ANYBODY EVER STOOD UP AND FOUGHT THE H.O.A ???????????

[skip68]

Interested in any and all responses!!!! Any hierarchy info would be great too ! Dealing with a serious problem with a bad house. And we (our buddy/neighbor included) have put up cameras  to protect our homes! (Kids& Cars! )
Mind you we live in a good neighborhood, except for one dam tweek house!!!!!!!! Anyhoo!  Getting harrased by the HOA for all kinds of stupid sh*t!!

Thanks a bunch!
The Skips

There is so much more I could add, but it's late and anyone interested can post q's or P.M.! Thanks again!

[Rocky]

You skipped alot of facts.  Which makes it pretty much impossiple to understand your situation.  The only thing I could decipher is that you and a neighbor are having a problem with tweekers, but the HOA is on your ass?  Doesn't make much sense to me, please clarify.


     BTW, HOA's don't make much sense to me anyway, but I won't get into that argument at this time.
     

[BB1]

I thought you meant (Hemi Owners Association) 

Then there would have been blood drawn

I don't buy homes with HOA, mostly because I have a lot of junk in my yard anywayzz.

[Goodz]

What is a tweek house?  and why is the Home Owners Association bugging you?

[Arthu®]

What is a tweek house?

My best guess is that it is a house full of tweakers? Tweakers being people that use methamphetamine (speed, meth, chalk, whatever you want to call it). I really don't see tweakers being a problem though, my experience with tweakers (limited) is that they will mostly stay inside for days (even as much as weeks) without light (you can't stand light, when you are high), there is a tendency to forget to shower, etc though. So I don't see them causing loads of problems, but the house is probably not very well maintained and there will be activities 24/7.

I don't understand the relation to the H.O.A. though...

Arthur

[Tilar]

I don't buy homes with HOA, mostly because I have a lot of junk in my yard anywayzz.

I wouldn't have any place with a HOA, Simply because I wouldn't have anyone telling me what I can and can't do with my property.

[PocketThunder]

I don't buy homes with HOA, mostly because I have a lot of junk in my yard anywayzz.

I wouldn't have any place with a HOA, Simply because I wouldn't have anyone telling me what I can and can't do with my property.

Time for Mrs. Skip to volunteer to be on the board of the HOA.

[skip68]

Well, the house across from us is not selling avon at all times of the night, I know for sure! Anyhoo, our friend/neighbor down the street, put a tall pole in his yard with three cameras on it to view the street. We got a petition signed for approval from majority of other neighbors. He sent in the petition, and got a warning letter to take the pole down. He has since requested a hearing and the first time they responded, they said a meeting would take place last month. He took off work, to attend but they told him that the meeting was cancelled because they lost their building to hold the meeting! BS! They gave him another approx. date for the meeting and the HOA ended up having a secret meeting at a members house in the neighborhood (3 members attended), and did not tell our friend where it was even after he went to a few members homes and asked. Most said, "we'll let you know!" Now that he is really fighting this ,...they are starting to harrass he and his wife. They got 7-8 write-ups in the last two weeks!!!! One of the latest complaints is his shed in the back yard. When they bought the house 4 years ago, he got approval for said shed, and now all of a sudden, it's in violation??? There are other petty write-ups like a small stain on his driveway, garden hose not completly off the driveway, ...silly sh*t like that!

Now the pole that he put up, has three camera's and his plan is to give the homeowners a dedicated web link to view the street. (Password protected). We also have approval from the Vegas P.D.!
The amount of traffic going into and out of this problem house would blow your mind!!! Everyone in the neighborhood is aware of this problem. In fact ,.......one of the Board Members lives NEXT DOOR to it!!!!! So, we have started to get warning letters too, about our "Dangerous" garden hose, just barely touching the driveway. (They sent a great photo!!! ) I assume it's because they know we are friends and have tried to help with this problem!
Chuck went to the HOA this morning(video camera in hand ), so I'll see what he found out, but I think were pursuing an attorney next! Keep ya posted!
Mrs.Skip68

[Blown70]

Well this would be why I live in the country yet again,     I have seen some issue that friends have with HOA, and want to puke, I think I would actually hurt someone if I had to deal with a bunch of JA$$ that held secret meetings......

Sorry to hear about this and hopefully you will get some resolution to your problem.

TOm

[bull]

I don't buy homes with HOA, mostly because I have a lot of junk in my yard anywayzz.

I wouldn't have any place with a HOA, Simply because I wouldn't have anyone telling me what I can and can't do with my property.

Until your neighbor starts parking refrigerators and couches on the front lawn, 15 junk cars on the street and 54 cats in a school bus, right? People are always against HOAs until they wake up one day and realize that their neighborhood suddenly looks like Sanford & Son.

[472 R/T SE]

I have to agree with Curtis.  Wow there's a first. 

