Tom Fudge : Home ownership is the American dream. But dealing with homeowners associations can be a nightmare. And, in fact, this is no dream, good or bad. Membership in homeowners associations is the reality for the majority of San Diego homeowners. Common interest developments, which are run by HOA's, have become the preferred way to build housing. Fees paid by homeowners finance a lot of infrastructure that local cities can't afford, thanks to Prop 13.
Disputes between HOAs and residents range from the humorous to the serious. We joke about home owners associations that won't let you put pink flamingos in your front yard. There are also situations where HOAs can foreclose on your home, due to nonpayment of fees or some other infraction.
Running a large development is a very tough job for HOA board members who are neither politicians nor professional property managers. Now, many common interest developments have reached an age where massive amounts of money are needed to keep them in shape.
This year the California Legislature passed a bill to create a Common Interest Development Bureau.
Guests
- Lori Weisberg , real estate writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
- Lori Saldana , California State Assembly Member and chair of the Housing Committee.
- Dave Rauch , President Protec Services.
