The Woodlands and all of its Residents take pride in where they live. Many of my clients notice right away the Pride of Ownership that beams from the homes in this community. One of the reasons for this is the Tight Homeowner's Association Rules that are in place.
Some people believe that HOA's are a nuisance, but the truth is that HOA's help to maintain your Property Value in the long run. With Rules in place that homeowners must abide by you know that the neighbor down the street will have to take better care of their property than in other Unrestricted areas.
The Woodlands HOA Fee will be different for every home. In fact, the fee is based off the County's Appraised Value and is similar to a tax rate. For a list of these please feel free to contact me.
Every year towards the end of October the HOA's in the area start sending out their Assessment Fees and they are due on January 31st of the next year. In Houston and the Surrounding areas, if you do not pay these, the Homeowner's Association has the right to place a Lien on your Property. It has happened in other areas of town where the HOA has even foreclosed on a house for not paying. HOA DUES ARE SERIOUS here. I often times refer to this as a No Pay No Stay Rule. Make sure that you understand how much your Fees will be to prevent this. HOA Dues are a great investment for your property value in The Woodlands. Besides, they also help to maintain the Numerous Parks, Trails, and Recreational Facilities that you will have access to!
The Woodlands is also known for having some other quirky rules in their Deed Restrictions. You may know by now that The Woodlands prides itself in having Green Space in the community. You will notice right away the massive number of trees and landscaping, so much to the extent that you hardly know that you are driving past Thousands of Homes and Numerous Shopping Centers. It is a Gorgeous sight!
How does this come in to play for HOA Rules? Here is a short list of HOA rules regarding trees and landscaping to maintain the Green and Wooded feel.
- Tree Removal- If a Tree is larger than 6 inches in Diameter, you must have approval to remove the tree. Many Vendors in the area know this and will even get the Permission to do so. If you are considering putting in a pool, decking or any other structure, look and see if you will take away any trees in the mean time. You will need approval.
- Landscaping- The landscaped areas in the front yard must be atleast 40% Trees, Shrubbery, Plants, Flowers, etc. The Woodlands Association highly encourages the use of Native Plants that can withstand the Texas Heat, Humidity and Sunlight.
- Fireworks- None at all. They can not even be used in the community. They are a fire risk to the homes and wooded areas.
- Exterior Lighting- Only certain types are allowed. Please check your specific HOA Rules to see what you can put in and where they can be located.
- Fencing- Only certain Fencing materials are allowed and on certain areas of your lot. Again, check your specific sections rules prior to making changes, or simply call the Community Associations.
Are you wanting to update your home or make additions? You will need to find out about that too. Again, these rules are in place to protect your investment and help to maintain property value. If you wanted to paint your home Burnt Orange or Flourescent Blue, it may not be the best choice for your home value and the value of others.
For any other information regarding HOA Covenants and Restrictions please feel free to contact me or The Woodlands Associations at 281-210-3973. Just remember, The HOA here is looking our for your interest in the end.
For information on HOA's in other parts of the Nation, please feel free to visit any of these links:
- Home Owner Association Rules that can come back to bite you by Joanne Hanson
- Sunriver Rules and The Condo Rules - They May Make A Difference in Where You Buy! by Thesa Chambers
- The HOA will have it's way by Paula Henry
- Home Owner Assocations are love hate relationships by Missy Caulk
- Homeowner Associations in Camarillo, Are they for You? By Mana Tulberg
- CC&Rs in Sanford NC by Rita Taylor
Stephanie - This is great info. It's surprising when home buyers don't fully understand the rules - great overview and you can obviously be a great local resource for people wanting to understand each neighborhoods rules
Posted by: Cyndee Haydon | August 31, 2007 at 10:43 PM
There are many pros and cons to Homeowner associations. It sounds like yours is an area where they are mandatory and the residents enjoy the benefits. I have seen many like this and when you drive through, there is no doubt they have a strong association which takes pride in their neighborhood.
Posted by: IndyAgent | August 30, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Stephanie, The HOA rules in Woodlands seem very similar to the HOA rules we have in our area.
Posted by: Mana Tulberg | August 28, 2007 at 06:40 PM