Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 09:30:12 AM
For the past several years we've been racking up charges on a homeowner who just decided that she didn't need to pay her association fees anymore. We also had to charge her to have a huge pile of crap removed from her back yard.
We've had a lien in place for at least 5 years, now, and every month with interest and late fees it just kept getting bigger.
She paid off in full about an hour ago, almost $5,000.
She must have been quaking in terror at the prospects of dealing with me!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMWWWWWWWWWWWWWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Post by: Werewolf on March 31, 2006, 09:51:08 AM
Might as well live in the old Soviet Union as live in a neighborhood with an association/covenant.
Run by busy bodies and tyrants...
You all oughta be hoisted by your own petards and whipped until you bleed!
Post by: Sindawe on March 31, 2006, 10:01:53 AM
Like my HOA did.
AIn't pOweR GrAnd? <<>>
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 10:14:22 AM
What do you think happens to your home if you don't pay your local property taxes?
A lien is placed on the property and eventually it's sold at sheriff's sale. Plus, you can end up going to jail.
What happens if you don't pay your income taxes? You run the risk of become the bum buddy of some guy in either the state or federal prison system. Plus, the government puts what amounts to a lien on your wages -- a garnishment -- until you've fulfilled your responsibilities.
But what it looks like you're trying to tell us is that you actually favor people reneging on their obligations, and essentially getting a free ride on the backs of those who are adult enough and responsible enough to fulfill the contracts into which they've entered.
Let me guess, you're a member of the Demo "Lazy people truly deserve a free ride on the backs of the industrious" cratic Party.
No one in my community held a gun to the woman's head and said "HEY BITCH! YOU'RE GOING TO BUY THIS HOUSE!" when she signed on the dotted line. She entered into the contract willingly.
We even attempted to communicate with her numerous times over the issue. Personal conversations, letters, letters from the attorney... Let us know what's going on and maybe we can work something out... She would never even respond to you when you addressed her directly.
These claims that HOAs are nothing more than a return to Soviet style politics shows just how little people actually know about HOAs, how much power the INDIVIDUAL homeowner can exercise in his/her HOA, and how HOAs are, in many cases, a far more indicative of a representative republic than government in general.
These calls are usually made by people who, if they did live in an HOA, would likely be far too lazy to become involved in the running of the HOA, preferring instead to bitch, moan, and whine.
The only person who should be whipped is you, for prescribing to the "God favors the shiftless, lazy, and indolent, and it's my responsibility to support the shifty, lazy, and indolent by shelling more money out of my own pocket" theory of social interaction.
THAT theory, son, is FAR close to the Soviet theory of government, but it's not at all surprising that you neither knew that nor understood it.
Post by: jefnvk on March 31, 2006, 10:22:09 AM
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 10:28:36 AM
From our HOA R&R...
Window coverings -- Plywood sheeting, if left in place longer than 1 month, must be painted a color complementary to that of the surrounding brick or siding."
Political signage -- If you want to support the chumps who run for office in this area, have at it. Republican/Libertarian signs are strictly forbidden.
National flags -- It is strictly forbidden, under any circumstance, to fly the flag of the United States of America. Approved flags are ONLY those of the former Soviet Union or one of its communist satellites or the current flags of the People's Republic of China, the People's Republic of Vietnam, the People's Republic of North Korea, or the People's Republic of Cuba.
Special exceptions may be made for the flags of Venezuela, Myanmar, or Iran. The Iraqi and Afghani flags are no longer authorized.
All homes are REQUIRED to fly, at all times, the flag of the great surrender monkey, France.
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 10:30:31 AM
There are some people who should disappear, but they don't live in my community...
Tops on the list are those who think it's OK for someone to reneg on their obligations and allow everyone else to pick up the slack.
Post by: TarpleyG on March 31, 2006, 10:32:36 AM
Greg
Post by: Phantom Warrior on March 31, 2006, 10:37:20 AM
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 31, 2006, 11:01:02 AM
the kool aide tastes great!
