Let's start with a basic fact:
No one who doesn't live in Bermuda, really wants their neighbors painting their home pink.
In San Antonio, our newer neighborhoods (and many of the older ones), are almost invariably governed by a Homeowners (Property Owners), Association and almost everyone who lives in an area governed by a Property Owners Association wants to know when the Association is going to make the guy on the corner cut his waist-high lawn, stop parking his RV on the street, or re-paint the bright red shed in his yard to match his home - all items typically falling under the purview of the Association.
Here's the answer: When you bring it to the attention of the Association.
Sure, they may keep the pool maintained and the lights on at the entrance, but that's only part of thier job. Until you see evidence of neighbors reasonably following the covenants, codes and restrictions, you may rightly suspect that the Association management is not having their employee drive the neighborhood weekly to check gross misconduct of neighbors - all assurances to the contrary.
Wait, where are those documents that you receive when you bought the house? Never fear. If you want to know which management company (they are rarely self-managed), is in charge of your San Antonio neighborhood, give us a call and we'll get that information for you.
Especially for those selling their homes:
Make the Association earn those fees and keep your 'hood, lookin' good!

Sara Woolford & Steve Golson in friendly San Antonio, Texas
If you are planning to Buy or Sell a home or land in San Antonio or the Texas Hill Country, we'd be happy to get you moved on with your life! You can go to our blog, website, Facebook page or just, call to Chat: 210-492-6683
www.iTexasRealty.com info@iTexasRealty.com

Our HOA is very vigilant and drive through often and cite the home-owners with violations.
Hi Stacey- Ann-
I am moving to your neighborhood! I hope that you write a letter letting them know that they're doing their job well - and hopefully, not too well!
--Sara
Oh -- HOA's the bane of many resident's existence! I serve on our HOA Board and it's a thankless job -- all volunteer and very little thanks!! But they are necessary to keep things uniform.
Hi Maureen-
My hat's off to all those who volunteer. Now, if we cud just get a Stager on every Association board!
-Sara