Some HOA advice

Regarding articles on CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions) of homeowners associations, specifically with Dos Vientos Ranch, and letters that followed: As a real estate investor I've been a member of many HOAs, and some have been good, and some have been a horror story.

The bottom line is that when you consider buying into a development that has an HOA there are some questions you should ask:

1. Is it functioning? Ask if all the board positions are filled. Look around at units in the HOA. Do you see signs of neglect: cracked asphalt drives, lack of lawns or landscaping, old furniture and cars left out? If so, you had better hesitate. The purpose of the HOA is to maintain the habitability and aesthetics of the properties in the association.

2. What amount are you liable for if there's a major catastrophe in the development? One thousand dollars, or $10,000 or $20,000 deductible are possibilities.

3. Do the CC&Rs provide for legal fee reimbursement if you sue and win? Believe it or not, some do not. So while you might win you would lose on the legal fees, which are often as costly as what you're suing over.

4. Is there any current litigation? If so, be sure and get a synopsis of the dispute.

5. Do they have a dispute resolution policy? The law requires that they have this.

6. Do they have a website with a means for communicating with the other members of the association so the board cannot hide what's going on?

All this is a lot of work, but your home is often your primary investment and worth taking the time and trouble to protect. Participate as often as you can. Barbara Billig Westlake Village