After we moved into our new house we had a HOA trying to throw their weight around but never got off the ground and soon dissipated.  Now I wish it was intact.  Boats in driveways, a/c units hanging out windows, etc. really trashes the 'hood.  Sure, if I didn't like it we would have moved out to the country but with my conditions and my wife working less than 2 miles to the hospital we'll deal with the neighbors.

I thought when a person signs papers on their newly bought house they were made aware of the covenants?  I know we were.

I do feel for you Mr & Mrs. Skip.  All it takes is a few self righteous HOA members to jack it up for the rest.  They should spend their time dealing with the meth house first and the pole later.  With tweekers comes guns...

[bull]

I have to agree with Curtis.  Wow there's a first. 

After we moved into our new house we had a HOA trying to throw their weight around but never got off the ground and soon dissipated.  Now I wish it was intact.  Boats in driveways, a/c units hanging out windows, etc. really trashes the 'hood.  Sure, if I didn't like it we would have moved out to the country but with my conditions and my wife working less than 2 miles to the hospital we'll deal with the neighbors.

I thought when a person signs papers on their newly bought house they were made aware of the covenants?  I know we were.

I do feel for you Mr & Mrs. Skip.  All it takes is a few self righteous HOA members to jack it up for the rest.  They should spend their time dealing with the meth house first and the pole later.  With tweekers comes guns...

Yea, I'm not saying HOAs are all perfect but if they're run by decent people who simply want a nice, safe and clean environment in which to live they can be your best friend. And a decent-looking neighborhood is good for property values so in essence a bad neighbor can cost you money.

[miller]

Quick question, what can the HOA really do if you decide you don't care about their silly rules? You bought the house, they can't take if from you, so what else can they do as a punishment?

[moparstuart]

Quick question, what can the HOA really do if you decide you don't care about their silly rules? You bought the house, they can't take if from you, so what else can they do as a punishment?

  they can attach a lien to your house and yes that will cause a mess if you ever try to sell ! 

[last426]

They fine you, put liens on the home, and foreclose.  I deal with such things in court all the time.  Go to www.marlia.com to see an original 71 hemi.  Kim

[skip68]

I do feel for you Mr & Mrs. Skip.  All it takes is a few self righteous HOA members to jack it up for the rest.  They should spend their time dealing with the meth house first and the pole later.  With tweekers comes guns...

We actually have on VIDEO the younger son,  in the garage, sitting with a pistol. He gets a phone call, and then procedes to "stash" the gun on top of a box or something, that is only two feet high. Oh, did I forget to mention, there is a little, (they say) 5 year old that lives there too. There are four generations living in a single family dwelling. 8 people for 3 bedrooms! Chuck is at the code enforcement right now, but he talked to a employee at that office over the phone earlier, and they said they are trying to change the laws regarding #'s of residents in a dwelling! This is god dam Las Vegas! We have code rules in Ca. you would think it would be here too, considering how large and important this city is!
Mrs.Skip68
P.S. Here is a link of the raid they did last year on the same house, same people!!!!!!! (We hadn't moved here yet!) But the person that wrote it is the son of the HOA member that lives next door to said house!!!


http://yeyende.blogspot.com/2007/06/no-seriously-my-life-really-is-this.html

[MichaelRW]

If you don't already have a copy get a copy of the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions. This document should spell out exactly what the specifics are for the HOA. That should help in knowing whether you or any one else is in violation and even whether the HOA itself may be violating it's own rules.

[dkn1997]

The 38 year old married/kids/mortgage/job guy in me says you have to be patient, let the police handle it, make peace with the HOA, yada yada yada.

........Then theres the other part of me that would love to see mr and mrs skip and the kids walk across the street and go chuck norris on the crackheads!  that situation pisses me off just reading it.  It's really beyond explanation why the HOA takes the crackheads side on this.  you mean to tell me that a crackhouse conforms to all of the HOA rules?  can't imagine they have all of thier garden hoses tied up in pretty french braids and a stainfree driveway....

maybe it's time for you to rally any rational concerned neighbors and have your own meeting.  they were willing to sign a petition already and if they are fully aware of the HOA's actions, they may be willing to do more than just pencil whip a piece of paper...at the very least, try to get enough of them to vote out the current HOA leadership.  easier said than done, yes...probably lots of little school girl politics going on, as with any HOA..  but still worth a try.

[skip68]

Yeah, I agree! Very pissed off with the internal "corruption". We are trying to do a GOOD service to community members by informing them about what is going on when they go to bed at night (and alot of times in the day, when owners are working!!!). And I have to tell you all, that Chuck is a very good man, who want's to only help, not hinder the police/swat. (Actually we are working with them! and it's not the first time or the second time, either!)
My only advice to potential home buyers: Go at nighttime, and sit in your car just to watch what's going on. You'll probably get a whole new perspective on a potential home investment!
Mrs.Skip

[BigRed66]