Post by: El Tejon on March 31, 2006, 11:09:30 AM
Burn their Country and Western music, drive them from their televisions, scrub them down with wire brushes and soap until their NASCAR tattoos bleed, force them to brush and floss, imprison them in a library (or at least make them take better care of their property)!
All Hail Fearless Leader. On behalf of all property owners who must deal with these people, we are proud of you.
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 11:17:58 AM
Chris
Post by: USP45usp on March 31, 2006, 11:20:54 AM
And that includes the state, which is why Oregonians voted for and passed Measure 37.
USP45usp
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 31, 2006, 11:35:15 AM
Quote
Just try buying a newer home anywhere nowadays WITHOUT belonging to an HOA.
It can be done. I will not move into an HOA-controlled neighborhood. Period.Then again, I'd like to see an HOA try to invade the rural settings of my homeland in farm country. They'd be laughed out of my hometown so fast with their "you're hurting my property values" sniveling. That John Deere Model B in my yard is there for a purpose, it's my bread and butter, deal with it. Fork you and your precious property value. I didn't ask you to move next to me on County Trunk A and bring your prima-donna HOA BS with you.
My opinion differs with Mike's on his take that neighborhoods need HOA's to survive and prosper. Sure, we always need more government. I've lived in too many locations in this great country of ours that didn't have them, and did just fine without them, to find any value added. By all means, if that particular neighborhood has enough titty-babies to actually agree and sign on the dotted line to form one, they certainly deserve what they get, and should not be surprised if the HOA gets over-zealous or abusive vs. being benevolent as expected. They're the frogs who actually agreed to be placed in the pot of ever-so-warmer water. I do agree with Mike in that HOA's are simply neighborhoods that form a private agreement among homeowners to police each other, and as such it's a binding contract. If you don't like it, either don't move there or simply move away.
There's one not to far from me now (Indian River Colony) that charges HOA members over $500/month in fees. They'd better come change my skivvies each day for that kind of money. Now that the housing bubble is deflating in Florida and elsewhere, it'll be interesting to see how home buyers tolerate stuff like that.
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 11:37:13 AM
Quote
I would never buy a home with an HOA
Then you probably wouldn't own a home in Northern Virginia. For better or worse, that's how it works out. There might be places that don't have HOAs, but they are the exception.I'm not crazy about the idea myself, but at least the HOA I live under is pretty benign. There's nothing in the rules that gets in my way. The few times I've gotten notices from the HOA, I've agreed that the situation needed work (my fence was leaning, I had some mildew on the siding, etc) and that I'd get to it when I had time. In every instance, the HOA was fine with that response and didn't bother me again.
As a positive, they do an excellent job of keeping the neighborhood looking nice, maintaining playground equipment, and maintaining a nice pool facility.
In addition, as a property owner, I have a nice tax writeoff and am insulated from the insane rent increases that drove me to buy a house in the first place (last apt wanted to raise the rent on a 1 bedroom apt from $850 to $1100!). When I bought this place, displeasure with the HOA rules would've gotten me out of my purchase contract at any point prior to me signing the agreement to live by those rules. I was given all the time I needed to read the rules and decide for myself.
Chris
Post by: El Tejon on March 31, 2006, 11:39:21 AM
Burn their New Age music, drive them back to their homes and make them do yardwork (or have their wives call the lawn care service where them dern emmygrants do the work), make them scrub their latte makers, force them to untuck their shirts and not wear natural fibers, imprison them in a Wal-Mart!
All Hail Fearless Leader--Destroyer of Property Slobs whether they be Yankees or Southerners!
Post by: El Tejon on March 31, 2006, 11:46:24 AM
I do not understand why these people move into nice neighborhoods to begin with. If you want to sit around and watch television all day and not care about your property, then stay in the country and don't move to foofooville.
I'm off to polish my HOA jackboots and then attend the torchlight ceremony for Mike Irwin tonight. Hang the banners high.
