I don't get it, why buy a house in an hoa?

[motorep]

HOA's? We just bought another house in Pine, unincorporated Jeffco. I told our realtor that I wouldn't even look at anything with an HOA, regardless of the price or location. She took us to King's Valley- BIG sign " no outdoor use of water" enforced by whatever HOA. So.. you can't wash your car, or water your garden, etc..? Bite me. She got the message. You can pretty well tell if you're moving in next to the Clampetts...
I've lived in the mountains for 23 years, always felt that if someone could afford to live in the same place, that's good enough for me. Live in an HOA-controlled neighborhood? I'd rather stick needles in my
eyes.

[JoeT]

You can pretty well tell if you're moving in next to the Clampetts...

as long as the Clampetts don't move in after you. People move all the time (we've lived in 4 states in 6 years)

[R&S]

Something about being on the HOA board changes people, it's a power trip. They were given the power and they are going to use as much as they can. Several of us got tired of the crap and we elected those (like us) that used (un)common sense. Now it's not so bad. However, my wife is now sick of the crap and wants to move where we have some acrage (a clear shot 500 yards in any direction).

HOAs are more powerful than the IRS. If you get sideways with the IRS and they come for your house to sell it for whatever reason, they are second in line to any $$$ you owe the HOA. Bet some of you didn't know that.

I had 3 trees in the front of my house when I bought it, one died. They (HOA) sent me a letter informing me that in case I didn't notice, one of my trees in the front of my house died (duh, I see the front of my house every day).

I then cut the dead tree down to the ground, then the HOA sent me a letter stating I had to replace the cut down tree and I had 3 weeks in which to do it because I am required to have 2 trees in the front of my house. I sent them a letter I have two trees in front of my house.


I had to send a picture of the front of my house showing the 2 trees I still have in front of my house before they would leave me alone.


Did I mention HOAs suck?