Florida HOA Back Fees

[Caitlin Wild]

Hi! First post and first purchase so go easy on me please! My husband and I recently purchased a condo at auction in Florida when the mortgage foreclosed. There were no other liens and the original owner passed away so we believe the condo to be empty. We expected some back HOA dues, but were a little surprised when it came out to be about $26,000. I know we are responsible for these dues, and we plan to confirm everything with an attorney (awaiting a call back right now), but I have two questions.

1. Is there a way to find out the exact amount of back HOA dues prior to purchasing at auction? Obviously, we could call and ask the HOA and they may or may not share, but I was wondering if there are other options? The area we reside in South Florida has the majority of homes with an HOA so purchasing properties without HOAs is unlikely.

2. Has anyone had luck with negotiating with the HOA on the amount due?

We've been watching the auction calendar for a while and only really paying attention to mortgage foreclosures, but now I'm wondering if it's smarter to look into HOA foreclosures. If we have an idea of the amount of the mortgage, we won't have a surprise cost like this. Thoughts?

[Chad U.]

Originally posted by @Caroline Gerardo:

Larger HOA's have professional management companies. They won't provide information to non owners, it's privacy. If they started legal proceedings it would be a public record- you need correct legal name of owner and HOA and most counties in the US provide this on a website (some charge $). You could contact the management co and offer to pay them something for a payoff quote - maybe they would tell you verbally. The HOA is in first position in front of the mortgage co, they can foreclose in a fast swoop. Attorney cost to negotiate with HOA -$5000 upfront and hourly $300 I would say is a waste of money. HOA can foreclose on you and they know it. Buying without title insurance is gambling.

Correction. An HOA in Florida is not in first position, they can foreclose but would be subject to the 1st.

Unfortunately no you cannot get the payoff from the HOA before the auction if not the owner.