Many first-time Buyers don't know much about HOAs (Home Owners Associations). Repeat Buyers often have strong opinions based on their previous experience with a past HOA. Trouble is, every HOA is a little different. Some are stronger than others, some barely exist. Some police the neighborhood for anything that may be against their rules and/or harm property values (liked dilapidated fences or houses painted purple or blue), some just maintain common areas (like community fences, entrance signs/landscaping or a pool). Ultimately, an HOA is usually run by the Home Owners and for the Home Owners with operating funds provided by the Home Owners. Many communities have their HOA administered by a management company (like CMA manages Lost Creek Ranch: http://www.cmamanagement.com/) but the board is still generally run by Home Owners. The board doesn't usually make a lot of policy, they just follow the rules that were in place when they took office. It's up to the community's Home Owners as a whole to make/change the rules and regulations. The purpose of an HOA is generally to maintain a nice community. The real issue is the question: What is a nice community? Most HOAs tend to want uniformity if they are enforcing rules about property and home improvements. Many times, these rules can be traced back the the developer of the community (as is the case with Lost Creek Ranch in Allen, TX). Developers know that a bright blue house or dilapidated fence, in a neighborhood full of more traditional colored homes (shades of brown, beige, etc.) with nice fences, traditionally brings the property values down around it. Many people want uniformity, that's why they are looking in a neighborhood with similar homes and an HOA. Those looking for something more "exotic" or out of the ordinary (like a purple home with a huge collection of yard gnomes) can often find such a home in less traditional neighborhoods with no HOA (keeping in mind that there may be city codes/ordinances that even an area with no HOA must adhere to). Ultimately, even the most strict and authoritative HOAs are generally just trying to keep property values up for all residents. Seldom are they "out to get" anyone in particular. Remember, any changes to your home or property may have an impact on your neighbors. So, where do your rights end and theirs begin? Shouldn't you be able to do whatever you want on your property (you own it, after all)? Not if you're in a neighborhood with an HOA. When you purchased your home, you probably signed an HOA rider or document that said that you agreed to adhere to their rules and regulations. I know that there were a lot of documents at closing, but your real estate agent should have made you aware of this (well before closing actually). The street goes both ways though: when you are thinking about selling your home, your neighbor's yard/home will have a direct impact on how your home shows/sells. Wouldn't it be nice to have an HOA help encourage your neighbor that the Christmas lights need to come down now that it's February (and PLEASE mow that yard for goodness sake)! Personally, I'm a fan of HOAs... I've been out with Buyers when they've said "We love this home, we just don't love the next door neighbor's yard/fence/etc." I've seen unkempt yards/homes cost a nearby Seller thousands of dollars (and bring neighborhoods down as a whole). However, this is the U.S. of A. and, if you don't like HOAs, you have rights! If you feel oppressed by an HOA, you could see if their is neighborhood support for disbanding the HOA, changing the leadership, or even move out of said neighborhood. The best plan for these people though is to never to buy a home in a neighborhood with an HOA. There are plenty out there without HOAs and the associated rules and regulations... just watch out for your neighbors, there won't be anybody to help (unless it's against city code) when they bring out their new collection of pink flamingos.

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com