Episode Details

Pull up a chair and bring your popcorn, because this is our HOA horror stories episode and y'all really delivered. We are reading the listener-submitted HOA tales from your emails after last week's HOA Pros and Cons episode, and they cover everything from picket fence presidents to power-hungry board members, Florida law changes, FHA approval drama, and the loudest activity complaint we have ever read on this show.

We are sharing the story of the retired neighbor who became HOA president while not even at the meeting (and now wants to sue), the Maryland sellers who could not list their home until they retroactively permitted their deck and shed, the developer-handpicked board that just got disbanded by 94% of a community vote, and the paralegal who has worked HOA cases for 12 years and is giving us the rundown of what actually causes the fines and litigation.

We also talk through Florida's new July 2024 HOA laws (the Gladys Kravitz law), the condo HOAs losing FHA approval mid-deal, the rising insurance premiums tanking reserves, and one of our favorite stories ever, the LSU luxury condo seller who used the building's common area gourmet kitchen and conference room as her actual house. If you needed proof that HOAs are very much in the gray area, this is your episode.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

- HOA horror stories from listeners across the country - The retired wildflower lady, Karen, who became HOA president while absent - The Maryland sellers blocked from listing until they got after-the-fact permits - The honey-making beekeeper neighbor and the "rewilding" yard trend - The community that voted 94% to disband a developer-handpicked board - The condo with one warning then a permanent fine on your record - The Vermont HOA at $1,800 a year that actually saves money - Pond fountains, retention ponds, and who pays for the views - The University Crescent condo where the seller used common areas as her house - The marital activity noise complaint that required a paralegal's letter - Company logo vehicles, pit bulls, and flag pole disputes - Florida's July 2024 "Gladys Kravitz law" and what HOAs can no longer do - FHA approval lapses that kill condo deals at the eleventh hour - The Florida insurance crisis tanking condo reserves - The off-grid Colorado HOA with 40 lots, agricultural tax breaks, and $400 a year dues - The Fannie Mae 5% deductible limit that just killed a downtown listing - Why HOA management vs. homeowner-run boards changes everything - Why the "good ones are hard to find"

Key quotes from this episode:

- "If everyone jumps off my bridge, are you gonna jump off the bridge?" Katy on grandfathered HOA violations - "Is this going to be the hill you die on? The weeds?" Katy - "HOAs can be awesome, as long as decisions are made in the best interest of the homeowners and not driven by power hungry individuals." Listener - "Be the neighbor that people want to live by, not just the agent other agents want to work with." Alissa - "You may not be in your HOA's amenities every day, but you are paying for them. Use what you pay for." Alissa, on the luxury condo seller

Products, people, and previous episodes mentioned:

- Episode 260 (HOAs Pros and Cons) - Florida July 2024 HOA laws (the Gladys Kravitz law package) - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac condo deductible limits - University Crescent condominiums (Baton Rouge) - Kelly Daniel's Florida real estate newsletter (listener-shared)

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with another agent who has a wild HOA story of their own. And don't forget to send us your toast at team@hustlehumblypodcast.com.

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