Category Archives: Patriotism

Hogtied & Hammered By Transfer Fee!

I knew it was coming. I just didn’t realize how massive the damage would be. It’s huge.

Some close friends just sold their HOA home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Before they could sell their house they had to come up with $10,000 at closing, much of that for a Transfer Fee. The Realtor didn’t warn them (they rarely do). Despite me writing Neighbors At War, and doing this blog nightly, these friends just didn’t understand what was coming. It’s hard for younger folks to listen to the ‘old man.’ I’m embarrassed to say that at their age I never listened to my own ‘old man’, either.

How Bizarre Are Transfer Fees?

Activists in Colorado are gearing up to fight one of the most bizarre expenses on your closing papers when you sell your HOA home.

Most people have no idea what that mysterious charge is that appears on your real estate documents. Transfer? From who to whom? It’s a transfer of money from your pocket to the checking account of a ‘mysterious stranger’. The fee can range anywhere from fifty bucks to several thousand. Question the fee and your closing agent will just pack up her briefcase and leave.

When it comes to collection of HOA liens, it’s all about the money!

guest blog by Deborah Goonan

The latest controversy in HOA Land: in Nevada – and by extension 21 other states with similar legal status – the HOA super priority lien can now extinguish an outstanding mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

It’s ironic, because when CAI was founded back in 1973, it was with cooperation from FHA. Their agreement to back mortgages in common interest developments was the glue that held disparate CAI interests together.

But after years of mortgage deregulation, followed by out-of-control real estate price increases, and the ensuing mortgage default crisis, things have certainly changed.

Teen Football Team Sets Example For Adults

guest blog by Nila Ridings
 
Hopefully, by the time these boys are buying houses HOAs will no longer exist.  But if they do, I doubt they would even think of bullying their neighbors.
 
This video speaks for itself.  
 
Warning:  Strong message. Tissues advised.
 
 
BTW, if you want to give a shout-out to these wonderful kids, here’s pertinent info:
 
Olivet Middle School
255 First Street
Olivet, Michigan 49076
 
Mike Flood, Principal
floodm@olivetschools.org

“He fought for the flag and we’ll die for the flag!” ~Louise Helton

guest blog by Nila Ridings
 
This story has reduced me to tears!
 
I hold a special place in my heart for aviators, veterans, and the American flag.
 
In the course of his 92 years, Mr. Helton of McDonough, Georgia has VOLUNTEERED to fight in 3 wars for the United States of America.  He fought for my freedom and yours. He fought for these ungrateful, insensitive, and brain-dead board members, too!  Today, He sits in his chair with his aviator’s shirt on. He is devastated. And he can’t hold back the tears.
 
Why?  
 
Because four board members from the Village At Spring Creek HOA marched themselves to his front door and ordered him to take the America flag off his house or they will fine him $25 per day.  And one of them said, “If you don’t take it down, I’ll take it down!”
 
If you’ve read this far please think about what I am about to say.  Do we really and truly want the last years, months, days, or hours of life on this earth for those who have sacrificed so much for each of us to be spent in the greatest battle of their lives to be with their Homeowners Association?  The Helton’s have lived in this HOA hellhole less than one year. President George W. Bush signed into law the RIGHT to fly the American flag in 2005 so any of us who wish to fly it could freely do so.
 
This story makes me feel more and more like our enemies are not on foreign soil. They are right here living next door and down the street.  Every single story I read about HOAs cements that belief for me. 
 
Please join me in our efforts to stop this insanity by flying your American flag today.  
 
United we can and will make a difference!