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Richard White: Get used to the idea of homeowner's associations

Sunday, July 27, 2003

By RICHARD WHITE, Special to the Naples Daily News

Q. When we purchased our home two years ago, it was not until after we signed all the papers and all funds transferred did we find out the home was located in an area with a homeowner's association. Neither the seller nor real estate agents mentioned this fact. We did not want a home in this type of area and now we are stuck. Were any of these people in violation of the law? If so, what can we do about it? S.U. — Miami

A. The obvious answer is to contact an attorney for an opinion. But, that is not the total answer. The fact is that more than 90 percent of all homes resold today are in some type of association. Almost 100 percent of new home are in an association. It is the future of home buying to expect that there will be an association of some type. I wish I could help, but you should have asked the question in the beginning. You could write letters to the real estate offices and boards, but it will not solve your situation. Sorry.

So shut up and go read the rest of the Q & A, Pilgrim.