Nationwide — Taylor Sanders, an African American girl from Weddington, North Carolina, misplaced her residence after failing to pay a $400 charge to her neighborhood house owner’s affiliation (HOA). Her 3,300-square-foot residence was later flipped for practically $900,000, leaving her with nothing.
The difficulty started 5 years in the past when the HOA claimed Sanders owed $400 in unpaid dues. She mentioned she by no means acquired the notices however acknowledged the debt. In February 2021, the HOA positioned a lien on her property. By April, she was instructed she owed $1,200, and foreclosures proceedings would begin.
Pondering it was a misunderstanding, Sanders ignored the warning. Her residence was ultimately bought for $49,000, and the brand new proprietor flipped it for $850,000 simply 5 months later. Now, Sanders is sharing her story to warn others concerning the dangers of ignoring HOA notices.
“That is only the start,” she instructed WSOC-TV. “I wish to ensure I educate different individuals. I wish to ensure they find out about it. I need them to know their rights.”
The Weddington Hills HOA declined to remark. Beneath North Carolina regulation, HOAs can foreclose on properties if charges go unpaid. Although the intent is normally to resolve disputes, householders usually don’t perceive their rights till it’s too late.
State lawmakers are contemplating a invoice that might strengthen house owner protections. The proposed regulation would require HOAs to satisfy stricter standards earlier than putting liens and supply clearer discover concerning the penalties of unpaid dues. Nevertheless, the invoice has been stalled within the Legislature since final Could.
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