Sorry to hear about your problem...that being said, THAT is exactly why I live in the sticks on my 5 acres...just leave me alone...I will put up what kind of drapes I want, build a fort for my kids as high as I want, put whatever kind of pool I want in my yard wherever I want...I cannot stand those HOA dillholes telling me what to do....I can't stand anyone telling me what to do, for that matter...but where/how I choose to live in a home that I am paying for is my business...even if I had a problem with a neighbor, where I live, you go to the Township meeting, voice your concerns, and they handle it as diplomatically as possible...if you don't comply with a Township edict in a reasonable amount of time, depending on the violation (environmental, nuisance, upkeep, whatever), the County will step in and levy a fine...it rarely comes to that, though...I live among some decent people, and also the Amish (I keep telling Mose Yoder that his buggy'd look badass with a 3-foot wing on the back of it, or maybe some Bumblebee stripes, but, as of yet, his ride is strictly black and 1 HP...he'll come around...), so everyone on my road keeps their stuff kept up...EFF the HOA, though...

[dkn1997]

...EFF the HOA, though...

Now there's a Vanity plate for the skip family.  EFDAHOA

[PocketThunder]

........Then theres the other part of me that would love to see mr and mrs skip and the kids walk across the street and go chuck norris on the crackheads!  that situation pisses me off just reading it.  It's really beyond explanation why the HOA takes the crackheads side on this.  you mean to tell me that a crackhouse conforms to all of the HOA rules?  can't imagine they have all of thier garden hoses tied up in pretty french braids and a stainfree driveway....

The HOA probably sees Mrs. Skip and company as an easy target and the HOA is afraid of the Meth house.  Mrs. Skip, do you know all the members of the HOA?  Is one of the member living in the Tweekers house maybe?

...I live among some decent people, and also the Amish (I keep telling Mose Yoder that his buggy'd look badass with a 3-foot wing on the back of it, or maybe some Bumblebee stripes, but, as of yet, his ride is strictly black and 1 HP...he'll come around...), so everyone on my road keeps their stuff kept up...EFF the HOA, though...

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!               1 HP   

[skip68]

QUOTE: The HOA probably sees Mrs. Skip and company as an easy target and the HOA is afraid of the Meth house.  Mrs. Skip, do you know all the members of the HOA?  Is one of the member living in the Tweekers house maybe?

I would Highly doubt that! Did you look at the raid thread that I posted ? Why would anyone give a membership to people like that?

Now, that is RATIONAL thinking,......................................but you never know. I seriously doubt it! I wish I could post all the complied footage from that house so you could see first hand! Just not that computer friendly yet as far as posting vid's /Pics. And we don't want too much out there yet!

Mrs.Skip68

[PocketThunder]

QUOTE: The HOA probably sees Mrs. Skip and company as an easy target and the HOA is afraid of the Meth house.  Mrs. Skip, do you know all the members of the HOA?  Is one of the member living in the Tweekers house maybe?

I would Highly doubt that! Did you look at the raid thread that I posted ? Why would anyone give a membership to people like that?

Now, that is RATIONAL thinking,......................................but you never know. I seriously doubt it! I wish I could post all the complied footage from that house so you could see first hand! Just not that computer friendly yet as far as posting vid's /Pics. And we don't want too much out there yet!

Mrs.Skip68

the raid thread?  no i didnt see it.

[skip68]

QUOTE: The HOA probably sees Mrs. Skip and company as an easy target and the HOA is afraid of the Meth house.  Mrs. Skip, do you know all the members of the HOA?  Is one of the member living in the Tweekers house maybe?

I would Highly doubt that! Did you look at the raid thread that I posted ? Why would anyone give a membership to people like that?

Now, that is RATIONAL thinking,......................................but you never know. I seriously doubt it! I wish I could post all the complied footage from that house so you could see first hand! Just not that computer friendly yet as far as posting vid's /Pics. And we don't want too much out there yet!

Mrs.Skip68

the raid thread?  no i didnt see it.

I'm sorry Pocket, I meant the link that i posted in this topic!  Very interesting stuff!

http://yeyende.blogspot.com/2007/06/no-seriously-my-life-really-is-this.html

[PocketThunder]

QUOTE: The HOA probably sees Mrs. Skip and company as an easy target and the HOA is afraid of the Meth house.  Mrs. Skip, do you know all the members of the HOA?  Is one of the member living in the Tweekers house maybe?

I would Highly doubt that! Did you look at the raid thread that I posted ? Why would anyone give a membership to people like that?

Now, that is RATIONAL thinking,......................................but you never know. I seriously doubt it! I wish I could post all the complied footage from that house so you could see first hand! Just not that computer friendly yet as far as posting vid's /Pics. And we don't want too much out there yet!

Mrs.Skip68

the raid thread?  no i didnt see it.

I'm sorry Pocket, I meant the link that i posted in this topic!  Very interesting stuff!

http://yeyende.blogspot.com/2007/06/no-seriously-my-life-really-is-this.html

Damn,  nothing like that for me here in fly over land.  My neighbors across the street started their own Brewing company and are doing quite well.. 

[Tilar]

I don't buy homes with HOA, mostly because I have a lot of junk in my yard anywayzz.

