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BAy Lou Dugganpproximately 33 percent ofmeasures, including but not limited to a security camera, motion detector, or perimeter fence. However, an HOA can regulate the type of fencing.Display of Religious Items: New law prohibits restricting an owner or resident from displaying a religious item anywhere on the owner’s dwelling or property.Swimming Pools: HOAs cannot prevent a property owner from installing a swimming pool enclosure if it conforms to state or local safety requirements.Board Meeting Notification: New law requires notice of a regular board meeting be posted and sent to the registered email address of HOA members at least 144 hours prior to the meeting.Board Budget: All amendments to the HOA annual budget must be approved by the board of directors at an open board meeting.Gated Communities: If gated, an HOA quarterly assessment will be more expensive than ungated. This is due to HOAresponsibilities for maintenance of gates and streets.Additional Closing Costs: When a home within an HOA goes to closing there are additional costs, more so than properties not within an HOA. In the Bulverde/Spring Branch area an HOA Working Capital Fee of $1,000 is common. An HOA Resale Package Fee of $357 is also typical. There is also a charge of 0.25% of home sales price for an HOA Community Enhancement fee. Thus, 0.25% of a $365,000 sales price calculates to a Community Enhancement fee of $912.50. Plus, usually there is an upfront charge for the quarterly HOA Assessment fee. In this case $210; most are higher. An HOA Delivery fee of $18 will be charged for online transactions. In this example, HOA fees should be anticipated in addition to usual closing costs in the amount of $2,497.50.Next month: HOAs---Residents’ RightsTexas homeowners live in aHomeowners Association (HOA). HOAs are attractive because they generally provide “country-club living without the golf course.” Swimming pools, gyms, trails, dog parks, manicured common areas, community centers, monthly activities--- all are common to HOAs. More amenities indicate more regulations and higher monthly fees.Each HOA community has its own unique covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). It is important that each homeowner review these rules of ownership. In 2021 the Texas Legislature passed new bills that impact laws governing Texas HOAs. Thus, there are some new guidelines of which the homeowner may not be aware. Such as:Fences & Security: HOAs are prohibited from adopting or enforcing any restrictive covenant that prevents a property owner from building or installing securityHOAs---Some Things You May Not KnowPart 4 of a multi-part series on HOAs---The Good, Bad, and UglyTrivia From The Far SideBy Lou DugganA lmost weekly I receive trivia from the “far side.” I’m referring to strange stuff that just floats through cyberspace and appends to one’s e-mail address. One never knows about such statements because they have no source and thus, no credibility. However, some of it is thought provoking and mayjust be true:--Mosquito repellents don’t repel. They simply block the mosquito’s sensors, so it doesn’t know you’re there.--Some dentists recommend a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.--The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for blood plasma. --Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.--The plastic things on the end of shoelacesare called aglets.--Most dust particles in your house are from dead skin.--Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.--Marilyn Monroe had six toes.--A 26-year-old, with a balance of $3,000 on a credit card charging 20% interest, who pays only the monthly minimum, will retire thedebtin54yearsattheageof80atacost of $16,000---IF NO ADDITIONAL ITEMS ARE CHARGED.--Pearls melt in vinegar.--A duck’s quack doesn’t echo, and no one knows why.--The reason firehouses had circular stairways is from early days when fire wagons were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and learned how to walk up straight staircases. --Texas Roadside Assistance is a toll-freetelephone number for Texas motorists to call if they need assistance. 1-800-525- 5555 is in small print on the back of your Texas driver’s license. According to the dispatcher that answered: “A Texas Trooperis dispatched to check on the motorist for welfare and safety. If a tow truck is needed, the Trooper will assist the motorist, but the motorist will have to pay for the tow.”“Because you have more important things to do!”$30 OFF A Dream Clean$20 OFF Your First Checklist CleanBoth cannot be combinedwith other offers & Exp.5/31/2023Professional, Friendly, Fully Bonded & Insured 210-372-9970 www.maidaffordable.com$29 Initial Visitincludes consultation exam & adjustment. No appointment needed. No insurance needed. *offer valued at $45Valid at the Alamo Ranch location only. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. One coupon per person. Not valid with any otherwww.thejoint.comoffer. expires 5/31/20235519 W Loop 1604 N Suite 103, 78253 • 210.981.51584www.alamoranchhighlights.comMay 2023