I'm with you on this one. I hate HA's their rediculous. Some things work for the good of the neighborhood, like no broken down cars and keeping your lawn cut, but they get down right stupid after that.
We have friends that just bought into a new community. They have a dog that is a digger, now he's just a puppy and they are trying to train him. In the mean time they have lined their back yard with sand bagged topped cinderblocks. Now this is not visible from the street and the only people that see it is them, but someone looked over their fence and reported it. Now, they did it to keep their dog in the back yard so that he doesn't get out and destroy other yards or worse.
They just don't make any sense sometimes. You know if I want to put a tool shed in my back yard, I should be able to, with out having to get written fucking permission. Children are not the owners of these homes, damnit.
Ok, sorry this subject always makes me mad. :bunny2
Homeowners associations..
Forewarning, I am venting so I am probably rambling... It's only been a year since we moved in, we were the 7th house to close in the neighborhood, and I'd say the last homeowners to close have been moved in a month or so, so the community is just forming. We still don't even have official control of the neighborhood association from the builder.
Yet even from the planning stages, before any of us had moved in, there was this one woman who was sending out fliers and introducing herself saying she was going to run for Association President. Ok..... I hate pushy people but fine, good for her. The management company hired by the builder set up a community forum for us a few months ago, which is great. People get online, voice concerns, share information. Could be a great tool. Except I have come to loath my neighbors that are online, especially this wanna-be President cunt. A bunch of whiney rule loving brats, all of them. Ok yes I hate rules and rule obiding suck ups, but I understand the need for most of them. I just don't think people need to be obsessively mentioning them and doing things like walking the neighborhood to make lists of violations to send to the management company and reporting people who's pets are loose.
One stupid thing she's suggested is we should buy one of those 'deed restrictions strictly enforced' signs to put at the neighborhood entrance. First I don't WANT them strictly enforced there should be latitude for interpretation and compromise so that everyone feels welcome and cultures are respected we have 88 homes so that's 88 possible opinions and desires to be satisfied so people feel good since this is our HOME. Second I don't think we should spend money on that sign when the management company is whining we don't have money to fix broken sprinklers in the common area. I want my money to go to things that will make my house's value go up like flowers and a park on the front common area. That way I can sell and get the fuck away from these morons when I have had enough. Which REALLY pisses me off since I love my house. It's our first house, I got what I wanted with a beautiful new construction and all the things I wanted (except a 1 car not 2 car garage and a smaller backyard, but I can live with it for a couple years).
I don't think I should have to fill out a form, draw a TO SCALE representation of even the smallest thing I want to do in my front fucking yard and submit it to a committee for approval within 30 fucking days. I want to go to Home Depot say oh this is cute and on sale, I'll buy it and put it in. They even want to control what you do in the BACK fucking yard!!!! argh!!!!
What really chaps my ass good is they didn't even have these rules and shit done when we closed on the house. I had been asking for a copy since we met with the builder when it was just a fucking field, but they didn't even do them until people were already living there. If I had seen some of this dumb rules shit I would have seriously reconsidered. All blinds on your house have to match, and can only be white? You can't have your trashcan visible? No pools, hot tubs or anything allowed, below OR above ground? No parking on the street and you are supposed to have at least 1 car already in your garage if you have a car on your driveway.. I have a 1 car garage and even if a car would fit in it, it's filled with junk! Which btw it is stated that your car not fitting in is not an acceptable reason not to park in it!!!!! WTF???
I just posted on the forums :
I just think everyone is already taking things to an extreme. I was really hoping to live in a neighborhood of caring people who interpreted rules on a case by case basis who understood that these should be guidelines, not a bible. Growing up I lived in a neighborhood where the social activity for a great many elderly women there was a daily drive around the area together to write up any perceived violation or anything that annoyed them. It made for very nasty relations between neighbors, my Mom to this day is still bickering with her neighbor after over 20 years.
We've been living here a year and people are already going around reporting each other for things. It's not very friendly IMO. Besides, I think a lot of the deed restrictions are just plain ridiculous. Everyone's intitled to their own opinions on that, of course. However, we just need to remember that 88 different families live here and all 88 opinions need to be considered so we are ALL happy living here, not just a vocal or pushy few.
I'm sure I'll be targeted and written up for every possible thing now, damn fuckers. My next door neighbor is one of the super vocal and pushy ones online too. Fuck her, damn bitch.
*pant pant* I feel a little better. Sorry y'all, just ignore me.
Sarah
20 years ago
Gilae
20 years ago
We've started to have HA issues at our house too...but Mike and I are of the mindset of "screw em". We haven't really been able to figure out what they can do to us if we don't get along with them as they would like...so maybe we're stupid not to pay more attention I don't know. They've been whining because everyone is putting up different fences in their backyards. OMG get a life. If you don't like my fence, then pay for me to put up a new one. Until then, I will put up the one that I like that fits in with my budget. I'm the one working 7 days a week to pay for the mortgage, and nobody is going to tell me what I can and can't do with my own property.
Apparently we're not the only ones in the neighborhood with that mindset as we received a petition in the mail requesting support to turnover the HA government! DAMN THE MAN!