I wouldn't have any place with a HOA, Simply because I wouldn't have anyone telling me what I can and can't do with my property.

Until your neighbor starts parking refrigerators and couches on the front lawn, 15 junk cars on the street and 54 cats in a school bus, right? People are always against HOAs until they wake up one day and realize that their neighborhood suddenly looks like Sanford & Son.

I'm right smack dab in the middle of 130 acres. If my neighbor had a bus with 54 cats, I think they'd either be smart enough to stay away from my dogs, or they would soon become puppy chow.

[bull]

I don't buy homes with HOA, mostly because I have a lot of junk in my yard anywayzz.

I wouldn't have any place with a HOA, Simply because I wouldn't have anyone telling me what I can and can't do with my property.

Until your neighbor starts parking refrigerators and couches on the front lawn, 15 junk cars on the street and 54 cats in a school bus, right? People are always against HOAs until they wake up one day and realize that their neighborhood suddenly looks like Sanford & Son.

I'm right smack dab in the middle of 130 acres. If my neighbor had a bus with 54 cats, I think they'd either be smart enough to stay away from my dogs, or they would soon become puppy chow.

We should all be so fortunate to live in the middle of 130 acres; my entire 70-home development doesn't even cover 130 acres. But we're not all so fortunate and so we have HOAs (ideally) to prevent the one dillweed with refrigerators and couches on the front lawn, 15 junk cars on the street and 54 cats in a school bus from ruining it for everyone else.

[Old Moparz]

If you don't already have a copy get a copy of the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions. This document should spell out exactly what the specifics are for the HOA. That should help in knowing whether you or any one else is in violation and even whether the HOA itself may be violating it's own rules.

This is exactly what I was thinking too. You can't make valid complaints unless you know the rules, or know if someone is violating the rules. Even if you didn't sign anything directly agreeing to whatever the HOA rules are, you kind of did when you bought the house if the HOA was there already. It works kind of like a deed restriction when you buy a piece of land that states you need to build a certain size, or style home or you can't build at all. The one thing that would be hard to argue, is when there is a statement or rule that is vague & allows the violation to be determined by an HOA member. It leaves them a blank space to write in "whatever they determine" to be in violation.

I didn't see it in your posts, but is the crack family Robinson the owners, or are they renters? Wonder if renting is allowed under the HOA dictatorship?   

[skip68]

Well the "Crack Family" consists of FOUR generations in a three bedroom single family dwelling. That's at least 8 people in a house! The grandparents own the house, the rest are floppers! You can rent in this neighborhood though, but it's not the case with these folks!  We also found out that when they had the three person "secret meeting" the lady that owns the HOA was not present and in the hospital! Kinda funny how her signature  was on the paperwork from said meeting! By law she has to be at all meetings.
Mrs.Skip68

[MichaelRW]

Well the "Crack Family" consists of FOUR generations in a three bedroom single family dwelling. That's at least 8 people in a house! The grandparents own the house, the rest are floppers! You can rent in this neighborhood though, but it's not the case with these folks!  We also found out that when they had the three person "secret meeting" the lady that owns the HOA was not present and in the hospital! Kinda funny how her signature  was on the paperwork from said meeting! By law she has to be at all meetings.
Mrs.Skip68

You really do need to read the CC&R's. To the best of my knowledge, nobody owns the HOA so I don't understand your statement that a lady owns it. The HOA is a legal entity in and of itself. Sounds like the members of the HOA are playing real loose with the rules.

[skip68]

do need to read the CC&R's. To the best of my knowledge, nobody owns the HOA so I don't understand your statement that a lady owns it. The HOA is a legal entity in and of itself. Sounds like the members of the HOA are playing real loose with the rules.

That was exactly what we thought, and still are questioning. But, when Chuck went to the office he specifically asked "who was the top person in this HOA office," Their reply was "Cindy so-and-so." Chuck asked if she was the Supervisor/manager, and the reply was , "No she OWNS it!"
We're in contact know with the Barr Asso. and they are looking into it.

On a side note, this morning we were in our kitchen and saw this vehicle out in front of our home with someone taking pics. (I think it was because we have a "Few" pieces of crab grass in our lawn that is sticking up, but that will be taken care of this evening, it's just too dam hot here right now to fire up the lawn mower!)
Now I know they do that regularly, but the timing was funny after Chuck was just in their office on Friday!
Mrs.Skip68

[MichaelRW]

Perhaps Cindy is the president and if so she still would have to abide by the CC&R's. It sounds like the HOA Board may have some small minded people on it that like to flex a little power (the type where it goes to their head).

Best of luck pursuing this.

[bull]

do need to read the CC&R's. To the best of my knowledge, nobody owns the HOA so I don't understand your statement that a lady owns it. The HOA is a legal entity in and of itself. Sounds like the members of the HOA are playing real loose with the rules.

That was exactly what we thought, and still are questioning. But, when Chuck went to the office he specifically asked "who was the top person in this HOA office," Their reply was "Cindy so-and-so." Chuck asked if she was the Supervisor/manager, and the reply was , "No she OWNS it!"
We're in contact know with the Barr Asso. and they are looking into it.

