Deciding to Sell

Joe and I have decided to try selling the house again this spring/summer. We don't have a realtor, since the last one we had totally botched both the buying of this house and the attempted sale a few years ago. Basically, the previous owner lied on the paperwork and said there wasn't a homeowner's association. And our realtor didn't check. Well, there is a homeowner's association. It was in the deed, although not mentioned in any paperwork we were asked to sign. I really think our realtor should have known to check. I grew up in the country, so I'd never even heard of a HOA. So far,

• The HOA sends letters when the lawn isn't mowed when they think it should be. One "warning" letter and then a second one threatening fines and legal action. Why can't they call or come to the door?
  
• You can't build a fence without their approval. It has to be of specific materials, not more than 5 feet tall. Precuts are either four or six, so you either buy 6 foot and cut them down or settle for 4 feet.
  
• There is a HOA fee every year of $130.
  
• You can't put up a outdoor clothes line.
  
• The HOA is "run" by elected people, but really they farm all the work to an agency that does drive throughs and checks that the rules are being obeyed.
• They encourage you to contact them rather than talk to your neighbors. Lovely.
  

Oh, and there is a city ordinance that you can't have a car parked in one place for more than 24 hours, which apparently applies to housing developments too because a cop came to our door telling us to move our car, and we don't have room for the station wagon in the driveway no matter how we arrange things. Everyday I'm supposed to move the car.

So there's a lot of little things that are irritating. We either want to move closer to the city so we can walk places (a park would be great) or further into the country where we have control over our own property. I don't want to put a car up on blocks or anything. I just want a 6 foot fence to keep the neighbors' dogs and kids out of our yard. Sometimes it feels like we live in a condo, without the benefit of someone taking care of the outside of the house.

Ok, now the fun part. Here's my dream house: http://impact.ohio.remax.com/listings/ListingDetail_r4.aspx?LID=33596771#

I'm not particularly looking forward to getting a house into "show" condition with a toddler who enjoys climbing on everything (boxes, tables, chairs, shelves). But there's constant frustration here, and I'd love to start new. At least Davy can hang out on my back in the wrap or mei tai while I work sometimes.