I agree to a point. I don't think they should have the power to evict and take people's houses which some do.
All in all I think people who buy in a HOA type community get what they asked for. They are useful in keeping property values up which is a good thing for sure but some abuse thier power for personal vandetta's.
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We used to live in a townhouse governed by a Homeowners Association. It was like living in a left wing hippie commune. They regulated your Christmas displays, your garden. I couldn't put up a satellite dish of course. They went through the garbage and handed out warnings and fines if you failed to recycle your newspaper and cans. A little island of socialism surrounded by a sea of freedom outside the gates.
We own are own house now. Private property is beautiful.
No HOA can evict or take people's house. Only a judge can do that after a fair hearing.