Mon, October 06, 2008
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My moving to Sahuarita Heights was very much a spur of the moment decision. Being single has its advantages in this regard.
Having retired to Green Valley, I thought of Sahuarita as that space between the highway and the mine tailings. But then one night I went to a Town council meeting and was particularly impressed by the discussion of the expansion of Anamax Park as well as the proposed city center. It was evident to me that Sahuarita was developing a sense of community as a whole that I simply did not find in Green Valley.
Some checking via the Internet led me to the conclusion that I could afford to move and I was particularly interested in moving to a place that would not be entangled in the restrictions of a Homeowners Association. I lost out on a property just west of Mission Road and that was probably just as well. My realtor, Jim O'Day, knew I was serious about moving and found me my acre in Sahuarita Heights with which I am delighted.
One of the primary focuses of this column will be the problems with planned communities - sometimes known as Condo Associations or Homeowner Associations.
My experience dealing with HOAs has landed me a teaching job on the subject at Pima Community College. Because enough people have signed up I will be teaching a class starting March 3, 2006 called "Homeowners Associations 101." The college has set up the class to meet on Friday evenings and I'm not sure that is the best time for a class, but we'll see. It's a two hour class that will meet the five Fridays of March at the Green Valley campus on Continental. I consider myself a facilitator, not an expert and enjoy teaching in a pretty informal way.
One of the things we will be looking at during the class is the current legislation relating to HOAs that the legislature is working on from Phoenix. HB 2352 is a critical one and if it is passed, those who live in HOAs will regain the homestead exemption rights that those of us not living in HOAs enjoy. I'm guessing that most HOA homeowners don't even realize that they do not have homestead exemptions.
But enough for a quick kickoff and I look forward to some interesting interactions with others as this idea of the Star takes off.
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I would love to hear more details about the HB2352 Bill and when it is going to be voted on. Anybody else have more info on the particulars of this bill? I live in an HOA governed myself and I have had some pretty negative dealings thus far.
Hi Georgia. Welcome aboard. Can't wait to read the rest of your blog.
Hi James, Go to www.azleg.state.az.us and put in HB2352 to get latest status on this. I'll be checking it out myself this weekend. Last I heard it was being hung up in the Rules Committee and might never get to the floor as a whole for a vote. Eddie Farnsworth has introduced similar bills for the last three years, but so far it hasn't gone through. The CAI also known as the Community Association Institute has been lobbying hard against Farnworth. Hope this helps. If you have any political connections or if you just email your reps, it won't hurt and might help. Best of luck with your association. -- Georgia
James, My latest checking indicates that the foreclosure bill HB2352 still appears to be hung up in the Rules Committee. It is rather ironic that HB 2561,another homestead exemption bill is likely to pass. It will increase the homestead exemption to $250,000 but only for THOSE WHO DO NOT LIVE IN HOA's.
I would love to hear more details about the HB2352 Bill and when it is going to be voted on. Anybody else have more info on the particulars of this bill? I live in an HOA governed myself and I have had some pretty negative dealings thus far.