Any community in which certain actions are required or not allowed is considered deed-restricted. So, yes, Northland Condos is one. Our NCOA is similar to an HOA, a home owners association. As such, the Association is the governing body that follows the rules and statements set forth in the Bylaws and NCOA Rules (sometimes referred to as Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, or CCRs).
What Does That Mean for Me, the Owner?
When you sign the deed to your property here, you, the owner, are agreeing to follow the governing documents as a member of the Association. Many of us have not lived in a deed-restricted neighborhood before. It is not the same as, say, living in Northridge or Southgate, or the city of Springfield. There, you may pretty much do what you want with your property.
At Northland, our owners have some limits on what they may or may not do. When buying a condo here, new owners will receive a copy of the Bylaws and Rules before closing on the property. By signing your deed papers, you are entering into a covenant with NCOA. If you have not reviewed the Bylaws and Rules, please take some time and do so. They are available on this website by clicking on the boldfaced words above.
What Are the Benefits of Living in a Deed-Restricted Community?
While some of us may feel a bit confined by a few of the rules, it’s good remember why having an COA, i.e., NCOA, is a good thing. Here are some positives:
Curb appeal
The rules about plants, windows, garage doors, trim wear, etc., are there to maintain some consistency to the look of our community. Of course, some of these rules also benefit the ongoing value of each condo as owners maintain their homes.
Maintenance
Remember having to mow grass—or pay others to do it? Or having no voice in how or when streets are maintained? The NCOA manages the streets, the common areas, and the lawns by hiring professionals to take care of things. A goodly portion of your condo fees pays for this.
Lower insurance rates for owners
Here at Northland, the NCOA is responsible for insuring most of the exterior of the condos, including roofs, against damage. As such, each owner’s insurance covers mainly interior damage, making insurance premiums less expensive. One exception is that sunrooms are the responsibility of the owner.
Property values
Homes in a deed-restricted community usually maintain their value (or see it improve) because of the ongoing upkeep and limits on what an owner may do.
Dispute resolution with neighbors
While we hope that our neighbors get along, sometimes issues come up that are not easily resolved on their own. If desired, the NCOA officers can serve as mediators to help.
Safety
In a community like ours, owners tend to watch out for each other. Limiting on-street parking, for example, can lessen the chance of car accidents. The posted speed limit of 15 mph is also a safety measure that we all have a responsibility to follow (and remind visitors about).
The NCOA condo fees are used to benefit the owners and the community at large. Compared to other COAs in our area, Northland’s fees are quite reasonable.
The Downsides
Most people who live in deed-restricted communities feel relieved not to have to deal with a lot of the details of regular home ownership. However, some feel that the rules and restrictions have some drawbacks:
Association dues
The dues collected from home owners pay for the amenities, upkeep, and future capital improvements for us all. Many owners have not had to pay these fees before, and it can be an adjustment. NCOA works hard to keep the dues affordable, but increases are sometimes necessary.
It is helpful to remember what owners in non-HOA houses pay for the services NCOA fees cover (numbers are average estimates based on similar yard sizes, not including common areas):
- trash pickup: $118 per quarter = $472 per year
- lawn maintenance: $40 per mowing/trim @ 20 times (4 x per 5 months) = $800
- insurance: without an HOA, insurance is higher because it has to cover the entire property = about $800 per year, not counting any flood insurance
- driveway & sidewalk snow removal: approx. 5 times per winter @ $40 = $200
- TOTAL expenses for non-HOA home owners: $2272.00
Rules and violation consequences
Rules regarding what you may or may not do in or on your property limit owners’ choices.
Rules are enforceable. HOAs are responsible for upholding the rules and restrictions of the association. This may include giving notices and deadlines, applying assessments, and even placing a lien on a property, which can lead to foreclosure.