been an outdoor junk yard. We caution city dwellers buying real estate in rural areas as your new next door neighbor might bring with them unpleasant surprises beyond junk car storage. What if your new neighbor has an affection for chickens, goats or a herd of barking dogs? Why chance it. Consider buying in a best master planned community or active retirement communities, whether a community is gated or not.
The benefits we see with successful HOA’s who understand interdependence:
DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE
Law of Interdependence - Property owners committing to living in harmony within the community, depending on each other for curb appeal and a friendly social connection.
Assurance of Conformity - Property owners conscious agreement to protect and preserve the natural beauty and man-made characteristics of the community.
Law of Fiscal Responsibility - Property owners proactively choosing a diligent Board of Director’s capable of managing the budget set forth by the property owners and avoiding unexpected special assessments, whenever possible.
Rights of Enforcement - Property owners dependence on the Homeowners Association (HOA) to take corrective action for the benefit of all property owners, when rules and regulations have been violated.
Could happy HOA board who’s behavior borderlines a dictatorship become a nuisance too? Absolutely. But which is the less of the two evils? From our research, we see plenty of happy master planned communities and active retirement communities in the Southeast who are managed well. Property owners are quick in telling us the good, the bad and the ugly about their communities. Before you buy a home, be sure to read what property owners are saying behind the scene. Property owner reviews are found on our website, at the bottom of the community's page.
