Laura may be writing about Melbourne, Florida real estate purchases, but her words hold true for many neighborhoods here in the communities of Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and Vail, AZ. Know your HOA Rules! Read the CCR's! Read the Rules and Regs!
Another missed point is city code. If you don't weed alongside your walls and it's a public pathway -- it's likely some one will turn you in!
Talk to an experienced real estate agent to find out more about buying a home in an HOA neighborhood, or what to expect if you DON'T purchase a home with neighborhood "restrictions." It's good information to know - before you buy!
Understand Your HOA Rules Before You Buy
When purchasing a home in a neighborhood with a homeowner's association (HOA), it is important to read and understand its rules, regulations, and by-laws before you sign a contract. As your real estate agent in Melbourne, Florida, I can provide you with these important documents which outline the rules that all residents commit to live by when they purchase a home in a particular neighborhood.
Some people only consider the amount of the HOA fees and what the fee covers when buying a home, but it is also important to remember that HOA rules will also impact everyday life.
For example, I recently attended a homeowner's association meeting where the main topic of discussion focused on the exterior color of homes. The HOA rules state that homeowners must have the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approve the exterior color of the home before it is painted to ensure it will be in harmony with the surrounding homes.
It seems one homeowner paid a great deal of money to have her home painted but did not get ARC approval in advance. Unfortunately, the HOA received complaints about the new paint color. The HOA had to decide how to resolve the issue. The HOA could force the homeowner to repaint her home. If the homeowner refused, the HOA could fine the homeowner and place a lien on the house. Not wanting to be so heavy-handed and incur the expenses that go along with legal action, the HOA was looking for another option.
The homeowner cautioned the HOA not to choose a specific palate of colors, because as times change, so do people's opinions about what is aesthetically pleasing. Everyone wants to upgrade their home to reflect modern trends, but doing so may not be in harmony with homes that were built 30 years ago.
Each side had valid concerns, but the entire issue could have been avoided if the rules established by the HOA had been followed from the beginning.The most surprising revelation was that many residents claimed they never received a set of HOA documents stating the rules when they purchased their home.
The lesson here is that you should always obtain and read a copy of the HOA documents before you sign the contact to purchase a home. Once you own the home, you are bound to live by the rules of the association regardless of whether you received them or not.
If you are looking for a real estate agent in Melbourne, Florida who is thorough in handling every aspect of the transaction, Contact Laura Forman - Realtor, CDPE (321) 917-2162
If I can assist you in your home buying or selling in Marana, Tucson, Oro Valley, or Vail, please don't hesitate to call me! Email at swdeserthomes@aol.com
Cara Marcelle Mancuso, Long Realty, (520)909-2988
Regarding the material posted in my blog postings, these are my personal opinions and not those of Long Realty Company
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HOA rules are so important and it is amazing how few people really read these rules. Great blog.
I agree that HOA rules are very impostant. Here in CT we typically go to contract and then have a 5 day opportunity to review these rules and backout if needed. If someone is concerned about some specific rules of course I will find out in advance of going to contract like pet restrictions, parking restrictions, or gardening.
Cara, great re-blog. I already stopped by to tell Laura I appreciated her original and I'm sorry I missed it. I think we can all agree that the values of the homes are helped immensely by ALL neighbors maintaining the exterior appearance of their homes.
Cara: Exactly right, and a lot of buyers don't consider the impact of restrictions on their lives. This was a good re-post, as the information applies everywhere. Thanks!
BTW, if you don't mind me saying, this blog is FULL of good info and photos! I enjoy reading it, and home buyers and sellers in your area would be very smart to check it out and then give you a call. You'd be my agent of choice if I was in the SW Desert!