On a side note, this morning we were in our kitchen and saw this vehicle out in front of our home with someone taking pics. (I think it was because we have a "Few" pieces of crab grass in our lawn that is sticking up, but that will be taken care of this evening, it's just too dam hot here right now to fire up the lawn mower!)
Now I know they do that regularly, but the timing was funny after Chuck was just in their office on Friday!
Mrs.Skip68

If you were doing meth and running prostitutes you'd be alright. Crab grass is the real crime.

[69Charger_440]

I didn't want to start a new HOA thread so I'll ask the question I have in this thread.  Our neighborhood (appx 50-60 homes) finally elected three of our neighbors to head our HOA.  What I would like to know is if the Pres, Vice Pres, and Treasurer have to pay their dues like everyone else in the neighborhood?  Or do they get some kind of perk like having their dues waived or a discount for "running" the HOA?  Any responses would be appreciated!

[moparstuart]

make them pay like everyone else

[hemigeno]

I was on my 25 lot subdivision's HOA for about 7 years.  It was not only a thankless, but also a non-paying position.  The other two members and I had to pay our dues just like everyone else, and I felt bad turning in any out-of-pocket expenses for subdivision-related things so I just ate them... even for time/fuel spent cutting the 1.5 acres of common ground which I've done now for 11 years.  There are a couple of hotheads in our subdivision, so it's not worth the inevitable argument about what's a fair rate of compensation.

My experience (around here, anyway) is that people serve in positions like HOA Boards for little, if any, financial benefit.  Washington, MO has less than 20,000 residents and is a tight-knit community, plus my subdivision's definitely on the small side, so maybe things are different elsewhere.

[Orange_Crush]

Contrary to popular belief, many good neighborhoods do not have or need HOAs.  The most expensive neighborhoods in Charlotte...Myers Park, Eastover, Foxcroft, etc. do not have HOAs and you may see boats in driveways and sometimes, you may even see a house or two with an A/C unit in the window.  You may even see a house that is unkempt....but still, houses on Queens Road West and Cherokee Drive sell for 5 million and up.  A 1200 square foot house in Myers Park will sell for 600 grand easily.

I have never lived in a neighborhood with an HOA and have lived in some of Charlotte's more disirable neighborhoods.  I've never made less than 150,000 profit on the sale of a house after 3-4 years.

My neighborhood does not have an HOA and prices in my neighborhood are rising steadily despite the downturn in the housing market.

Neighborhoods that have and need HOAs are neighborhoods that promise faux exclusivity in outlying areas where you mostly get lottery winners, people who JUST made it big in business, and people who have mortgaged themselves to the eyeballs on an adjustable rate sor subprime loan.

Now, to the original poster's question, the only way to beat the HOA is to be on the board.  HOAs are a way for little people with empty lives to have a feeling of power over others.  They can put a lien on your house and foreclose on it.  Be careful.

[hemi68charger]

OK, I'm confused...
There's a bad house in the community? The HOA's doing or not doing anything about it? Where does this come into harrasement towards you?

I'm the newly elected President of the HOA in my new subdivision and I'll tell you want, it's a royal pain in the you-know-what. Board members are always either the proverbial "bad-guy" or the guy that's supposed to fix everything. Having to please everyone all the while, more than likely (as in our case), no one else wants to do it.

There are limits to what a HOA board can and can't do. When it comes to legal stuff, the board has to balance the amount of money it's going to cost to take a certain resident to court all the while, being mindful that the money used in this litigation are dues paid by everyone (hopefully), including the board..

[bull]

I didn't want to start a new HOA thread so I'll ask the question I have in this thread.  Our neighborhood (appx 50-60 homes) finally elected three of our neighbors to head our HOA.  What I would like to know is if the Pres, Vice Pres, and Treasurer have to pay their dues like everyone else in the neighborhood?  Or do they get some kind of perk like having their dues waived or a discount for "running" the HOA?  Any responses would be appreciated!

I was part of my HOA board and yes, I had to pay like everyone else. Moreover, you get absolutely nothing in return for the work you do other than attitude, anger and blame.

[69Charger_440]

"I was on my 25 lot subdivision's HOA for about 7 years.  It was not only a thankless, but also a non-paying position.  The other two members and I had to pay our dues just like everyone else, and I felt bad turning in any out-of-pocket expenses for subdivision-related things so I just ate them... even for time/fuel spent cutting the 1.5 acres of common ground which I've done now for 11 years.  There are a couple of hotheads in our subdivision, so it's not worth the inevitable argument about what's a fair rate of compensation.

My experience (around here, anyway) is that people serve in positions like HOA Boards for little, if any, financial benefit.  Washington, MO has less than 20,000 residents and is a tight-knit community, plus my subdivision's definitely on the small side, so maybe things are different elsewhere."

Thanks for the reply.  Answered part of my question.

