HVAC Recommendations

[jeh]

I honestly can't comprehend how a country to allows freedom of speech, freedom to be armed keeps around HOA's that dictate your property.

It is because you sign the paperwork agreeing to the follow the rules of the HOA. You have no choice if you want to live and they have one. It was a good idea, like many things, when they first were created but like everything the rules and restrictions just kept growing. I ran one about 20 years back and our rule set was about 8 pages and was all things no one would want in their neighborhood. High grass, junk cars, poorly cared for homes, odd ball additions, cars parked in the yard, fences in the front yard, etc.

I had to crack down on one person the two years I ran it. They painted their house Caribbean blue and it did not end well for them. The HOA had a 3-person architectural board and the requirement for painting was to use approved colors or to submit for review. They did neither and had to repaint their house and it was contentious, but they capitulated.

My wife owned a condo before we were married and the HOA manual was about 3" thick which is absolutely crazy considering you cannot do anything to the outside of the house.

 

[SoonerFan]

I agree with [member=652]JimH2[/member] HOAs and the associated rules served a valid purpose but some have gone way overboard.  But in many neighbors you have to agree to the terms when you purchase the house.  I am on our HOA board now.  We have less than 100 houses total and only have a few issues a year.  After my term expires I will politely say no the next time.  I have done my turn.  Time for someone else to listen the few complaints/issues a year.