HOA: Blame your government!

If you wonder how we got into the sorry mess we're in with HOA's, blame the Mayor, County Supervisors and Legislators. Back in the 1960's the government group think project decided to incentivize developers to build HOAs. Private communities meant that the government had less to do in certain areas. All they had to do was round up a few commune members to volunteer to be tyrants and charge members an assessment above and beyond property taxes.

The idea was that most of these communes would be gated to keep out the undesirables. Back in the '60's it was more like an exclusive country club with blacks, Jews and likely single women deeded out. The Civil Rights Act changed that much to the dissatisfaction of many. Still HOAs flourished, 'cause when you are fenced out you think there's something better on the other side. We wanted in. We should have known our history bc if they didn't want blacks and Jews they likely didn't want us either. Since the developer got to choose what was necessary infrastructure, they felt it was more important to have a tennis court or swimming pool that few used vs sidewalks and front porches that everyone used. They virtually drove everyone to their backyard. Now we have the pleasure of subsidizing the 10-15% of the people who use the amenities ... mostly board members who need the pool heated thru the winter.

If you're familiar with the Tucson Association of Realtor website, you can search out homes that are outside an HOA. In the 85750 zip code area there are 207 homes for sale, of those homes 26 are not in HOAs. All of those 26 homes exceed the median home price. The only conclusion is that the average person is forced to live in an HOA if they want to live in 85750. That same person qualifies for less house when a mortgage company qualifies a buyer based on the loan amount, PMI, taxes and the HOA assessment which can be over $200 a month. It's time to complain to every government official you can reach. Homeowners deserve a choice between an mandatory commune or a non-HOA. No-one should be required to pay an assessment that is not tax deductible.

If you have suffered HOA abuse, contact HOATruth.com. Dennis Legere is the principal advocate. Or you can reach me at EarsUp@iCloud.com. Full disclosure, neither are attorneys. We do this bc we don't like bullies. FREE.