Real Estate & Property Law

Can "Those Guys" Really Do Whatever They Want?

I get this call or email at least once, usually more times, each day: "How can those guys [meaning the board] do whatever they want? Is there really no end to their power?"

Well, what does one say to that? It's a vague and broad statement, question, and premise. What I say is: "That is really general and broad. I can't really give you a meaningful answer." If they don't hang up in frustration, I go on to say [if call is about a California property] "Do you want a consultation? Obviously, I need to know more, but I do not do free consultations." That turns some people off. I understand why.

Maybe that sounds just like a lawyer - does that sound crass? As usual, I am going to point out the "other side" to help you get perspective on this.

Imagine getting 3 or 4 more calls a day begging for help, free help. I spend at least 20% of my working time providing free information to the masses. Yet people still expect something "more" for free, pressing me to answer questions about "whether [they] have a case." They want to know that before they spend a dime. And sometimes, even when people pay for a consultation, and they are provided with steps they can take to better their situation, they are not very satisfied. Some even say: "Well if you can't fix the problem, you must not be a 'real' lawyer."

I got news for 'ya. I am not a miracle worker. I cannot "fix" people. I can, however, define problems, educate, call people "on the carpet" who are doing something identifiably wrong, and pose pragmatic and non-big-expensive-court-involved solutions to just about every problem that involves an HOA situation.

Imagine people expecting that someone else will actually go out and "fix" their issues with their boards or neighbors, without any participation in their part.

In many cases, this is what it comes down to: people want an easy answer, a free answer, and don't want to "waste" their precious time on the solution, and in some cases, rare but disturbing, they become very critical of the someone (me) that does not jump at the chance to serve them.

I have some words of wisdom for those people - do not call me.

Now, on a lighter note. I like the people who drink in what is offered to them, those who write every day and thank me for the website and all the information it offers. I get about 30 emails a day from those people. And don't cha know that those are the people who are going to use that information to help themselves figure out how to deal with their problems. I like the folks who pay for a consultation, absorb what I can give them like a sponge, and then report back to me the successes they achieved, often by starting with "baby steps" to get accountability and concessions, which often empowers them to move on to the next level, determined and armed with valuable information.

Education is power, people. Looking to others to solve your life's problems is not the way to solve them. Look to others to provide the tools and education you need, and run with it. There is no satisfaction like solving your own problem. I remember a day years ago when living on my own as a single mother that I researched, ordered and installed my own oven element (back in the days when I used to bake and cook). It may seem like a menial thing, but it made me feel stronger somehow.

If you want help, peruse my website, purchase tools, research other useful sites, and learn something. If you need something more specific (California law only) ask for a paid consultation and find out what your options are, and the pros and cons of the position you would like to take. Absorb the information I give you on those aspects and the other resources I recommend. Put on your "listening" ears. Then take that education and put it to good use!

Full post as published by California Condo & HOA Law on April 08, 2008 (boomark / email).