(Source : WSOCTV) A Union County woman is sharing her heartbreaking story after a dispute with her Homeowners Association (HOA) over a few hundred dollars in unpaid dues led to the loss of her family’s home. Taylor Sanders, a former resident of Weddington Hills, says the ordeal has left her devastated and determined to warn others about the potential pitfalls of HOA agreements.
Sanders admits she fell behind on her HOA dues in 2020, owing approximately $400. According to HOA records, the unpaid fees had accumulated over a year. Sanders claims she never received the multiple letters the HOA sent notifying her of the debt.
“They said it hadn’t been paid for a year,” Sanders told Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke. “I didn’t get any of the letters they claimed to have sent.”
What started as a small debt quickly spiraled out of control. In February 2021, the HOA placed a lien on her property. By April, she received a letter stating she owed around $1,200, including fees and interest, and that the HOA was initiating foreclosure proceedings.
“I thought it was a joke,” Sanders said. “I couldn’t believe something like this could happen over such a small amount.”
But it was no joke. County records show that Sanders’ 3,300-square-foot home was sold at auction for just $49,000—a fraction of its market value. The buyer later resold the property five months later for a staggering $850,000, leaving Sanders and her family without a home and feeling betrayed by the system.
“Oh my God. It’s devastating for my children,” Sanders said. “I don’t wish this on anyone.”
Sanders’ story has ignited outrage and raised questions about the power HOAs wield over homeowners. Action 9 reached out to the HOA’s attorney for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
A Warning to Homeowners
Sanders is now on a mission to educate others about the potential dangers of HOA agreements and the importance of understanding their rights. She urges homeowners to take any legal threats from their HOA seriously and to stay informed about their financial obligations.
“This is just the beginning. I want to make sure I educate other people. I want to make sure they know about it. I want them to know their rights,” she said.
Calls for Legislative Reform
Sanders’ case has also drawn attention to the need for legislative changes to protect homeowners from aggressive HOA actions. North Carolina lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would provide homeowners with more recourse in such situations. Under the proposed legislation, HOAs would still be able to place liens on properties and initiate foreclosure proceedings, but they would first have to meet stricter criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.
However, the bill has seen no movement since last May, leaving many homeowners vulnerable to similar situations. Advocates argue that the current system disproportionately penalizes families for minor infractions and allows HOAs to profit from foreclosures at the expense of homeowners.
A Broader Issue
Sanders’ story is not an isolated incident. Across the country, disputes between homeowners and HOAs have escalated into costly legal battles, with some families losing their homes over relatively small amounts of money. Critics argue that HOAs, which are meant to maintain community standards, often wield too much power and lack accountability.
As Sanders works to rebuild her life, she hopes her story will serve as a wake-up call for homeowners and lawmakers alike. “This shouldn’t happen to anyone,” she said. “No one should lose their home over a few hundred dollars.”
For now, her case remains a stark reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about HOA agreements and the urgent need for reform to protect homeowners from losing everything over minor disputes.
