Have you ever received a letter from your Homeowner’s Association? Oh, my word. It is so humiliating. As if it weren’t bad enough knowing you have the worst “lawn” in the neighborhood, now you are told in writing. When I got the mail today and saw the envelope with the HOA as the return address, I knew what it was before I even opened it. The thought that it would be about Lafawnduh putting us “out of compliance” didn’t even cross my mind. It had to be about our yard.
Our yard has been a moss-infested, weed-cultivating organic showcase since way before we moved here. I’m surprised we didn’t get The Letter sooner, because once we decided to stop fighting the clover, dandelions, and other “noxious weeds” (as the letter says) and just re-sod, we stopped watering. The yard quickly became a mostly brown, cracked dry-earth embarrassment in which a lot of green weeds still manage to thrive. It took a lot of humility to go out one Saturday and mow the weeds down while the neighbors were lovingly tending their lush, green lawns with fingernail files. Whenever I see a neighbor I mumble something about how we’re going to sod the yard and then quickly change the subject. Once, someone a few houses down said, “Oh! We were just at the top of the cul-de-sac today (insert pronounced pause) … Your lawn has such a nice shape.” Talk about looking for the silver lining. I’m pretty sure she didn’t rat on us. But someone did. The letter says, “…It has come to our attention that the current condition of your property has deteriorated and requires immediate attention.” Who told? Or did the HOA Board personally stand outside our house and weep about the yard? Was I home at the time?! Hang my head in shame. And what about that “deteriorated”? Ouch. Couldn’t it have been put more gently? How about, “…It has come to our attention that the current condition of your property has … slipped … a bit …”?
The letter goes on to quote the CC&R’s. As if I would even challenge the letter. It is so completely deserved. Because the yard really is that bad. "Deteriorated" is, actually, putting it gently. The irony of it all is that we really are working on it. Just not very fast. With this letter, though, we'll pick up the pace (by hiring someone to help us). Then, mark my words, in "30 days or less", we’ll be beaming, model citizens in the HFV community who can look our neighbors in the eye. Watch property values sky-rocket.
(Note: before and after photos will be forthcoming).
4 comments:
Let's see a pic, I'm dying for a visual here! ;)
Must be some sort of Barker curse...the Stansbury HOA sent a simalar letter...hmmmm.
So glad we are not part of an HOA! Some people get worked up about the lamest things. Whenever my Dad harrasses me about my lack of upkeep in the yard, I remind him that at least my 4 kids are fed and watered. Do you think that would go over with you HOA people?
If only they knew how marvelous your garden is...I'm sure you'd get some off-setting credit. Unfortunately, front-yard appearance is the thing that counts. It's a big project, but it sounds like plans are under way and you'll be so happy when the soft green stuff is underfoot. We have some tempest-in-a-teacup issues going on with our HOA (there are pros and cons to being part of one) at the moment also. It's impossible to get 28 homeowners to think alike or compromise or be satisfied.
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