[fwdude]

I once worked for an HOA management company, and I agree with you that HOA's are evil. But people who buy into them are culpable for, of their own free will, selling their property rights and freedom for a little security and uniformity. It's not worth it.

I can't tell you how many people go into these purchase deals absolutely blind to all that is involved, and then become shocked when they have to pay dues and follow the often stringent rules. One girl called not knowing that she had to pay dues, several thousand dollars per year. It made her home purchase unaffordable.

[Straight Vermonter]

I can't tell you how many people go into these purchase deals absolutely blind to all that is involved, and then become shocked when they have to pay dues and follow the often stringent rules.

That's pretty understandable actually. Around here the HOAs will not let you see the agreement until you are at the closing. It's pretty much too late at that point to turn back. We walked away from a couple of properties because I wasn't going to get myself in that position.

[GeronL]

Nobody should ever be forced to join an HOA. The HOA doesn’t own the house. A new owner should have a choice on whether to join.