OK, I'm confused...
There's a bad house in the community? The HOA's doing or not doing anything about it? Where does this come into harrasement towards you?

I'm the newly elected President of the HOA in my new subdivision and I'll tell you want, it's a royal pain in the you-know-what. Board members are always either the proverbial "bad-guy" or the guy that's supposed to fix everything. Having to please everyone all the while, more than likely (as in our case), no one else wants to do it.

There are limits to what a HOA board can and can't do. When it comes to legal stuff, the board has to balance the amount of money it's going to cost to take a certain resident to court all the while, being mindful that the money used in this litigation are dues paid by everyone (hopefully), including the board..

Since you are the Prez of a HOA in Texas, would you mind stating whether you pay HOA fees?  I just want to be well informed so that our "newly" elected HOA leaders can't pull a fast one over us.  It's just that I've heard too many horror stories where a HOA member embezzles the HOA "dues."  No offense towards you, of course.

[69Charger_440]

Oops, looks like Bull already answered that question. 

Thx for all the replies, fellas.   

[Brock Samson]

my old ladies' HOA Pres. took all the $ collected to install new roofs and pavement and skipped town, now everybody has to come up with the special assessment fee all over again and then some... Been over a Yr. and he's yet to be found.

[moparstuart]

my old ladies' HOA Pres. took all the $ collected to install new roofs and pavement and skipped town, now everybody has to come up with the special assessment fee all over again and then some... Been over a Yr. and he's yet to be found.

I have been treasurer for our local mopar car club for almost 20 years now also a non paid mostly thankless job .
We have always made it a requirement of must having two signitures on all checks . No one person ever has access to the money .  

[Brock Samson]

My GF's on the HOA, and i'll ask her the particulars when i see her tonight,
I had a H.S. friend who in the '90s maxed out all his credit cards, bought a new jeep on credit - borrowed every cent he could (Incl. $200 from me) and drove to El Salvador. He's never been heard from since... Perhaps a bit off topic, but it came to mind..

[twodko]

Hi Skippers,

Sounds like you're already on the right path. The cops are clearly on this. If there is a mutant holding a weapon in the garage in a known tweeker den, I'd be calling the cops night and day. Your HOA sounds crooked and full of themselves. Someone has to secure a position on the HOA gestapo board to represent the views/concerns of those property owners who are solely concerned with the well being of the neighborhood/neighbors and not nit picking s**t as part of their power trip and/or lack of a life. The neighbor with the cam pole is also on the right track IMO. Digi lowlight security cam systems are way cheap now and record on DVR's. The pole thing, while a good idea at the time, is just a weapon the HOA cretins use to f**k with you instead of addressing the real problem.....the tweeker house AND the grandparents who own it. This owner is wholly responsible for what happens in that house and property. The HOA is clearly afraid of the tweekers and rightly so, hence, cops and more cops.
Pardon me, I just lost focus because I'm so angry with Sh*thead crims having more rights than the rest of us!!!!!
My point with cheap surveillance is that video doesn't lie. Several of you, in the immediate vicinity of this meth palace, should install a multi cam system having a clear view of this viper pit house. I've seen these home cams systems that appear to look like motion sensing driveway lights or porch lights. If the HOA brain trust can't tell what it is, mo betta and f**k 'em anyway (sorry). When several neighbors present several videos of this blight house shot from their homes to the HOA AND police department, the HOA might just be forced to act on behalf of the neighborhood as a whole. Finally, tweekers are very dangerous and should be taken as such. These are "throw away" people who thrash where ever the live. You may have to hire a shyster to deal with this huge problem to have any chance of mitigating it. It seems to me the HOA is liable becuase of this troubled house. A shyster would be all over that and the property owner.
What were the lyrics of that song? ......."Send money, guns and lawyers, the Sh*t has hit the fan". I'm done with my rant now.......gotta switch to decaf.

[Brock Samson]

   Whoa, Tom, why don't ya' tell us how you really feel... 

[hemi68charger]

Since you are the Prez of a HOA in Texas, would you mind stating whether you pay HOA fees?  I just want to be well informed so that our "newly" elected HOA leaders can't pull a fast one over us.  It's just that I've heard too many horror stories where a HOA member embezzles the HOA "dues."  No offense towards you, of course.

Yes, the subdivision residences pay an HOA fee, everyone (or, at least that's the way it's supposed to be, we have deadbeats.. But, that's another story). This is to pay for the costs of the up-keep/maintenance of the common areas, community playground, electric for lights, fountain in the pond, etc. I assumed any sort of subdivision with common areas would have some sort of fees associated with the bills associated to the neighborhood.

I totally don't want to run this place like a Nazi. Been on the other side and it isn't fun. Of course, this goes without saying... You'll have those that think living anywhere enables them to do anything they wish, regardless of the quality of life impact it has on surrounding neighbors and/or the fact they signed a document about the HOA at their closing. I wish I could do certain things myself, but know my limits..... I don't want to stereotype, but I believe most HOA members have good intentions. Usually, they learn as they go. There's no instruction manual. And of course, there's always the problem of lack of desire to be part of the program (hence, it's usually a handful of people that end up doing anything).

