HOA

Home Owners Association sounds self-explanatory, an organization run by home owners. I heard recently that our Management Company, where we own our condo, does not have one single Home Owner on the Board of Directors. I missed the Community meeting by the pool on Saturday night and I wish I hadn't. Back in November, I filled out an application to be a Board Member. I thought I might be of some assistance since I have experience through the Lions Club with voting, meeting minutes, and motions. I'm a little stand-offish because this is my first Condo, my first time dealing with HOA Fees, and I'm new-ish to the area. When I didn't hear back from the Association about my application, I figured it was because they filled the position. It's possible they assumed that we owned the Condo as a vacation rental which is very common in these parts. That reminds me... this will be the second straight year that we fight with the County about our property taxes. Every resident, that can prove that they live here all year round, pays roughly $300/year in property tax. Our bill is a whooping $1250/year for the same 1/8th of the building and zero land. The definition of our status is non-permanent so instead of having to consider us residents on an annual basis, its easier to keep the file under 'rental property/out of state'. Kevin went to a meeting with physical proof of our vehicle registrations, our health insurance policy (where the U.S. Government subsidizes our monthly premium due to our household income), our business license and our son's College Admission records that showed he was granted 'in-state' tuition. None of these documents were sufficient enough as evidence that our house was our primary and only home. They allow for one written application and one in-person appeal with the Committee. If we wanted to keep debating the issue we would have to start paying $50 per appeal. Last year we took it as far as we could without having to pay extra on top of the ludicrous amount we already owed that was getting closer and closer to the due date. We will definitely try again this year even though nothing has changed except that our son is no longer in school. Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone... I'll become a Board Member for the HOA and prove to the County Tax Office that I am here for good... or least until my Visa expires 🤷🏽‍♀️