21. Meeting the HOA's Expectations
The HOA not only maintains the community's shared services, but it also sets the rules. There is usually a long list of rules on keeping your lawn in good shape, what kinds of plants you can have, what color your house can be, what types of dogs you can have, and so on. These regulations can require you to employ a landscaping company to mow your lawn or someone to repair a problem that the previous owner failed to address.
The HOA meets once a month to review new group laws. They hold "minutes" of the facts they discuss, which circulated to the community's people. There are always new guidelines to obey in these "minutes." Since they knew they were going to sell the house soon anyway, the former owner of the house still dismissed those new "minutes." You will find yourself with a long to-do list as soon as you walk in the door. Depending on the extent of neglect, painting, fixing, and keeping up with the Joneses could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
