Month: October 2025

Surviving HOAs: Essential Tips for Black Homeowners

Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong. ~Ella Fitzgerald

Sigh. I have been occupied with negotiations with a contractor. Consequently, I overlooked composing a post addressing how African Americans can successfully navigate and prosper within Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs). Sorry!

It is the autumn season. It is time to inspect gutters, test carbon monoxide detectors, examine fireplaces, seal air leaks, clean gutters and downspouts, store lawn furniture, winterize sprinkler systems, insulate pipes, remove garden hoses from spigots, repair window caulk, seal gaps with caulk, check for drafts, test smoke detectors, inspect furnaces, replace furnace filters, plant grass seed, rake leaves, purchase clearance fertilizer, winterize lawns, and blow out sprinkler systems. I acknowledge that this is a lengthy list; however, it is essential that these tasks be completed. Your future self will express gratitude in the spring. Furthermore, due to your ethnicity, all eyes are upon you.  So!  Shine!  

I recommend that everyone apply a winterizer fertilizer to their lawns. My favorite is Ferti-Lome’s winterizer, although I also use other fertilizers when they are on sale, such as Mountain States Weed & Feed, which I have purchased for as low as $1.70 per bag. 

Outdoor maintenance is essential; therefore, it is advisable to create a weekend checklist. Please remember to work at your own pace to remain proactive regarding Old Man Winter and to comply with the Homeowners’ Association rules and regulations. 

See you next week!

Navigating Homeowners Associations: Tips and Insights

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” ~Amelia Earhart

I apologize for not posting on Friday. Unfortunately, I am having issues with a contractor. As a result, I spent the day drafting a message to him and his general manager, but didn’t send it. I plan to send it soon, carefully choosing my words to clearly express my expectations for their workmanship. I want to be concise and avoid verbosity when I finally send the message [sigh]. Oh! Well! So! Let’s talk about navigating Homeowners Associations.

In my community, there are two HOAs—something I only discovered after my HOA foreclosed on over 50 homes. As fate would have it, I, for once in my life, went through the mail. I saw I had several violation notices. I contacted the attorney’s office. The woman I spoke with was cold as ice. She told me I needed to sell my inoperable car and pay the fines.

My car was in the driveway and a tire had gone flat. I was planning on having the car fixed but I was taking care of my elderly mom. As a result, my income was affected by caring for her and I couldn’t get the car fix. But! I would put air in the tires when I noticed them on a flat! Sadly, the time I didn’t was flagged by the HOA.

Well, anyhow, after being told to sell my car, I called the HOA. I explained my situation. They waived their fees, but I still had to pay the attorney fees. I agreed to the terms of a payment plan. I consistently made my payments on time. I used any extra funds to settle the remaining balance. Eventually, I moved on, learning from the experience.

I now contact the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) at least four times annually to verify whether I have any outstanding violations. To date, I have received only one notice, which was a result of the addition of two security cameras. I addressed the issue by informing the HOA that my truck had been broken into. Regrettably, the only camera was positioned too far to clearly recognize the perpetrator, so I added the cameras. They acknowledged the violation, and no penalty was imposed.

SUGGESTIONS

  • Bookmark your HOA website
  • Put your HOA among your email contacts
  • Download and read Governing Documents
  • Download and read Policies and Resolutions
  • Download all forms
  • Set reminders to email your HOA four times annually, checking for violations
  • Get involved

Let’s pray!

Father God, help us in managing our lives with the professionalism of a business. Help us to assume the roles of CEO’s over our personal affairs. Amen

Protecting Your Home: An HOA Survival Guide for Black Residents

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— Psalm 103:2 NIV

Good day. I want to assert that I am an American. Society recognizes me as an older woman of color, and I proudly embrace this identity. The words of God affirm that I am His child. As my spiritual connection to Him keeps me steadfast in my growth and evolution on my spiritual journey. However, my husband reminds me daily that my personality is classified as type “A.” Until today, I had never researched the characteristics associated with this type. I must admit, I am pretty impressed—WOW!

Well, let us commence. I am committed to this series, as it addresses a vital issue affecting Black homeowners living in Homeowner Association (HOA) communities.

Firstly, I would like to inform you that HOAs are a means of land grabbing. And Black people aren’t getting it! We move into these communities with high hope that we are no longer “separate but equal. ” We soon realize our homes are constantly under scrutiny, as the figurative glass ceiling limiting home-ownership shatters around us.

NEW FLASH! Black Americans will never see a day when we are equal to anyone, anybody. Period! Now! Let’s discuss how to protect ourselves, our family, and our properties when living in HOAs.

You must understand these principles clearly if you live in an HOA. This is also important if you are planning to buy a home in an HOA.

If you struggle with discipline when it comes to yard work, an HOA property is not ideal. However, there are pros and cons of living in an HOA. And if you can help your children respect community spaces, they are less likely to be targeted. Maintaining personal boundaries is essential for parents and children residing in HOA communities. Now! Here’s the key to thriving in HOAs: ‘pride of ownership.” If you don’t have it, be prepared for ongoing fines and fees. And! Yes! And HOA can sell your home even if you are current on your mortgage payments! Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, we fervently ask for the mental and spiritual strength to live in HOAs. Ignite in us the wisdom to understand the rules before we dare to challenge them. Unleash a flood of opportunities for living within an HOA as others seek to destroy us. Amen