Apparently we're not the only ones in the neighborhood with that mindset as we received a petition in the mail requesting support to turnover the HA government! DAMN THE MAN!
Maeya
20 years ago
=( It sounds like these women want a cookie cutter life filled with flowery dresses and 50's music, where every day promptly at 5pm, the man comes home to roast beef and potatoes, while the wife smiles charmingly at him.
Think Stepford Wives.
They want to live in this paradise community, but everyone's idea of paradise is different, so like you said, all it will end up in is people reporting each other out of spite.
I remember hearing a story about a man living in a neighborhood with a HA. He painted his front door a different color, red I think it was... and they got all over his case for it. They made him paint his door the original color. He looked up the rules and found a loophole, and painted his house polka-dot to retaliate.
I think the post you made on the boards was well thought-out and reasonable. I hope you get some people sticking up for you and on your side. =(
Think Stepford Wives.
They want to live in this paradise community, but everyone's idea of paradise is different, so like you said, all it will end up in is people reporting each other out of spite.
I remember hearing a story about a man living in a neighborhood with a HA. He painted his front door a different color, red I think it was... and they got all over his case for it. They made him paint his door the original color. He looked up the rules and found a loophole, and painted his house polka-dot to retaliate.
I think the post you made on the boards was well thought-out and reasonable. I hope you get some people sticking up for you and on your side. =(
Hijinks
20 years ago
I read a year or so ago - Reader's Digest, I think it was, but don't quote me - that a couple fought with their HA over two pink flamingoes in their front yard. Well it eventually went to litigation, and the family was holding out and keeping the flamingoes in the yard hoping the HA's rule would be overturned, and then they found out that the HA had been "fining" them several dollars a day for the flamingo violation, and it was apparently in the HA's fine print that they were entitled to do so. They wound up owing the HA thousands of dollars. So, if you get in a brawl with the HA, make sure they're not fining you under the table.
I HATE pushy people. Unfortunately my sister is a very pushy person. Last week when she was visiting, my cat got upset about people in his house and bit me while I was shutting him in the back room. For the next week all I heard about was that my hand was infected (it isn't) and that I needed to go to the emergency room (I don't). Come to find out that in Iowa, if your cat bites you, and you go to the doctor, your cat is taken away from you (and put down). Never mind the circumstances of the bite. So if I had let her push me around, I would have lost my little lovey Caz that I adore so much (and who is really a nice kitty when it's just him and me). I don't really have a point except that I hate pushy people too and try not to let them push me around.
I HATE pushy people. Unfortunately my sister is a very pushy person. Last week when she was visiting, my cat got upset about people in his house and bit me while I was shutting him in the back room. For the next week all I heard about was that my hand was infected (it isn't) and that I needed to go to the emergency room (I don't). Come to find out that in Iowa, if your cat bites you, and you go to the doctor, your cat is taken away from you (and put down). Never mind the circumstances of the bite. So if I had let her push me around, I would have lost my little lovey Caz that I adore so much (and who is really a nice kitty when it's just him and me). I don't really have a point except that I hate pushy people too and try not to let them push me around.
Dia
20 years ago
i have vowed long ago that i will NEVER EVER even if someone paid me, will live in a community with a HA. NEVER. just for all these reasons listed above plus some! I picked a regular old neighborhood with a house that was built in the 70's. If my neighbors dont like my purple front door (painting it this week ^_^ ) then they can call the city. The city will tell them to bugger off cuz they got enough to worry about than my door!
i was just asking the other day, why they dont make neighborhoods anymore. Just plain un-named streets with homes. No HA's no big sign out front that read Willowbrook and no streets thats all match said sign!
to me, whats mine is MINE. no neighbor is going to tell me what to do with the home i'm paying 100k for (were poor) I am a fighter and vindictive, i dont know how you dont freak on people Temprah! you've got patience that i wouldnt =D
i was just asking the other day, why they dont make neighborhoods anymore. Just plain un-named streets with homes. No HA's no big sign out front that read Willowbrook and no streets thats all match said sign!
to me, whats mine is MINE. no neighbor is going to tell me what to do with the home i'm paying 100k for (were poor) I am a fighter and vindictive, i dont know how you dont freak on people Temprah! you've got patience that i wouldnt =D
Rikr
20 years ago
All the reading. :( Can someone put this into MP3 format forme so I can just listen to it tonight?
ROzbeans
20 years ago
Both our houses had HA but we never paid much attention to them. Fuck 'em.
Gilae
20 years ago
No kidding.
I wonder how my HA feels about the parties I've thrown. We like to get rowdy up in here!
Maelarya
Both our houses had HA but we never paid much attention to them. Fuck 'em.
No kidding.
I wonder how my HA feels about the parties I've thrown. We like to get rowdy up in here!
Temprah
20 years ago
lol!! Hell I'm in a subdivision where we're on like 28' or 32' wide lots, there is almost no parking other than your driveway.. which can fit maybe 3 cars. People always park with their bumper sticking into the street. Parties and gatherings are kind of not an option.
