If I own land I should be able to do anything I want within the law.
I'm not saying there should be no restrictions at all, especially if everyone agrees to them. What I find hard to swallow is that these HOA's have the power to steal people's property if they don't comply. I believe one is a huge fool to give that power to somebody and I'd never do it. What I find hypocritical in what you said is that you demand the right as a property owner to ensure those who own the property for ever after you must concede thier rights as a property owner in order to buy the property. Not only that but you are purposely making a strong effort to restrict the rights of others in order to turn a higher profit on the sale. So again, it seems as though you are all for property rights as long as it benefits your wallet, and screw everyone else.
Would you participate in a city plan using eminant domain so that you could acquire property from another private owner at a better price than what he is asking?
In 1971, I bought a house in an area in Portales, NM that had a deed restriction prohibiting sale to...and I quote........"Catholics, niggers, and other undesirables".
Those restrictions were long ago voided by federal law, but were there nonetheless.
Smokers are apparently the new "Catholics, niggers, and other undesirables".