By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published February 25, 2013

            It is extremely rare today to see any type of housing that is being built in Florida today that is not contained within a community association.  While many of us grew up outside the setting of a condominium or HOA, on a regular street with private houses, that simply is no longer the case.  These types of true single family private homes are not being built.  The question is why?

            Part of the thinking that went into the building of these communities is that each person would get more bang for their buck.  Instead of each owner being able to afford their own swimming pool, we can just build one that everyone can share.  Same goes for the gym and the tennis courts.  Each owner would in effect be purchasing their own resort style living, but instead of it being for their exclusive use, they would have to share it all with their neighbors.

            Well……..here we are, about 40 years into the condo and HOA way of life.  Yes, some of our properties are outstanding.  There's even basketball, racquetball courts, a gym, shuffleboard, card rooms, movie rooms and more.  Surely, we would never be able to afford all of these things in our own private non community association property.

            So why are so many people unhappy?  Sure, sales of homes in HOA's and condominium units have been incredible as millions of these properties have been bought and sold since their inception. But do large sales equate to happy communities and wise investments?  What say you?  Community associations…….. a way to live like a rich man….. or simply an awful idea?  If you did buy into a community association, would you do it again?  If you never lived in one, what's keeping you from giving it a try?