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 11:54:37 AM
Here's a pic of my view from the office window. While it doesn't look that dense from here because we're right at an intersection, it's much tighter once you get up into the street across from us. BTW, our cherry tree is blossoming, ain't it purty...
Chris
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 11:55:50 AM
Care to point me to where I said that?
Hint...
I DIDN'T.
Post by: 280plus on March 31, 2006, 12:03:15 PM
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 31, 2006, 12:08:54 PM
I've even forsaken my TS/SSBI security clearance in my post-retirement job search, because more often than not, it points directly to the Washington D.C./Virginia/Maryland neck of the woods. Chantilly doesn't even appeal to me.
Post by: bermbuster on March 31, 2006, 12:09:18 PM
Post by: client32 on March 31, 2006, 12:11:25 PM
Overall, I can see some benefits of an HOA.
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 31, 2006, 12:13:55 PM
Quote
My opinion differs with Mike's on his take that neighborhoods need HOA's to survive and prosper."
Care to point me to where I said that?
Hint...
I DIDN'T.
So you stepped up to the plate as chief HOA Kool-Aid mixer for patriotic purposes? Care to point me to where I said that?
Hint...
I DIDN'T.
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 31, 2006, 12:25:50 PM
The neighbors on the far side of the dividing pine trees are just over an acre away from our house. No HOA, and they're all pretty tidy and considerate.
Now, if folks want to get all sorts of cozy and close to each other in their abodes, there's a time and place for that. I noticed some improvements are warranted when I saw these structures below. Maybe an HOA would be just the cat's meow here, for at least a few months out of the year when the ice is thick enough towards the North Shore of Devil's Lake:
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 12:29:56 PM
Quote
Chantilly doesn't even appeal to me
I wouldn't live in Chantilly either. Dunno when the last time you were hear was, but it's as bad or worse than the pic above. Quote
Those are homes?
Those are $350k townhomes. Scary ain't it? Chris
Post by: mtnbkr on March 31, 2006, 12:35:25 PM
I personally wouldn't live like this elsewhere, but the alternative for this area is pissing away an equal amount of money in rent. At least this way I get the tax writeoff and appreciation (about $200k if I sold it now).
Chris
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 31, 2006, 12:39:54 PM
Post by: grampster on March 31, 2006, 12:47:59 PM
Lately, the Yuppie Scum that have been fleeing the city, have been agatating to increase our taxes by having a "Road Millage" to pave our nice sand and gravel roads. After we parked some junk trucks with some really bad looking dogs tied to them in strategic places around their houses, they quietly excused themselves. Yeesh, the next thing they'll want are street lights and jogging paths. On the other hand street lights and joggers make for interesting venue's for pellet plinking.
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 31, 2006, 12:49:38 PM
It's assessed at around $175K.
My wife and I are looking not too far from the above property at a dormant apple orchard, 23.5 acres, nice old farmhouse, barn, detached garage, workshop, etc. They're asking $219K. My Air Force pension and VA loan would cover that nicely.
Contrast that to what I'm seeing down here in Florida, where what passes as a new house in Viera sells for $400K, with considerably less floor space, and maybe a 1/4 acre lot, if you're lucky. Smell the neighbor's farts, if you're not so lucky. Brevard County really cannot afford these places, so we're wondering who's buying them. The foreclosure rates are skyrocketing, and it doesn't surprise me. My wife is tickled pink that she's getting paid $15/hour for her Miller Beer distributorship sales assistant job, the wages are low here, unless you're tied to Cape Canaveral and the space program via US Space Alliance, Lockheed, Boeing, Harris, or Northrop-Grumman.
Can't wait to leave, myself.
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 01:41:12 PM
No, I stepped up to the plate to GLOAT, as a responsible individual who has kept my property in (relatively) good repair and my association fees up to date, instead of being a scum sucking leech and figuring that "hey, I don't have to worry about it, someone else will shoulder my load for me."
