When you purchase property in a condo, townhouse, co-op, or subdivision development, you’ll have to deal with homeowner association’s rules and regulations; violation fines; a lien if you don’t pay your fines, monthly dues, or assessments; and other fines if you don’t abide by the rules.
If you’re considering purchasing Orange County real estate subject to a homeowner’s association, you may be surprised at how detailed the regulations can be. Let’s go over some typical stringent rules found in some association regulations:
-The homeowner association has to approve any exterior design alterations or painting done by the homeowner.
-Repairing your vehicle in the driveway is prohibited by the association.
-Installation of a utility shed in your backyard isn’t allowed.
-Outdoor clotheslines, television antennas, basket ball hoops, and satellite dishes are prohibited.
While civil rights laws influence the drafting of homeowner association rules, some residents won’t be thrilled with some of the regulations. For example, just because a homeowner association regulation permits a property owner to have children living in the community doesn’t mean all residents will be overjoyed with the presence of kids. Only a senior community can exclude children from living in its association. You may need to be proactive in your association to help reform a better environment for your children.
Can you live with these stringent rules:
-Only one pet per unit allowed. Maximum weight can’t exceed 15 counts.
-Pets that are overly loud or aggressive must be permanently removed from the premises within three days notice by the board.
-If a property owner maintains a bicycle, it has to be locked away in specially designated places. They can’t be left unsupervised on common grounds, in hallways, or left out on patios or balconies.
-Personal demeanor and dress code must follow association requirements.
-Placement of signs aren’t permitted on community grounds.
-Owners aren’t permitted to install drapes or curtains in any unit without a white liner visible from the exterior.
-Home owners aren’t allowed to invite more than 10 friends or family members over for a gathering in a unit.
-If a property owner has plans to rent out their unit, a pre-approval must be obtained by the board before embarking on such an endeavor.
-If finances are tight and you want to sell your unit, you can’t do so without the approval of the board. If the board has any awful reason to reject your buyer, you won’t be able to sell the property.
Homeowner association restrictions can cramp your lifestyle if you’re not careful. Make sure you research an association’s rules before you purchase property in it.
If you’re searching through Orange County or Villa Park Realtors and real estate agents to help you locate the best Orange or Villa Park real estate and homes for sale, give me a call today!
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