Covenants and Restrictions - Understanding your Homeowners Association
Real Estate
What good are they?
Many people wonder why there are restrictions on their property usage and do I have to abide by the rules. The answer is restrictions are good for everybody and yes it is important for you to abide by the regulations.
If there were no restrictions, your neighborhood could put Winnebago's in the front yard, run an office out of their home, have pink polka dot shutters, raise livestock stack junk cars as they please. These unsightly activities reduce everyone's enjoyment of their home and are a quick way for property values to erode and decline.
Yes! If you do not abide by the covenants legal action can be taken by your neighbor to enforce your compliance. When you live on an island you can do whatever you want to do - when you live in a neighborhood you must live by the rules set forth by the community so everyone can enjoy their home and not be limited by having unsightly activities occurring in their community.
Our recommendation is to read the community covenants in detail prior to moving in. Make sure the rules are right for you, if not you should not move to this community.
Covenants are there to protect each homeowner, read them carefully and be prepared to be flexible because the restrictions are not intended to be flexible and accommodating for one - they are for everyone!