You know, I'm kind of surprised that a career militaryman wouldn't know what I'm talking about.
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 31, 2006, 02:04:23 PM
I also fail to see what correlation military decorum and proper stewardship of military equipment purchased by government tax dollars has to do with greedy neighbors worried solely about their property values while berating those around them. I do understand sarcasm, and it appears to have transitioned in this thread into a Mike Irwin "I like f&#@ing with those who don't like HOAs, let's see how far I can take this".
That facade, and the last response fired in my direction, has turned my stomach tonight. Before I risk pissing away any more friendships on the topic, I'll bow out with an "I'll agree to disagree on the value of HOAs and their motives". Good night.
Post by: K Frame on March 31, 2006, 03:23:49 PM
The correlation between the military and the HOA is that in both, the relationship is one of agreed-upon, accepted, and respected interdependent cooperation between the members.
In an HOA, one member who suddenly decides that "hey, I made a conscious commitment and accepted obligation to my neighbors, but I've decided that I now don't want to honor it" can have a significant impact on his neighbors, financially and socially.
In the military, the breaking of those conscious commitments and accepted obligations can be far more devastating.
You, as an officer, have likely seen, or are at least familiar with, what happens to a unit when its cohesion begins to crumble from one or two individuals who decide that teamwork isn't really important anymore.
At the same time, that decay can also start at the top and work its way down. Band of Brothers showed that in the first two episodes where members of Easy Company actively talked about fragging Sobel, and where the sergeants attempted to turn in their stripes.
The same thing can happen with an HOA -- a board can become draconian, a group of martinets. Those are the HOAs that make the news when they finally become so over the top that the membership breaks.
I just wish that people wouldn't use those instances that do make CNN, FOX, etc., as the sole basis for their concept of what HOAs are and do.
That's about as logical as seeing a news report about the recent shootings in Seattle, and with no other basis for the decision, become stridently anti-gun.
In turn, that's about as logical as saying, in effect, "one HOA is the same as the next, and they're all bad" so I never want to live in one.
The comparisons of HOAs to a Soviet-style goverment do nothing but expose the depth and breadth of an individual's ignorance.
If that is truly to be believed, then Grampster is nothing more than a bald-faced liar, because no HOA could function in such a loose and informal manner, and in fact he's covering up the depth of his own lust for power.
Post by: Kestrel on March 31, 2006, 06:34:39 PM
I've got you beat. There is a house on my very street, that has approximately $30,000 in HOA fees levied against them (and a lien.) That's not a misprint - $30,000. Unbelievable.
Post by: Firethorn on April 01, 2006, 06:13:02 AM
Personally, I prefer slightly longer grass as it helps keep the weeds out without the need for chemicals.
Post by: grampster on April 01, 2006, 06:25:01 AM
Damn you, Mike, damn you to hell I say!
Post by: K Frame on April 01, 2006, 07:07:48 AM
Simply hoist the red Hammer and Sickle HOA Emergency Banner and I'll speed out your way with my tank just in time to crush the spring uprising...
Post by: TarpleyG on April 01, 2006, 10:00:39 AM
Quote
Brevard County really cannot afford these places, so we're wondering who's buying them.
I keep telling people that the Florida market is about to tank. It has begun it's decline already. We just sold our house for $20,000 less than I could have probably gotten this time last year.Answer this question: What happens when all the waiters, mechanics, hotel employees, car wash dudes, lawn cutting guys, et al cannot afford to buy a house for $350,000 in south Florida? They're going to pack their crap and leave. What happens to the snooty rich crowd when they don't have people to attend to their every need? They're going to pack their crap and leave. Soon enough, the housing market plummets...we are in the beginning stages of that plummet now...like being at the very top of a roller coaster about to go off the edge...frightening image huh?
So long south Florida...I am sure I'll miss the warm climate and pretty beaches (sorry Standing Wolf). FWIW, don't EVER move here if you value your sanity.
Greg