You found a home you love near Horizon City. Before you commit, make sure the HOA and CC&Rs fit your plans and your budget. A little document review now can save you from surprise fees, limits on improvements, or rental restrictions later. In this guide, you’ll learn what to request, where to find it, and the key red flags specific to El Paso County. Let’s dive in.
HOA basics in Horizon City
Many neighborhoods around El Paso County use property owners’ associations to manage common areas and enforce recorded restrictions. If a subdivision has an HOA, membership is usually mandatory and the rules in the CC&Rs apply to each lot. The Texas State Law Library offers a clear overview of how these associations operate and what they can regulate. You can read its guide to property owners’ associations for context at the state level.
Horizon City also includes older, platted lots from earlier land developments. Some of these areas were later affected by Texas rules aimed at preventing unserved lots from being sold without required utilities. If you’re eyeing vacant land, verify utility and subdivision status before assuming you can build. The history of the area is summarized on the Horizon City page on Wikipedia.
- Resource: Texas State Law Library’s overview of property owners’ associations: consumer guide
- Background: Horizon City history and land context
Key Texas protections
Texas law gives you tools to see the financial and legal health of an HOA, plus the rules that will govern your property.
- Resale certificate and resale packet. HOAs must provide a resale certificate and governing documents on request. The certificate outlines assessments, transfer fees, pending violations, insurance, lawsuits, and whether the HOA can foreclose. See Texas Property Code Chapter 207.
- Management certificates and registry. HOAs must file a management certificate with the county and with TREC. You can search the TREC database to find contact info and recording references for CC&Rs. Learn what a management certificate includes at hoa.texas.gov and search the registry at TREC’s HOA database.
- Owner access to records. Owners have rights to inspect HOA records, including budgets, minutes, and contracts, with response timelines set by law. Review Property Code 209.005.
- Assessments, liens, and foreclosure. HOAs may place liens and, in some cases, foreclose for unpaid assessments, subject to notices and protections in Texas law. For an overview of HOA foreclosures, see the State Law Library’s HOA foreclosure guide.
Buyer due diligence checklist
Use this list to make sure you see the right documents and ask the right questions.
- Resale certificate and full packet: Request the current resale certificate, CC&Rs (and amendments), bylaws, rules, current budget, balance sheet, insurance certificate, and recent minutes. Chapter 207 defines required contents and timelines.
- Assessment schedule: Confirm current dues, any planned special assessments, due dates, and the history of special assessments in the last 3 to 5 years.
- Budget and reserves: Ask for the current budget, most recent financials or CPA review, and any reserve study. Thin reserves can lead to special assessments.
- Litigation and insurance: Check for pending lawsuits, unsatisfied judgments, and coverage limits on the HOA’s policies. The resale certificate should disclose lawsuits and include insurance information per Chapter 207.
- CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules: Read use restrictions, architectural standards, parking, fencing, exterior changes, and any leasing limits. Note any review fees or variance processes.
- Leasing and short-term rentals: Confirm whether minimum lease terms or rental caps apply. Review Chapter 209 for how HOAs may regulate leases.
- Architectural review: Ask about application timelines, typical approvals and denials, and policies on retroactive approvals.
- Enforcement and collections: Review fine schedules, late fees, notice and cure steps, and whether the declaration authorizes liens or foreclosure. The State Law Library outlines foreclosure basics in its guide.
- Insurance responsibilities: Clarify what the HOA policy covers versus the owner’s policy, plus deductibles that could trigger assessments.
- Management contracts and governance: Request the management agreement, election procedures, and any developer control period details. See management certificate requirements at Property Code 209.004.
- Meeting minutes: Read 12 to 36 months of board and membership minutes to spot trends, disputes, or upcoming projects. Owners can request records under 209.005.
- Plats and easements: Review recorded plats and easements for setbacks, common areas, and access. You can obtain official records from the El Paso County Clerk.
- Recording checks: Have the title company confirm recorded CC&Rs and amendments, any liens, and the HOA’s management certificate in county records.
- Vacant lots near Horizon City: Verify water and sewer availability and whether county subdivision rules affect sale or development. See Local Government Code Chapter 232.
Where to get HOA documents
Finding the right documents is easier when you know where to look.
- Start with the seller and listing agent. In many cases the seller initiates the resale certificate process using TREC forms. See the TREC form for Subdivision Information and Resale Certificate.
- Use the TREC HOA registry. Search the management certificate to get HOA contacts and recording references at the TREC HOA database.
- Pull county records. Declarations, amendments, plats, and liens are recorded with the El Paso County Clerk.
- Contact the HOA or manager. Many associations post CC&Rs and forms online. If not, the management certificate lists the agent to contact. Learn more at hoa.texas.gov.
- Lean on your title company and survey. Title should surface CC&Rs and liens. A current survey helps confirm boundaries and easements.
If records are delayed or incomplete, Chapter 207 outlines remedies for late delivery of resale information. You can review TREC’s role in management certificates here and consult the statute at Chapter 207.
Timelines and red flags
Staying on schedule helps you keep leverage while you are under contract.
- Resale certificate delivery: Associations must deliver within the timelines in Chapter 207. Request it as soon as your contract is executed.
- Records access: HOAs generally must respond to owner record requests within about 10 business days to arrange inspection or copies per 209.005.
- Management certificate filings: Recent laws require prompt filing with TREC. Use the state registry to confirm contact info.
Watch for these red flags and slow down if you see them:
- Delayed or incomplete resale packet, missing budget or insurance details.
- High owner delinquencies, frequent special assessments, or thin reserves.
- Recorded liens or recent HOA collection or foreclosure activity.
- CC&Rs that block your plans, such as strict rental rules or architectural limits.
- No recorded management certificate in county records or TREC.
Vacant lot buyers: extra steps
If you plan to buy a vacant lot in or near Horizon City, add a few checks. Confirm utility availability and whether the lot can be legally sold and developed under county subdivision rules. Some older, unserved lots in the region may be affected by rules intended to prevent colonia conditions. Review Local Government Code Chapter 232 and verify status with the county and utility providers before you close.
Get local guidance
You do not have to figure this out alone. With construction and development experience plus deep local knowledge, our team helps you read the fine print, validate county and TREC filings, and line up title, survey, and utility checks. If you are buying a home, an investment property, or a land parcel near Horizon City, we will guide you through a clean, confident review of the HOA and CC&Rs.
Ready to move forward with a plan tailored to your property and timeline? Connect with David Torres for hands-on guidance.
FAQs
What is a Texas HOA resale certificate and why does it matter?
- It is a required disclosure packet that lists dues, transfer fees, pending violations, insurance, lawsuits, and foreclosure authority, per Property Code Chapter 207.
How can I find the HOA for a Horizon City subdivision with no website?
- Search the TREC management-certificate registry for contact info and recording references at the TREC HOA database.
Can a Texas HOA foreclose if I do not pay dues?
- Often yes, if allowed by recorded documents and after required notices and timelines, as outlined in the State Law Library’s HOA foreclosure guide.
What should investors check about rental rules near Horizon City?
- Review CC&Rs for rental caps or minimum lease terms and read Chapter 209 for how HOAs may regulate leases.
What extra due diligence applies to vacant lots around Horizon City?
- Confirm utilities, plat status, and county approvals because Local Government Code Chapter 232 can limit sales or development of unserved lots.
When should I order the HOA resale packet in Texas?
- Order it at contract execution using TREC forms so you have time to review and address issues before your option period ends, per Chapter 207.
