[matrixone05]

I think some of the rules are asinine as well. But I also think most of them make sense and they are there to protect property values. The authority an association has and the rules that restrictions that are set upon those properties are usually set when the subdivisions are platted, before the first house is built and they are tied to the title/deed to the property. Which means that when you sign that legal document, you agree to those restrictions and rules. Which is why it is crucial that people ask for and read the documentation prior to buying any property. Most people don't understand the significance of the Covenants and Restrictions and do not read them until there is an issue.

The first house I bought in VA, years ago, I got fined and almost sued because my brother-in-law abandoned a car in the townhouse lot and it was registered to my address. I had no clue what it meant to belong to an Association then. I didn't read my documents either. I've bought 3 other houses since then and have read every one. Only because I know that I don't want to purchase a home in a community that has too little rules or rules that I don't want to follow.

Truth is, whether people like association's or not, (and there are people that would not live in a community without one), most subdivisions have one. My goal (and I do this for my family, friends and members in my church as well), is not to change anyone's opinion or to advocate for or against associations. I am just offering to help educate and share my knowledge of what to look for and how to resolve issues with them with someone that might need help. I'd like to help someone before they wind up with a lot of legal fees, in court or in foreclosure.

There are not many of us in this business, but a lot of us live in associations.
I'm not offering legal advice because I am not an attorney. I also may not be able to answer specific questions because I would have to look at someone's legal documents to be able to answer certain questions. Also, each state has its own laws which might take precedent over the association's legal documents.