In an Atlanta Homeowners Association (linked below) screaming and death threats are becoming a common experience. Homeowners are upset that the management company built a gate and is charging the homeowners $135,000. A hundred-and-thirty-five thousand bucks? For a frickin’ gate?
It’s long been my observation that the louder the screams at the HOA meeting, the higher chance there’s some embezzling or raw theft involved. If people are screaming, it’s time for a forensic audit…and a couple of pairs of handcuffs.
(link to story on FOX-5 Atlanta)
I’m not quick to get angry at all, but letters from my HOA have a unique ability to put me into a rage. I really do understand how there could be violence at HOA meetings. After a long day at work we all expect to come home to relax, but then we see some “communication” from our HOA sticking out from the doorknob. With my HOA it is NEVER good news. Ever. It’s always some inconvenience or expense. I will never ever ever do this again, even if it mean renting the rest of my life.
Angela B,
I hope you’ve read Dr. Gary Solomon’s HOA Syndrome. He perfectly describes what living in an HOA does to the soul.
Yes, renting is the way to go. I recently met a woman from Denver. She lived in an HOA out there and rented an apartment when she moved to Kansas. She could not stop telling me how much she loved it and was so thankful to be rid of the HOA lifestyle. She will be moving back to Denver but already knows she will never own again and looks forward to being a renter for the rest of her life.
The one thing HOAs (especially condos) have done for the housing industry is convince people that being a renter is a good thing!
I hope you can set yourself free of the HOA soon!