69Charger_440 & skip68, I wish you well in your situation............. I had to write my 1st "naughty" letter about a yard condition getting out of hand. I hate it... But the alternative is having a home that looks like sh^# then others complain about that..

As others have mentioned, it's probably going to be one of the most thankless volunteer jobs I ever do.....

[mpdlawdog]

Too bad you didnt live closer...I would stop by and check out your charger....maybe I could let Khan play with the neighbors!!!

[bull]

It's just like anything else. Certain people are a good fit for certain positions. Power-hungry a-holes should not be cops, world leaders or HOA presidents. But there are plenty of cops, world leaders and HOA presidents that are giving, kind, sacrificial and intelligent. Those are the ones you rarely hear about.

[twodko]

I really was trying to restrain myself Dave.........really.........more or less.

mpdlawdog, my Charger, kegerator(sp?) and BBQ are available for your inspection at anytime. I'll put a steak on for Khan too!

[dkn1997]

Too bad you didnt live closer...I would stop by and check out your charger....maybe I could let Khan play with the neighbors!!!

Khan rules!!

[twodko]

The question remains............is he Genghis or Kublai Khan? 

Although I can clearly see Khan dawg racing down the Mongolian Steppes to slay the stains upon humanity. (prolly a bit of pillaging too but a Khan has to eat) 

[69Charger_440]

Since you are the Prez of a HOA in Texas, would you mind stating whether you pay HOA fees?  I just want to be well informed so that our "newly" elected HOA leaders can't pull a fast one over us.  It's just that I've heard too many horror stories where a HOA member embezzles the HOA "dues."  No offense towards you, of course.

Yes, the subdivision residences pay an HOA fee, everyone (or, at least that's the way it's supposed to be, we have deadbeats.. But, that's another story). This is to pay for the costs of the up-keep/maintenance of the common areas, community playground, electric for lights, fountain in the pond, etc. I assumed any sort of subdivision with common areas would have some sort of fees associated with the bills associated to the neighborhood.

I totally don't want to run this place like a Nazi. Been on the other side and it isn't fun. Of course, this goes without saying... You'll have those that think living anywhere enables them to do anything they wish, regardless of the quality of life impact it has on surrounding neighbors and/or the fact they signed a document about the HOA at their closing. I wish I could do certain things myself, but know my limits..... I don't want to stereotype, but I believe most HOA members have good intentions. Usually, they learn as they go. There's no instruction manual. And of course, there's always the problem of lack of desire to be part of the program (hence, it's usually a handful of people that end up doing anything).

69Charger_440 & skip68, I wish you well in your situation............. I had to write my 1st "naughty" letter about a yard condition getting out of hand. I hate it... But the alternative is having a home that looks like sh^# then others complain about that..

As others have mentioned, it's probably going to be one of the most thankless volunteer jobs I ever do.....

Thanks for the info.   

[Lennard]

I wouldn't have any place with a HOA, Simply because I wouldn't have anyone telling me what I can and can't do with my property.

Same here, to much stupid rules.

[Kern Dog]

[quote

Until your neighbor starts parking refrigerators and couches on the front lawn, 15 junk cars on the street and 54 cats in a school bus, right? People are always against HOAs until they wake up one day and realize that their neighborhood suddenly looks like Sanford & Son.
[/quote]


I agree to a point. Sure, you don't want a meth lab next door. Anyone can understand that. With fewer cops out there the shift from proactive policement to reactive enforcement has happened. With less police around, the enforcement of other annoyances falls by the wayside.
These HOAs are like any other laws, in that they were conceived with good intentions. The problem is, too many people do NOT read the fine print! There was a community in Sacramento that wouldn't allow homeOWNERS to wash their own cars in the driveway. They couldn't have their garage doors open longer than 20 minutes. The colors of the houses had to remain as built. Repaints were allowed but only in the same color. Cars were not allowed to be parked curbside even though the streets were plenty wide enough. Delivery and servicepersons were allowed though.  Although I dislike the hard line, driving through that neighborhood was nice. It was spotless and well groomed. Hardly anyone walking around though. THAT was a little spooky!

[hemi68charger]

I hated HOA's well. And now, low-and-behold, I'm the newest President of my HOA. More often than not, it is the stand-offish-let-someone-else-do-it people that don't participate in anything the community has to offer. They are usually the ones that complain if something gets out of hand. Anyone who moves into a neighborhood should get a feel for what they're getting themselves into. We all signed the document. If someone doesn't read the fine print and just goes with the flow at closing, shame on them. It's all in front of them. Personally, I won't have any tolerance for people who whine about an established or new rule. They all have/had a chance to participate in the system/process. I moved out of my old neighborhood because the HOA was so old and non-existant. I couldn't stand any more the multiple families living in one home (= tons of cars in the yard), Taqueira trucks and those damn roosters and hens.    (obviously, this was before I educated myself on researching things, it was my first home)

Yes, HOA's were created with all good intentions, to protect one's investment and quality of life. Now, would I move into a community that caters to small-engine aircraft? (they do exist). Nope, I know there are going to be rules I think are either silly or unattainable financially. It's usually the people that participate or contribute that care enough about their surroundings to do something. Others? Well, they sort of blow with the wind. This is a generalized description and in no way reflects 100% of the people all the time. I agree, there are many HOA's out there that have their guidelines chiseled in granite. I've looked at homes in these sort of communities and ran like hell when I did my research before making an offer. Realtor didn't particularly like it, but oh well, they aren't buying the house.

