link to original reddit post by /u/R_O
Earlier today my entire office was complaining about home prices, HOA fees and their property restrictions. I just sat back and didn't say a word (I don't have an HOA) and sort of laughed inside...these people complain about paying HOA fees, having small yards, can't paint their decks, overpriced property taxes etc. but refuse to live more than 5 mins from work or the nearest Target and praise the "area" (aka liberal city) that they live in.
At the end of the conversation this one guy went on a tirade about having to submit a ten page document outlining planned renovations to his deck. He waited nearly a month for approval to proceed with the renovation. He pays a $250 HOA fee...and can't even plant a tree in his backyard (cmon man). I simply said "that's crazy, what does the HOA even offer you?". He replied "it keeps people from painting their house yellow or leaving trash at the end of their driveway"...so I asked if that's really worth it and "who cares if people paint their house yellow? what's the point of even having a house if you can't do what you want on your own property?"
These people went nuts and started saying how HOA fees "can actually sometimes be great" and "keep your property value higher"...all after complaining for 45 mins how they hated them? Did I insult their dignity or something?
Anyways, my point is, it is so bewildering to me how some people whine and complain about their own personal choices and then simultaneously defend them. These people hate their HOA fees and restrictions, but love other people not being able to do what they want? And think I'm an idiot for living 15 mins farther than them from work and have a neighbor with yellow house even though I have no HOA and no restriction on my freedom? So confused.