I have mixed feelings about them. They protect property values, which can be important. Some are run by pompous asses, who don't have good sense. I am in one in Florida, (it is a small association) my girlfriend didn't like some of the rules, so she got involved. She is in her second term as President. I am very happy with this association, as they have taken care of problems from time to time, brought on by people who didn't give a damn what clutter they had around their homes, or various other nusiances. Put a 'for sale sign up on your home and then you are very interested what the neighborhood looks like.
Most associations do the landscaping, and this keeps a neighborhood looking nice. Unkept or shitty lawns - affect property values. Naples is one of the most well- kept cities I have ever been in, and it is because of the 'associations and their penchant for good landscaping and well kept neighborhoods. I made an offer on a house in Cape Coral on the water today - this is a big investment and one of my concerns is that the neighborhood doesn't get run down looking. It is not in an association, so I could be at the mercy of the guy next door or accross the street who desides to paint his house shartrose or let weeds grow up around the house. My resale value would be down the tubes.
One of the important things is to READ the association rules - and make sure you know what they are and can live with them, BEFORE you buy. Changes llater could always be a problem. Most over 55 communities allow 20% under that age, but they usually also include how many can occupy a home.
It is a catche 22.
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