Is it me or does anyone else think the building of a clubhouse is bad timing?  I have yet to hear or see how much the clubhouse will cost to build and how this additional cost will increase our HOA dues.  Currently, per the McIntyre Matters, McIntyre has a delinquency rate at 12% in regards to non-payment of HOA dues,  This high delinquency rate has prevented McIntyre from getting funding from banks unless this rate is brought down to  at least 7%.  Combine this high delinquency rate with the poor economy, I question the building of a clubhouse.  Also, if this deliquency rate is brought down to an acceptable level for the banks, what happens if this level goes back up?  Does the lending institution have the right to call in the entire loan?  From my understanding, when a homeowner does not pay their HOA dues, the are not able to use the pool.  How does one propose the same restrictions on the use of the clubhouse?

Don't get me wrong, I think a clubhouse is a good idea.  I feel it will be a safe haven for our children to have a place to "hang" out and have fun and will be a great venue for events and gatherings.  My concerns are raised by the current poor economic conditions, the high numbers of delinquencies in HOA dues, and the fact that the cost of this construction has yet to be determined.  With that said, I am not sure I am comfortable with the proposed construction of  ther clubhouse and how it will affect me financially.

Looking forward to your thoughts on this matter,

Tom

I think the clubhouse is a great idea but should be postponed due to the high rate of delinquencies on homeowners' dues.  With the credit markets seized up the way they are, we probably couldn't borrow the money even if we wanted to, especially if we're offering future homeowners' dues as collateral.

When the clubhouse is built I hope it offers something for the teenagers in our neighborhood.  They deserve a place to gather and socialize.  They often congregate on the playground equipment and then my kids can't play on it when I take them up there.  I don't have a problem with teenagers gathering at the playground, but when they climb up on the equipment and sit down to socialize, my children can't use it.

A few basketball courts would also be a good idea if we have the space for them.

PP 

All the clubhouse information was brought before the last Community Meeting in July.  The Architect was present along with a drawing of the Clubhouse.  Unfortunately, only 30 people attended.  We have also put information in the Newsletters. 

Presently, because of the economic troubles, the Clubhouse is on hold until further notice.  

The next Community Meeting/Election will be October 28, 2008 at the Assurance United Methodist Church behind the Food Lion at 7:00 p.m. 

mcorless

HOA Secretary

Tom 

My name is Alan Soden and I'm running for one of the open seats with the McIntyre HOA Board of Directors.

 I completely agree with your points. This is the main reason I'm running.

 Your house is probably the biggest investment you will ever make in your life, and home value appreciation is often a major part of a person's retirement plan.

 I believe the primary role of the HOA Board should be to protect and increase our home values. Ensuring dues are directed towards achieving that end is the Board's primary responsibility.

 First I do not believe a clubhouse will increase our home values at all - zero percent return on investment.

 Second this is exactly the wrong time to take out long term debt due to the economic crisis, gas prices, and job instability.

 Third a 12% delinquency rate in dues is terrible. I'm in banking - 12% delinquency puts companies out of business.

 Fourth what happens if the HOA defaults on the loan because of delinquent dues? I'll bet you a lien will be placed against every home in McIntyre.

 We need to put our HOA in order before we take on any debt. Eliminate late fees (or reduce them to something reasonable) to encourage people to catch up. Revoke voting rights and pool use and anything else we can for those who are past due. Place liens.

 If we have enough money to build a clubhouse - you may be paying too much. The money should be used to increase neighborhood home values or be given back to you and the dues reduced to what is needed.

 I suggest dues are not too high and they should be used to improve our community and increase property values. I bought in McIntyre because I thought the prices were right - not over inflated. This means we have a huge opportunity to make sound investments and increase our home values dramatically over the next 3 years.

 With the Lowe's, the Super Target, the mall, the new beltway, our proximity to 77 and downtown - add to that the age of our homes and the average square footage - all the elements are in place for this neighborhood to be one of the most desirable communities in the area.

 We need to get Centex to step up (BJ has done a fantastic job with this), and I think the next thing we need to do is invest in is landscaping. Realtors and homebuyers need to be impressed when they drive through McIntyre. I guarantee you they are not right now.

 Once we get our finances in order, I think we need to get proposals and bids from landscape architects to come in and overhaul our neighborhood to increase drive through and curb appeal. I guarantee this will cost much less than a clubhouse and have a dramatic return in the form of increased home values.

 I understand only 30 people attended the meeting where they discussed the clubhouse - unfortunately I was one of the people who was guilty of missing that meeting. I decided that will not happen again, I'm getting involved.

 I think that for large projects like this one we should require a supermajority of eligible voters to agree - maybe 60% to 75%. I bet we have less than 50% even voting.

 We need more people to get involved. Come vote on  October 28 and please make sure all your neighbors vote too.

Thanks

Alan Soden

adsoden@yahoo.com