There's always another side to the story............

OK, now I need to get someone to help volunteer to help setup the Thanksgiving children's parade around our pond.... Always gotta plan ahead.... 

[twodko]

I hated HOA's well. And now, low-and-behold, I'm the newest President of my HOA. More often than not, it is the stand-offish-let-someone-else-do-it people that don't participate in anything the community has to offer. They are usually the ones that complain if something gets out of hand. Anyone who moves into a neighborhood should get a feel for what they're getting themselves into. We all signed the document. If someone doesn't read the fine print and just goes with the flow at closing, shame on them. It's all in front of them. Personally, I won't have any tolerance for people who whine about an established or new rule. They all have/had a chance to participate in the system/process. I moved out of my old neighborhood because the HOA was so old and non-existant. I couldn't stand any more the multiple families living in one home (= tons of cars in the yard), Taqueira trucks and those damn roosters and hens.    (obviously, this was before I educated myself on researching things, it was my first home)

Nicely stated real world synopsis Troy!

Yes, HOA's were created with all good intentions, to protect one's investment and quality of life. Now, would I move into a community that caters to small-engine aircraft? (they do exist). Nope, I know there are going to be rules I think are either silly or unattainable financially. It's usually the people that participate or contribute that care enough about their surroundings to do something. Others? Well, they sort of blow with the wind. This is a generalized description and in no way reflects 100% of the people all the time. I agree, there are many HOA's out there that have their guidelines chiseled in granite. I've looked at homes in these sort of communities and ran like hell when I did my research before making an offer. Realtor didn't particularly like it, but oh well, they aren't buying the house.

There's always another side to the story............

OK, now I need to get someone to help volunteer to help setup the Thanksgiving children's parade around our pond.... Always gotta plan ahead.... 

[Vainglory, Esq.]

I'll just leave this here: http://gawker.com/5830257/the-horror-of-homeowners-associations

[hemi68charger]

I'll just leave this here: http://gawker.com/5830257/the-horror-of-homeowners-associations

Each side has a story and this one's pretty slanted. These are real examples, but in no way, representative of the day-to-day responsibility and commitment most, I won't say all, HOA's have. And, to top it off, in most cases it's 100% volunteer.. Pacifist shouldn't complain about the Status Quo......

I love the quote, "When board members interpret the rules to suit their own ends,..."

HOA's help prevent one resident's wants interfering with the quality of life of others around them. If my current HOA is an example of other HOA's, the officers that become board member become that because no one else wants to do it. I agree about horror stories and I feel a little close to this subject since I've recently become President. Was it because I wanted to run the neighborhood? Heck no, I wanted to preserve the quality of life this community was designed for. Also, absolutely no one else wanted to do it..... If people want change, they have to initiate it. It's simple and common sense...... Suburban life is a fact, HOA's are a fact, that's why God made the country. I tell you want, if I won the lotto, I'd be gone from here, never having to deal with HOA's again and live a 1/4 mile from anyone. But, I haven't and I don't. I still have to abide by the same rules everyone else has to.

I'm already treading the fact I'm the President, but if I don't do it, who will? I refuse to let my investment and quality of life go down the drain because of someone's laziness or anti-establishment mentality.

[charge69]

Good for you Troy to step up and take the leadership role. They do not know how lucky they are having you as President and wish you much luck in a , largely , thankless job.

I have lived in the same neighborhood for a long time and have dealt with both kinds of HOA management and a little kindness and understanding of the circumstances goes a long way. You definitely cannot please everyone but , a little patience and undertanding usually make for a positive outcome.

[AKcharger]

If what you say is true, that the HOA is ignoring blatent illegal activity and is targeting you for minor stuff, you'll get no where with them. Talk to your neighbor and hire an attorney, perhaps with both of you chipping in the cost will be tolerable (and easy to prove)

[hemi68charger]

If what you say is true, that the HOA is ignoring blatent illegal activity and is targeting you for minor stuff, you'll get no where with them. Talk to your neighbor and hire an attorney, perhaps with both of you chipping in the cost will be tolerable (and easy to prove)

[Rolling_Thunder]

HOAs suck...   my friend was limited to building a 2 story house because of the HOA in the area...     so he dug down and added a 3rd floor as a basement.      They also wouldnt allow his garage plan (too big) so he bought the land next to him and converted the house into a giant garage.