No one has responded to my little outburst other than a couple comments like 'i don't see anyone pushy just concerned' ( this comming from the pushy wanna-be president herself /growl ) or to be like 'we should get back on topic' (for the thread)
I kind of have to pay attention since they will fine you for things by the day as well. X doesn't give a crap and is quite vocal to that effect too, so I have to be the one on this stuff =/
And Dia, I didn't freak on them cause I came here and vented =p But you're right, I wish you could find a neighborhood with all kinds of mixed house styles and such with no HA. But, I wanted new so I had the piece of mind of no repairs for a few years.. (then we could sell and move :teehee )we're not handy people at all.
No one has responded to my little outburst other than a couple comments like 'i don't see anyone pushy just concerned' ( this comming from the pushy wanna-be president herself /growl ) or to be like 'we should get back on topic' (for the thread)
I kind of have to pay attention since they will fine you for things by the day as well. X doesn't give a crap and is quite vocal to that effect too, so I have to be the one on this stuff =/
And Dia, I didn't freak on them cause I came here and vented =p But you're right, I wish you could find a neighborhood with all kinds of mixed house styles and such with no HA. But, I wanted new so I had the piece of mind of no repairs for a few years.. (then we could sell and move :teehee )we're not handy people at all.
Vebran
20 years ago
I'd take a HA over a car parked on the front lawn of my neighbor's house any day of the week. Part of my enjoyment of my home has to do with how the outside aesthetics are set up.
Granted people can take things a bit too far, and this sounds like this situation. The only thing left for you to do is to stick a banana in their tailpipe, TP their home and then spray ketchup and mustard all over their car.
Granted people can take things a bit too far, and this sounds like this situation. The only thing left for you to do is to stick a banana in their tailpipe, TP their home and then spray ketchup and mustard all over their car.
Sarah
20 years ago
Don't forget to write dirty words in shave cream on the drive way
Gilae
20 years ago
Remind me not to move in next door to Veb and Mae.
Oh yeah, they live in Alaska. No reminder necessary.
Oh yeah, they live in Alaska. No reminder necessary.
Dia
20 years ago
lol pb under the car door handle!
i havent had anyone park their cars on their front lawn the 19 years where i grew up! Veb are you and Mae really hillbillies?!
i havent had anyone park their cars on their front lawn the 19 years where i grew up! Veb are you and Mae really hillbillies?!
Vebran
20 years ago
Actually all the places we've lived have been somewhat decent. The only iffy place was our first home together in New Mexico, but even then it wasn't too bad.
I just have a fear of the stereotypical redneck/bad neighbor. I'm beginning to worry though, one of our across the street neighbors has been working on a truck in front driveway the past 4-5 days.
I just have a fear of the stereotypical redneck/bad neighbor. I'm beginning to worry though, one of our across the street neighbors has been working on a truck in front driveway the past 4-5 days.
Jinheim
20 years ago
My parents have had bad experience with their HA. Their house backs up to a small man-made lake, which is awesome because they have an short iron grate fence around the backyard which gives them an awesome view of the lake. Also, ducks and geese and other assorted wildlife from the lake come up to our backyard, climb through the gate, and eat from the birdfeeders and such that my parents have set up. My parents really get a lot of enjoyment out of feeding the birds and watching them.
Between the lake and the fence is about a 25' hill. The HA decided to build a path on this hill, all along the lake. Once it got built, people started using it to jog and walk their dogs. All the foot traffic scared off all the wildlife, and there were no more birds. My dad even saw a golden retriever chase off a mother duck, causing her to abandon her dozen babies. The next day, the duck was back, but it had only retrieved one baby. The rest got lost and most likely died. Also, my parents are very private people and don't like having people walking right past their back yard all day. Since they have an iron grate fence, all the people who walk by can see right in to their back yard and into the house.
On top of that, it was discovered that the pathway was disrupting the way that the water was flowing down the hill and it was causing serious foundation damage to all the houses backin up to the lake. My parents, along with the four other families who had houses backing up to the lake, sued the HA. The HA quickly caved in and the pathway was removed, and now the ducks and geese and rabbits are back and everything is right in the world.
Between the lake and the fence is about a 25' hill. The HA decided to build a path on this hill, all along the lake. Once it got built, people started using it to jog and walk their dogs. All the foot traffic scared off all the wildlife, and there were no more birds. My dad even saw a golden retriever chase off a mother duck, causing her to abandon her dozen babies. The next day, the duck was back, but it had only retrieved one baby. The rest got lost and most likely died. Also, my parents are very private people and don't like having people walking right past their back yard all day. Since they have an iron grate fence, all the people who walk by can see right in to their back yard and into the house.
On top of that, it was discovered that the pathway was disrupting the way that the water was flowing down the hill and it was causing serious foundation damage to all the houses backin up to the lake. My parents, along with the four other families who had houses backing up to the lake, sued the HA. The HA quickly caved in and the pathway was removed, and now the ducks and geese and rabbits are back and everything is right in the world.
ROzbeans
20 years ago
Jinheim
The HA quickly caved in and the pathway was removed, and now the ducks and geese and rabbits are back and everything is right in the world.