405 House & Home

As homeowners we are all concerned with what for most is the largest investment we will ever make.  In the most recent economic times we’ve all been a little more concerned with the value of our homes and are more acutely aware of the areas around us.  A well-run Homeowners Association can help to promote increased values by maintaining the standards set for the neighborhood as well as promoting safety and encouraging community.

I thought I would take this time to explain a bit more about the workings of a typical HOA and their importance to creating a community that protects the values and safety for each and every homeowner in a subdivision.  In my previous position with a residential developer I would get to talk to lots of folks who said they didn’t want anything to do with an HOA because of the horror stories they had heard from others about how many rules there were to follow.

While the HOA does take over control of the enforcement of the restrictive covenants for any addition, the original rules for building, fencing, setbacks, parking, types of pets allowed, and many other uses are determined by the approved local zoning ordinance as well as the developer. Sometimes called deed restrictions or declaration of restrictive covenants, each owner who purchases property in a given addition is agreeing to abide by the rules from day one the date they take ownership of the property.  The HOA is also responsible for the security, maintenance of the entryways, and neighborhood planned events.  In Quail Creek, the two major events put on every year are the 4th of July Parade, and Santa’s Sleigh Rides.  Both are great events that bring out lots of families the join in the community spirit.

The dues that are assessed to each owner go directly to pay for the expenses the neighborhood incurs including landscaping and mowing of entryways, irrigation, power for street lighting, pool and clubhouse maintenance, and even private roads (should you live in a gated subdivision).  Quail Creek even provides security patrols through the neighborhood to keep a stronger presence of a watchful eye.

Our association is voluntary because it was created after many of the homes were already built in the addition and there was no way to legally require those already here to participate.  Nowadays, any subdivision developed in the Oklahoma City Limits is required to have  Homeowners Association established and membership is mandatory for all owners within in the subdivision.

Tonight is the Quail Creek Homeowners Association’s annual meeting and election of officers.  It is being held at 7 p.m. at the Quail Creek Country Club in Oklahoma City where members who have paid dues to  join for the upcoming year to be part of this voluntary homeowners association will vote the 2010 Board into office.