What initially brought you to this forum?

What was it that initially brought you to this forum?

Was it an issue?
Was it looking for general knowledge?
Was it recommended by others?

I mentioned my story recently. I had an issue with my Association and started researching how to resolve it. I found many anti-hoa sites (most of which are no longer around) and stumbled upon this site. The regular posters at the time asked specific questions and didn't always agree with me. However, they were being helpful. Eventually, my issue was resolved, I learned a lot and ended up serving on committees and the Board. With the encouragement of posters on this forum, and support of fellow board members, I was able to initiate many changes that placed my Association in a better place and, hopefully, made it easier for the members and future board members.

So, I initially found this site because of an issue between me and the Board.
I stayed because I made a few friends and continued to gain knowledge and different perspectives on various issues.

Whats the short version of your story?

Stumbled across it, thought it looked interesting.

I stuck around because it's not a griping site (although we occasionally do gripe), the answers come from experienced directors and community managers, and the conversations are mostly informative and cordial. In fact, I think the level of civility here is pretty unusual for websites that allow users to post. I attribute that in part to the fact that experienced directors and managers know how to behave professionally and don't get drawn into fights whenever somebody wants to pick one. Some posters do have their moments, but it's not the norm. Another unusual thing is that politics rarely comes up, and if it does it seems to be squelched by consensus.

I do hope the owners of the site eventually bring it more up to date, because they have something good going on here.

I came here because of an issue with my HOA. The forum was not what I expected. But it has helped me cope with some of the issues I had in my previous HOA. It's also been a very informative site. I learned so much from it over the years. I have been an off again, on again reader and poster for years. I recently resigned from the forum because one particular poster was so vitriolic and in haste I resigned. But I returned because I enjoy reading and learning about HOA issues. I don't hold grudges so onward.

I sought a 'reality check' of a particular action a HOA was taking. The check yielded the important reality that HOA boards rarely govern with the competence of a city council or any competence. To enjoy HOA living, accepting this lack of competence is important. The best thing I have taken from this forum's HOA directors, members and managers is to avoid living in a HOA or condo again. If the city where I live pretty much requires HOAs, make sure the HOA has minimal infrastructure to maintain and a tiny budget.

Good to hear Mark - gives me comfort...thank you. oljim in texas

I found the website while researching something related to my association. I think I'd been on the board for three years at the time and was beginning to participate more in the discussions. At that time our board president took the lead on most issues and the rest of us usually went along with it because generally he knew what he was talking about.

The president did a lot of work for the association and like so many others, he got tired of doing everything and resigned after one meeting when everyone voted against a proposal he wanted. I suspect that was the tipping point.. It was so sudden that's when we realized how much we'd depended on him and we'd have to start figuring out this stuff ourselves.. That's what's what kept me coming back and why I continue to do so.

Ironically, I ended up stepping for the sane reason as the president (who's since returned and is now the treasurer). I've been away for 7 years but suspect I'll return one day. If/when that happens, I want to be to jump in quickly to contribute. In the meantime, participating on this website has been most enlightening. Just when I think my community is messed up, someone will talk about drama in their community and it reminds me that the grass always looks greener on the other side.

It also reminds me that sometimes the grass looks greener because those people put in the work to take care of it. In sum, that's the key to well run well run communities - everyone has to decide what they want their community to be and work towards that end.

My wife and I live in a medium sized complex, 90 or so units, with a pool and no other amenities other that green space left after the tennis courts were removed many years ago. It's a townhome community with 2-car detached garages. Our HOA fee was recently increased to $345, which has increased yearly from $285 in the last two years. Water, sewer, trash, etc. are included in the fee, but is there anyone on this forum that has a HOA fee this large for so few amenities? Curious...

The amazing website layout. It's so retro and refreshing. Plus the admins dont' allow you to post youtube video links. They just get deleted automatically so that lets the page load faster on my dial up modem. I"m joking! please dont' ban me.

I was searching for information on hoa problems and procedures. I don't even remember what the initial questions was, maybe something to do with elections and proxies. I stayed because this forum is so valuable! Good information and advice from all over the country.