Understanding HOAs in Flying Horse

Shopping homes in Flying Horse and wondering how the HOA fits into your plans? You are not alone. In Northgate’s popular master-planned community, most properties are part of one or more associations with clear rules, dues, and approval processes. In this guide, you will learn how HOAs work in Flying Horse, what documents to review, and how Colorado law shapes your rights and responsibilities. Let’s dive in.

Flying Horse HOA basics

Flying Horse is a master-planned community in northern Colorado Springs, within El Paso County. In master-planned neighborhoods like this, a single home can be subject to multiple associations. You might have a master association that manages community-wide amenities and standards, plus a neighborhood or sub-association that handles more local items.

If you are considering a condo or townhome, there may also be a building association that oversees shared structures and grounds. In Flying Horse, amenities such as trails, entry features, and community facilities are common. Keep in mind that golf or club memberships are typically separate from HOA dues and follow their own membership rules.

What rules apply to your home

Each association is governed by recorded documents that follow Colorado law. The key documents include:

• Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs or Declaration) that set use restrictions and assessment powers.
• Bylaws that explain board meetings, elections, and officer roles.
• Articles of Incorporation that form the association as a corporate entity.
• Rules and Regulations that cover operations such as parking, rentals, pets, and exterior upkeep.
• Architectural Guidelines or Design Standards that control exterior changes like paint, fences, and landscaping.
• Plat maps and easements that define lot lines, common areas, and maintenance responsibilities.

Because Flying Horse uses a master plan, you should confirm all applicable layers. Some homes answer to both a master HOA and a sub-association, and each can have separate rules and dues.

How Colorado law shapes HOAs

Colorado’s Common Interest Ownership Act, known as CCIOA, sets the framework for HOAs statewide. CCIOA addresses how covenants are enforced, how budgets are adopted, how meetings are noticed, and what records members can access. It also outlines how associations levy assessments and handle collections.

When a Flying Horse property changes hands, buyers and sellers typically use a resale or estoppel-type certificate provided by the HOA or its manager. This document usually states the current status of assessments, any outstanding fines, and includes required governing documents and financial information. Timelines and fees for these documents are regulated and should be confirmed under CCIOA and current practice.

Dues, assessments, and reserves

Most associations charge regular dues monthly, quarterly, or annually. These fund daily operations such as landscaping, snow removal for HOA-maintained areas, insurance, and utilities for common areas. Associations can also levy special assessments for unexpected repairs or large capital projects.

Healthy reserves are a key marker of financial stability. Many associations prepare annual budgets and maintain reserve funds for predictable replacements such as roads, roofs, or pool equipment. If reserves are underfunded, owners may face special assessments when major components need work. Reviewing the budget, reserve study, and reserve balances gives you a clearer picture of future costs.

Optional fees for amenities like golf or a community club are often separate from HOA dues. Ask for the membership rules and fee schedule if access to those amenities is important to you.

Architectural reviews and exterior changes

In Flying Horse, exterior changes commonly require approval from an Architectural Review Committee. Architectural Guidelines typically address materials, colors, fencing, landscaping, and additions. Sub-associations may have their own standards that work alongside the master guidelines.

Submit plans and wait for written approval before starting any work. If you skip approval or violate the guidelines, the HOA can fine you or require corrective actions. Ask the seller for records of past approvals to confirm any additions or modifications were reviewed properly.

Buying in Flying Horse: your due diligence

Before you commit, gather and review the full picture. Use this checklist:

• Declaration, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation for each applicable association.
• Rules and Regulations, plus Architectural Guidelines and ARC application forms.
• Recent resale or estoppel certificate with current assessment status and any fines.
• Current year budget and the last 2 to 3 years of financial statements and bank statements.
• The most recent reserve study and current reserve fund balance.
• Accounts receivable aging report to see owner delinquencies.
• List and history of special assessments for the past 3 to 5 years.
• Board meeting minutes from the last 12 to 24 months.
• Summary of the master insurance policy and what you must insure yourself.
• Amenity access rules and any separate club membership requirements.
• Records of prior architectural approvals for the property, if relevant.

