In 2005, Barney and Donna Clancy moved to Wildwood Village in northern El Paso County, attracted by the subdivision’s horse-friendly covenants and its five-acre lots.
However, the neighborhood wasn’t as friendly as Barney Clancy hoped. He wanted four horses, instead of the two allowed by covenants. The homeowners association told them to thin their herd and Clancy fought back. But he lost.
In December, he moved out of Wildwood and into Canterbury West, a horse-friendly subdivision a few miles northwest of Wildwood.
Here are some maps of the neighborhoods and the region.
In moving out, Clancy pulled a unique house swap with Daryl Grunder, who was selling a house in Canterbury West subdivision. Grunder was downsizing while Clancy needed more room.
And in the process of swapping houses, something else happened. They became friends. Here’s a look at the properties from www.FlashEarth.com website.
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We moved into our home on the northwest side 10 years ago. Our realtor made us aware of the HOA and we were given our HOA bylaws booklet at closing. Although we did not read every single page we looked up the most important things, allowable colors of homes, roofing, pet issues, fencing, autos & amp; trailers, landscaping and just how those issues are handled.
In these years we have followed the rules and have seen those who don’t are asked to comply and if those who don’t still don’t, then whatever actions are necessary are applied. Our area has stayed nice, our housing prices have continued to climb. Those that would have brought down the neighborhood and caused unrest have usually moved on, to the delight of all.
Most people who live in areas with an HOA, were seeking out a nice area with nice yards, good upkeep on the properties, no junky autos parked in driveways and sides of homes, pets under control etc. But you always have the people who decide they will buy in the neighborhood, but for some reason don’t think the rules apply to them or will be enforced, that’s where the problem is.
You have been recently highlighting complainers that are always in a HOA controlled area. “The neighbor is doing this or that, so why can’t I?”. “I want my dog to run loose.” “They put a lien against my house (of course I haven’t paid my dues in two years).” “I should be able to totally use my garage as storage space and park my 5 cars in front of my neighbors homes, then leave my garage door open all weekend so everyone can enjoy my crappy garage.”
We paid a lot for our home and pay our dues to keep the area nice. We knew the rules when we moved here and we simply follow them. If we aren’t sure about something we speak to the property manager for clarification.
If you are not in favor of an HOA, then DON’T move into an area that has one. If you have a need for 5-6 or more vehicles or animals, then move to the country out east on a large piece of land. If you want to purchase a home and then rent it out, your tenants will need to abide by the HOA covenants and so will you as the owner.
How hard is this to understand?