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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2019 15 By Sandra Butler-Roberts I always said I would absolutely NEVER live in an HOA. My mom and dad had moved into a 55+ development in Apple Valley, and as a visitor, I thought the rules were ridiculous. I couldn't park on the street. I couldn't go to the swimming pool unless one of my parents came with me. They were in their 90s and didn't go to the pool. But, I was envious of some of the beautiful amenities and the resort-like lifestyle. So, I resolved to learn what I could about HOAs and planned to find one to move to when I retired. Fully informed and moving in with my eyes wide open, I embraced the concept. HOAs serve a valuable purpose when all of the residents are on board and respect the structure put in place for the benefit of the whole community. For an HOA to be successful, the residents need to appreciate the benefits and understand the rationale behind all of the rules, guidelines, why we elect a Board of Directors, why we need to participate in committees and understand how the operation functions. HOAs are becoming increasingly common throughout the country. Complaints are often heard regarding the strictness and the many rules that residents must follow, however it is important to understand the many advantages that come with involvement in an HOA. I found a website that does an excellent job of describing the top 10 benefits of living in an HOA. 10. Architectural Controls - ensure consistency and continuity with original community design standards 9. Increased Community Engagement - gatherings and activities designed to bring neighbors closer together 8. Access to amenities - we can enjoy walking trails, sport courts, swimming pools, barbecue areas, etc., for community use 7. Well-Maintained Common Areas and Amenities - our HOA does an outstanding job of maintaining common areas and amenities. This includes manicured lawn areas, lighting, clean play areas, and beautiful facilities 6. Added Layer of Support in Dealing with Neighborhood Property Issues - HOAs often partner with municipal code compliance departments to ensure adherence to the rules 5. Rules and Regulations Deter Nuisance Activity - each resident in the community is held to the same set of standards 4. Increased Community Pride - activities and events help bring neighbors together, which increases pride in the community 3. Community Bonding and Communication Among Neighbors - increases a sense of safety, security, and sense of community 2. Financial Stability - a well-managed HOA has a reserve study in place and funds available for future common area repairs and capital improvement; thereby reducing the likelihood of needing a special assessment And... 1. Helping Maintain Property Values - Since residents are held accountable to deed restrictions, homes and common areas are consistently taken care of and well-maintained The presence of a highly functional HOA can dramatically increase the value of homes in the neighborhood. Keep in mind that the rules and regulations are designed to protect the value of each property. Overall, the advantages of having an HOA far outweigh its disadvantages. Homeowners associations hold the community to a higher standard, thereby improving the experience for everyone. So, now that you live in an HOA, do you know where to find our rules and regulations and community guidelines so you can be an informed and responsible resident? One place is our website: fourseasonsbeaumont.org; go to the menu item "HOA," then click on "Governing Documents." Next time, let's get informed about the legal aspects of living in an HOA by learning about the Davis-Stirling Act for common interest developments, and Open Meeting Laws in California which regulate how our Board meetings function. Have you ever wondered why our Board meetings are structured the way they are, and how you, as a resident, may participate? Stay tuned... So you live in an HOA… now what?

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