Wilmington and Burgaw Area Real Estate News

During the mid-1940s to 1950s, the installation of the Serviceman's Readjustment Bill sprung the building of a large number of planned communities. These were houses that veterans could buy with low-interest loans provided by the government. Initially, these communities did not have home owners associations; however, they did have restrictive covenants that prohibited such things as laundry lines in the front yard. From such covenants sprung homeowner associations (HOAs) as suburban living grew more popular.

The original purpose of HOAs was to provide a regulatory group to enforce and improve upon the restrictive covenants. The covenants determined how the community would look and what improvements would be allowed. This was to appeal to people who were looking for a certain style of living - restrictions on pets, landscaping, etc. Today, HOA's are also be in charge of amenities like communitiy pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, etc. when available and usually require a fee to be paid by homeowners. 

Since the development of HOAs, there have been numerous disputes between HOAs and homeowners on what homeowners might consider minor infractions of the restrictive covenants. This isn't to say all HOAs are a nightmare, but that not all communities are developed for every form of living and homebuyers need to assess their expectations. If you're buying soon, make sure you ask your Realtor if any property you are interested in buying is part of an HOA and have them print a copy of the restrictive covenants BEFORE you make an offer. You should be fully aware of what will be required of you as a homeowner. Some HOAs just make sure the common grounds remain tidy while others require more in the way of certain floorplans, color schemes, landscaping, window treatments, etc.

If you would like to know more about a certain community's HOA, feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help you find a community that fits your lifestyle. (910) 471-5579.

Tammy Barnes -Realtor - Burgaw, NC Real Estate - Wilmington, NC Area

Search for homes and land in the Wilmington, NC, metro area, including Leland, Hampstead, Burgaw, Ogden, Castle Hayne, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. You will also find information on the buying and selling real estate process, including preparing your home for sale and qualifying for home loans.