Contract language can protect you. Include a contingency that lets you receive and review HOA documents within a defined window and allows you to cancel if something is unacceptable. Consider waiting to close until you receive and review the resale or estoppel certificate.

Selling in Flying Horse: set up a smooth closing

If you are selling, request association documents early so buyers have what they need. Confirm your account is current and resolve any violations before listing. Order the resale or estoppel certificate within the needed timeframe and share it promptly with the buyer.

Gather proof of architectural approvals for any exterior updates you made. Review recent minutes and budgets so you can speak clearly about upcoming projects or assessments. Clear, complete HOA information helps buyers feel confident and keeps your closing on track.

Red flags to watch

Some HOA issues can increase risk or future cost. Monitor for:

• Repeated or recent special assessments, especially for routine items that should be reserved for.
• High owner delinquencies that strain the budget.
• Frequent or unresolved litigation involving the association.
• Incomplete or outdated financial records or inconsistent bookkeeping.
• Deferred maintenance on common areas that suggests future capital needs without funding.

None of these are automatic deal-breakers, but they call for closer review and a clear plan.

Violations, liens, and collections

HOAs can enforce rules with fines, suspension of privileges, and corrective orders. Under CCIOA and most governing documents, associations can also place a lien for unpaid assessments. In certain circumstances defined by law and the governing documents, they can pursue foreclosure to collect.

If you are buying, verify there are no outstanding violations or fines tied to the property. Ask for confirmation of no pending liens through the resale or estoppel certificate and a title search. Reviewing recent board minutes can also reveal common enforcement issues in the neighborhood, such as parking or short-term rental policies.

Where to verify records

The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder maintains public records including CC&Rs, maps, plats, amendments, and recorded liens. The Assessor and Treasurer provide parcel tax information and any special district assessments. Association management companies can supply resale certificates, budgets, and operational documents, and you can verify the correct contact through association communications.

When details matter for your property, rely on the recorded documents, official association statements, and county records. If you need deeper interpretation, consider asking your real estate professional to coordinate with the HOA or refer you to legal counsel.

Make confident decisions in Flying Horse

HOAs in Flying Horse are designed to protect shared standards and maintain amenities, but they do add layers of documents, dues, and approvals. When you understand the structure, the rules, and the financials, you can buy or sell with confidence. With the right preparation, you will know exactly what you are paying for, what you can change, and what to expect at closing.

If you are weighing a move in Northgate’s Flying Horse community, let’s talk through your plans and the HOA details for your specific property. Get neighborhood-level guidance, help gathering documents, and a clear strategy from search to closing. Connect with Unknown Company to receive exclusive listings and a free home valuation.

FAQs

What is the master HOA vs. a sub-association in Flying Horse?

• The master HOA manages community-wide standards and amenities, while sub-associations govern neighborhood-specific rules and maintenance. You may belong to both and pay separate dues.

How do HOA dues and special assessments work in Colorado?

• Regular dues fund operations and reserves, while special assessments cover unexpected costs or major projects. Both are authorized by the governing documents and CCIOA.

What is a resale or estoppel certificate for a Flying Horse home?

• It is an association-issued document for a property transfer that shows assessment status, fines, and required disclosures. Buyers and sellers use it to confirm fees and compliance.

Do I need approval for exterior changes in Flying Horse?

• Yes, most exterior modifications require pre-approval through an Architectural Review Committee under the community’s design standards.

What happens if I do not pay HOA dues in Colorado?

• The association can charge late fees, record a lien, and, in certain circumstances set by CCIOA and the documents, pursue foreclosure to collect unpaid assessments.

What are my rights to HOA records under CCIOA?

• CCIOA outlines member access to certain association records and sets notice requirements for meetings and budgets. You can request documents as provided by the statute and the governing rules.