The Positive Thread

In then late '80s, we lived in a new low rise condo community of maybe 80 units near UNC-Charlotte (NC). The Owners were in control, the board met once a quarter. The only rec. amenity was a pool and pool deck area. The only visible board member was a retired guy who made sure our landscapers did a good job. It really was no different than living in a non-HOA community.

We have lived, upon our retirement, in our urban twin tower 200+ unit high rise for 15 years in a CA coastal city. I became active in committees at first and then on the Board within a few years. I've served on the Board every since '07 except for '19.

My spouse & I would live nowhere other than an urban high rise with water views. Here, that means an HOA. All of our friends live here as we were new to the region, we are a strong, warm, loving community.

When we've had problems in our HOA, it was because of "bad" boards, e.g., in '05-'06 & again in '18-'19. We also have had too much turnover among our property managers. But now with, again, a good board and a new PM, who's showing remarkable competence given she's only been here three weeks and had to immediately help us deal with Coronavirus decisions and also some unfortunate plumbing leaks, we're flourishing.

Both times that we had bad boards, Owners eventually vocally rallied together and with their ballots voted them out. Not even the trouble of a recall election and no court action.

So, it's people who make a wonderful or horrible HOA--it's not the concept of an HOA itself. At least that's how I see it.