My wife and I moved into this subdivision in early 2000, during the final stages of construction on centerport and jamesport. The real estate agent gave us a copy and explained the covenants that became part of our contract. These rules were one of the many aspects of moving into this attractive community. Neat homes, manicured lawns, pool, tennis courts and by-laws that we expected would keep North Hampton?’s property attractive. Like others, we rarely use the pool and have never used the tennis courts, but appreciate their added value to the neighborhood.
It took a long time to realize that the covenants were only meant as a guideline for subsequent boards to follow, but were primarily to protect the builders until all homes were sold. Only after attending the Wednesday board meeting did I find out the board is powerless to enforce the covenants. There is no penalty for violating the covenants, as that part of the by-laws has never been offered to the residents for approval. Association dues for pool, street maintenance and lights are covered by a penalty clause, but little else.
Our own guilt and respect of our neighbors should govern us.
We will always have real estate transactions, but through several title transfers, we are now a community of 130 houses with varying interpretations of the covenants, with infractions said by some to have grandfather clauses approved by present or previous boards.
Most residents have an expectation of some degree of respect when it comes to their own property, and they only think of the covenants when their neighbor ignores or believes the covenants do not apply to them. They may not realize they are out of compliance, and that?’s where the board of directors must offer checks and balances.
Some examples: Lack of lawn, yard or home maintenance; unleashed pets; cars parked on lawns; outdoor storage of boats, trailers, RV?’s; building or expanding without prior review by architectural committee; trash, uncovered wood piles and junk in backyards (rodents), etc, etc, etc.
Going forward, we will have to decide if we want a community with a) voluntary covenants; b) enforceable covenants, or c) a swim and tennis association that has a neat and manicured lot.
The board is as divided as the community, but if we decide on voluntary covenants, future board meetings will have shorter agenda?’s. The only thinks they?’ll have to discuss will be the pool, landscape maintenance, and who has?’nt paid their dues.
Considering the growing number of violations observed under voluntary compliance of the covenants is your property value protected??? Hopefully it will be sufficient when time comes to sell the largest asset most of us own.
Jim Wooten had a quote in this mornings paper regarding a parking situation is Roswell. ?“He wants the ordinance changed to accommodate his situation. Ah, America. Fit the law to me.?”
It took a long time to realize that the covenants were only meant as a guideline for subsequent boards to follow, but were primarily to protect the builders until all homes were sold. Only after attending the Wednesday board meeting did I find out the board is powerless to enforce the covenants. There is no penalty for violating the covenants, as that part of the by-laws has never been offered to the residents for approval. Association dues for pool, street maintenance and lights are covered by a penalty clause, but little else.
Our own guilt and respect of our neighbors should govern us.
We will always have real estate transactions, but through several title transfers, we are now a community of 130 houses with varying interpretations of the covenants, with infractions said by some to have grandfather clauses approved by present or previous boards.
Most residents have an expectation of some degree of respect when it comes to their own property, and they only think of the covenants when their neighbor ignores or believes the covenants do not apply to them. They may not realize they are out of compliance, and that?’s where the board of directors must offer checks and balances.
Some examples: Lack of lawn, yard or home maintenance; unleashed pets; cars parked on lawns; outdoor storage of boats, trailers, RV?’s; building or expanding without prior review by architectural committee; trash, uncovered wood piles and junk in backyards (rodents), etc, etc, etc.
Going forward, we will have to decide if we want a community with a) voluntary covenants; b) enforceable covenants, or c) a swim and tennis association that has a neat and manicured lot.
The board is as divided as the community, but if we decide on voluntary covenants, future board meetings will have shorter agenda?’s. The only thinks they?’ll have to discuss will be the pool, landscape maintenance, and who has?’nt paid their dues.
Considering the growing number of violations observed under voluntary compliance of the covenants is your property value protected??? Hopefully it will be sufficient when time comes to sell the largest asset most of us own.
Jim Wooten had a quote in this mornings paper regarding a parking situation is Roswell. ?“He wants the ordinance changed to accommodate his situation. Ah, America. Fit the law to me.?”
