Monday, April 12, 2010

Letters from HOA

I recently received a letter from Spectrum Association detailing overgrown weeds in the front yard and side of my house. When I called Spectrum to dispute the allegations because I did not have overgrown weeds I was told that there were over 117 violations in my neighborhood. Flabbergasted I asked the representatives what those violations had to do with the letter I received for weeds that were not mine but the house next to me that is vacant. I did not receive a response. When I asked which persons were responsible for cleaning the vacant property I was told the bank. When I asked why I received the letter and if a corrected letter would be sent, I was told yes. Three weeks later, I am still waiting for a corrected letter. Please share any stories!

HOA Reform

Currently in Texas, it is not illegal for a homeowners association to foreclose on a home due to unpaid homeowner association fees. Due to this law, foreclosures across the state have skyrocketed. Additionally, people such as the elderly and disabled have lost their homes because of unpaid fees not deliquent bank loans. While some may argue that you do not have to buy a home in a subdivision that has a homeowners association, I contend that this is not problem. When fees are handled effectively by homeowners associations for items such as swimming pools, lighting, fences, and grafiti, homeowners would not have a problem paying for their fees. However, when you find grafiti throughout your neighborhood, have poor lighting, and your subdivision does not have amenities such as swimming pools or playgrounds, it is difficult to understand where your money is going. Further, it is unfair to keep homeowners in these associations that are seemingly useless. The Amberwood Subdivision managed by Spectrum Association Mgmt., LP has yet to provide any amenities, clean up grafiti, and maintains poor lighting. This not only has serious consequences for residents but it also does not build up the property values of the neighborhood.