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In a couple of hours, we're heading to the Realtor's office to draw up our offer on the dream house.  We've been back and forth all week about the Homeowner's Association documents and whether or not we even have a copy of the correct ones.  It might not seem like all that much of a hang-up, but we really want to make sure that we'll have at least some freedom to what we want with the house and the yard.

We have good reason to be careful: our last HOA was run by a crazy woman.  Just like any politician, the kind of person who actually wants to run a homeowner's association is the exact kind of person who should never have that kind of power.  She was relentless and insisted on fining people for simple infractions like having planted pots on their front porches or leaving their garage doors open when it got too hot in the summer.  She once made another owner replace brand-new double-pane windows because the tint was shaded blue instead of green.  It was tyranny at its worst and we really want to be careful to avoid it again if we can.

Even though we still don't have a copy of the current CC&R's, I did go on-line and pull up a copy of the meeting minutes for the last few years and they seem fine.  The association seems mellow and easy-going, which is exactly what we're looking for.  I just have to remind myself that these organizations exist to keep the neighborhood nice and to make sure my next door neighbor never paints her house pink or erects one of those hideous vinyl fences between our properties.

I'm really hoping they accept our offer.  It's taken us quite a bit of work to get this far and we both REALLY love the house - even more than either of wants to admit.  I'm already starting to fantasize about painting and decorating and Dave is years ahead of me planning the in-ground spa he's always dreamed of having.  Wish us luck!