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January 28, 2019

How to Fight Your Homeowners Association and Win

Homeowners Association rules can be strict – and for good reason. In many communities, the overall appearance of the property and quality of life in the neighborhood depends on it. You see, while a homeowners association works to maintain rules and regulations, sometimes HOA policies can seem outrageous.

When your HOA is making things difficult for you, it can make you unhappy in your home. Normally, HOA policies include things like fines for garbage displacement, landscaping regulations, and guidelines for pet behavior, however, in some cases, HOA policies can go too far. Here are just 5 HOA policies you may need to fight.

Homeowners Rights Against HOA

  1. High Fees

There are many different charges that you can actually fight if you do not follow the rules set forth by the HOA. However, if you start to notice that the cost of the fees keeps piling up regardless of how hard you try to keep them away, it could be a red flag. Check with your HOAs accounting department to ensure the fines you pay are necessary and charged properly.

  1. Rapid Changes

Rules that seem to pop up overnight can cause you problems with your HOA, especially if they seem outrageous.

For example, a rule like “The roof for all dog houses must be blue or green.” While this rule may sound outright ridiculous, these types of rules are quite common. Rules and regulations should take time to establish. So, if you notice your HOA making new rules too quickly, and that you can’t keep up, attending a meeting can help.

  1. Threatening

If your HOA is sending you threats either verbally or by mail – fight it. While your HOA has every right to implement rules and regulations, they do not have the right to harass you with threats. Some of the most common things threatened by HOAs include horrendous penalty charges.

Just remember that no matter how bad the threats are, you still have rights. So, don’t be afraid to show up in person to Homeowners Association meetings and ask questions. Then be recorded in the meeting minutes as objecting to the threats. This is the best way to avoid falling victim to unethical or unlawful threats against you.

Threatening Mail

  1. Discriminate

The Fair Housing Act is one law that protects your rights as homeowners against homeowners associations. It requires HOA’s to follow a strict set of guidelines against discrimination.

If an HOA is found discriminating against anyone based on gender, race, or religion, they should be challenged. Collect any evidence that you can and bring it to a meeting. Do not be afraid to print and read the Fair Housing Act and cite areas of violation. Almost every state honors the anti-discrimination laws upheld by the Fair Housing Act to help protect you.

  1. Solar Drying

You may already know that using a clothesline to dry your clothes saves money and energy. Because of the hanging, this type of solar drying isn’t usually welcomed in communities where an HOA regulates the property. In fact, in 19 states it is actually illegal to dry your laundry on a clothesline, but the rest of the U.S. deems it A-OK to air dry.

So, as long as you keep the items uniform go ahead and use the sun and air to speed your drying time and save cash.

If you want to fight, and win, never fear fighting back against your HOA. Oftentimes, owners who fight back win when they take the time to attend HOA meetings, get involved in the process and research the issue. While it may seem intimidating to show up to a meeting and fight the battle, you are never alone.

Many homeowners have fought back against these 5 HOA policies and won. Use these tips on how to homeowners rights against HOA so that you can, too!

June 27, 2018

Is Buying Land in Phoenix a Good Investment?

In today’s economy, there are so many options to choose from when deciding where to invest your money. The news is dominated by company stocks and cryptocurrencies that rise and fall by the minute. If your heart can take the stress, by all means, join the Wall Street venture with your money.

But if you’re looking for a reliably safe alternative, look no further. When it comes to smart investing, real estate and land have always been contending options. Unlike many companies in the stock market that produce products or offer services, the land is one commodity that is not being produced and never will be. There is a finite amount of land in the United States and as we grow as a country, that land will only increase in value as space becomes scarce. This fact alone makes buying land a good investment, most of the time.

But when is buying land a good investment?

When it comes to being smart with your money, understanding the real estate market climate and indications of where it is heading is going to be your first priority. Right now, housing prices are on the rise and the population of the Phoenix metro area continues to grow. With an influx of people, that means more space is necessary to accommodate. Land in and around Phoenix are starting to feel those effects. New amenities, housing, schools and more are needed when the population starts to grow.

But when is buying land a good investment

Here are a few helpful tips to make your land hunt go a little smoother:

    • Figure out what you want
      While this may seem obvious to know what you are looking for before you start looking but so many times people begin looking without really evaluating what they are looking for.
    • Price
      The basic goal of an investment property is to buy it at a lower price than what you hope to sell it for in the future. Establishing a firm price and sticking to it can save a lot of disappointment and potentially costly mistakes.
    • Size 
      While this is not as crucial because every piece of land is going to be different in both price and size. However, if you are looking to invest in a commercial piece of property vs. residential, then size will play a role in your search.       Zoning- understanding the different zone classifications and how each can affect the value and appeal of a piece of land. Commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural or mixed-use are all different and should be understood.
    • Location, location, location
      These are the three most important words when it comes to real estate of any kind. The location will often dictate the price and the right location can outweigh the size or quality of the land. Depending on what your investment goals are, the location will most likely be the biggest component of your land venture decision.

While these factors are important to narrow down before beginning your search, the most important and helpful thing you can do for yourself is to enlist the services of an experienced real estate agent. I have been serving the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley communities for nearly 20 years, so I truly understand the markets and where they are headed. My experience has led me to be named one of the top real estate agents in the country and I would love the opportunity to help find your ideal investment property or dream home. To start your search today, visit https://homesellerarizona.com/homes-for-sale-in-arizona/.

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