Home Owners Associations

You need to look at the restrictions that they put on your use of the land.

You also need to know exactly what services they provide and for what cost.

My opinion is that they could beneficial in the VI where zoning can be spotty and you can not count on the government to always deliver necessary services such as water, sewers, reliable electric power and road maintenance.

Jim

We are looking at the details now. So far restrictions seem to be mostly related to quality of live issues. They do require that your home is at least 1200 square feet large. That was a little odd. In return they make sure the streets are in good shape and that you get utilities. They restrict just as many condo's the placement of freestanding satelite dishes and antennas. It also seems as so all recreational vehicle have to be somewhat hidden or in a garage. I guess they do not like to see a boat sitting in the drive way. Very simular rules I have seen in more upscale neighborhoods in Florida. I am a little surprised to see them on STX. We ask the realtor to find out how active the assoctiation is at this time and what the fee assessment would be on the propperty we are seeking. That will deteremine if we go ahead with the process of buying.

I do wonder so after the new zoning laws the Vi's are trying to pass some of the Homeowners association rules can be enforced. As they also have restriction on how many rooms a guest house or appartement can have. The new zoning laws would allow for more rooms on a residential propperty larger than 0.5 acres. It would also allow for a small business to set up shop.

Iris