Open Discussion: HOA

How many of you out there have an HOA? Are you happy with it or would you rather do without? While the idea of an HOA sounds great on paper, the actual interference of an HOA may be less than pleasant. I will admit that I enjoy certain benefits of having an HOA. I enjoy the pool (and its maintenance), I appreciate the uniform privacy fence (a lot nicer looking when houses are so close together), and I am thankful for the cheaper trash and recycling service. On the flip side, I do not enjoy having someone critiquing every little move I make. Our HOA requires documentation and approval for any changes made on our property. Whether it is something as big as installing a fence or something as small as adding a small bush, the HOA wants to know. One of our neighbors has been cited several times for not filing paperwork on his patio. A patio that the previous owner installed without approval. The HOA doesn’t care that the patio was there when he bought the house. Another neighbor got cited for planting a new flower bed in their front yard. They actually made her walk around to all her neighbors and asked if they approved of her new flowers! If one of us had not signed the paperwork, she would have had to rip out her flowers. What are your feelings on Home Owner Association’s? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!