Nationwide — Taylor Sanders, an African American lady from Weddington, North Carolina, misplaced her house after failing to pay a $400 price to her neighborhood house owner’s affiliation (HOA). Her 3,300-square-foot house was later flipped for almost $900,000, leaving her with nothing.
The problem 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.
Considering it was a misunderstanding, Sanders ignored the warning. Her house was ultimately offered 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 just the start,” she instructed WSOC-TV. “I need to be sure that I educate different individuals. I need to be sure that they learn about it. I would like them to know their rights.”
The Weddington Hills HOA declined to remark. Below North Carolina regulation, HOAs can foreclose on properties if charges go unpaid. Although the intent is normally to resolve disputes, owners typically don’t perceive their rights till it’s too late.
State lawmakers are contemplating a invoice that may strengthen house owner protections. The proposed regulation would require HOAs to fulfill stricter standards earlier than inserting liens and supply clearer discover concerning the penalties of unpaid dues. Nevertheless, the invoice has been stalled within the Legislature since final Could.
