During a dinner conversation, with the Homeowner of one of my listings, they expressed their frustration over the sale of their home and trying to work with their Homeowner Association.
I would imagine that HOA's were established to keep multi-family and single family developments in order. Coordinating the landscaping maintenance and beautification, security and code enforcement issues, also in the case of condos with buyer approvals.
Perhaps they started small and then morphed into these uncontrollable, ego maniacs that my Homeowner called HOG's. HOMEOWNERS GESTAPO!
It made me laugh, but it was sad that much of what they said is true. For us, as Realtors, we have had the HOG's hold Buyers’ approval at bay. Reasons vary from; They are very busy, to they want to find a way not to approve your Buyer without getting sued. (This was our most recent experience).
They tell you that you will have your approval, but the day before closing you are calling for the fifth time and begging for the letter of approval.
When you show up at their office, to buy your Condo Documents that you called ahead to request, they treat you like they are doing you a favor. It is as if you are a low life in spite of the fact you are dripping with sweetness as you stand at the receptionist’s desk awaiting an acknowledgment of your presence. It takes a few minutes for someone to realize you’re standing there and then maybe they’ll look up to acknowledge you.
The funny thing is that, the service you’re there for, is not free…Condo Docs, HOA Docs and HOA applications.....you have to pay for!
Call and ask for the manager of the property you are representing and you are transferred to voice mail oblivion. Occasionally you win the lottery and you get a call back, but usually you have to leave two to three messages.
THIS IS NOT EVERY HOA...it just seems like it is too many. I am a salesperson. I know how to negotiate, get my way or get what I need. I feel inadequate way too often, when it comes to dealing with HOGS.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO JOIN US AT THE WALK!!!!
March 17th and 18th for 8th Annual The Coral Springs Festival of the Arts!
Over 175 booths of Arts, Crafts and loads of Entertainment to be Enjoyed!!
Come out and CELEBRATE St. Patrick's Day weekend at the Festival of the Arts!
Joy, CRS, SFR, e-PRO,
Chair, Chamber of Commerce Trustees
Jeff Booker, Relocation Specialist
Prudential Florida Realty
Coral Springs, Florida
954-369-0253 Office 954-755-0384 Fax
TRUST YOUR FAMILY'S MOVE TO OUR FAMILY'S EXPERTISE!
Timely post Joy & Jeff! I seem to have been reading alot of blogs lamenting HOA's from approval of buyers to placement of signage. Best of luck with the current listing.
Nice blog, a very interesting story, good luck with the listing!
I've run into this too. Waiting weeks just to get the rules and regulations of an HOA, when it should be in electronic format, easy to email in 30 seconds or less. Very frustrating.
Kathyrn - Great Point! Everything else is on the web....even our private information! Joy