Ellis L. Barron Neighborhood Park in Manassas, VA!

Several weeks ago we checked out Ellis L. Barron Park in Manassas, VA. This Prince William County park is close to several apartment complexes and condos.

The park didn't have any shade over the play equipment and the equipment is made of metal so in the summer months it's probably going to get pretty hot. There were two swings but no toddler swings. A small picnic pavilion is located nearby the playground and offers shade and a nice place to eat a snack. The park also has a basketball and tennis court. When we were there they had a porta potty that was set up in the shade.

Ellis L. Barron is a cute neighborhood park so if you live nearby you should check it out!

Clareybrook Park in Bristow, VA!

Today we visited Clareybrook Park in Bristow, VA's community of Braemar. This cute community park is part of the planned community of Braemar. Located in Prince William County, Braemar has a small town feel with newer single family homes, townhomes and condos.

The play equipment is very colorful and the kids have a couple different pieces of equipment to choose from including swings.

The park also has a small shaded picnic area to get away from the sun. Restrooms are available in the clubhouse which is situated by the community pool but only during the summer months. A small walking trail runs around the pool and play equipment. A basketball, tennis and multipurpose court are available to residents.

Clareybrook Park is a very cute park and very well maintained. It's a great place to take the kids for some park time.

Home Owner Associations....Love them or Leave them

In the Northern Virginia area you'll find that most planned communities have Home Owner Associations. It may be a house, condo or townhouse but everyone is subject to rules and regulations. Home Owner Association covenants and restrictions are designed to protect property values by maintaining appearance and order in a community. HOAs have their pros and cons and you might not always agree with some of the restrictions.

HOA pros:
   

• All Owners are kept to the same maintenance standards. Every year and sometimes twice a year committees are sent out to inspect common areas and homes for damage and in need of repair items. 
• By enforcing rules and regulations the HOA helps maintain or improve property values.
• Many communities have shared pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, walking trails and clubhouses that are maintained with the dues that are paid.
• Dues often include community snow removal and trash pick up. 
• Disputes between neighbors often can be mediated by the HOA 
• HOAs arrange neighborhood events or parties. 

HOA cons:

• Poorly managed Home Owner Associations can be a turn off. Most Board Members are homeowners in the community with day jobs and they don't have the time needed to support an HOA.
• If a budget is not maintained appropriately it can lead to due increases or "lump sum" payments needed for budget shortfalls.
• Certain restrictions might detract new buyers from purchasing a home in your neighborhood if they feel the regulations are too restricting. For example no renters, no home businesses or only dogs under 50 lbs.
• Dues might deter people from buying into the community. This fee is looked at as another cost to owning a home in the community.
• HOA can put a lien on your home if you fall into arrears and can't pay. Fines can be levied on repairs that are not fulfilled.

With the downward financial market the HOA fees are usually the first bill not to be paid. HOAs are forced to put a lien on the property and sometimes foreclose on properties if fees are not paid. In my community of Countryside they were offering a one time reprieve from past due fees.

Tips:

If you are looking to own or rent in a community that has a Home Owner Association, ask to look at the rules, regulations and bylaws before you sign a contract or renter's agreement. This way you understand what is being asked of you by the Home Owners Association. Also if you look at the budget and financial statements you might understand how well the Association is run and if this is the community for you.