Arizona Man Loses $450K Home Over $977 HOA Fees Amid Health Crisis

Toby Newton, a 53-year-old Arizona resident, has lost his $450,000 home to his homeowners association (HOA) over an unpaid balance of $977 in fees and interest. The foreclosure and subsequent sale of his four-bedroom Mesa home occurred after Newton was diagnosed with diabetes and lost his job, preventing him from making his quarterly HOA assessments, which each cost approximately $170.

Newton purchased the home in 2022. After falling behind on his payments, he attempted to negotiate a payment plan with the Superstition Springs Community Master Association. However, his offers to pay $50 per month, then $200 per month, were rejected by the HOA board.

Foreclosure proceedings were initiated on November 15, 2024, by the association's attorney. By June 30, 2025, a default judgment for foreclosure was entered, with the court approving the HOA's request for $3,345 in attorney fees and interest, $1,042 for collection costs, and $1,311 in assessments and late charges. The total debt had ballooned to $6,579 by the time of the public auction.

Newton's home was seized by the Maricopa County Sheriff and sold at auction on October 16, 2025. The Superstition Springs Community Master Association was the highest bidder, purchasing the property for $8,172.

Following the auction, Newton had six months to redeem his property. This period was complicated by his mortgage obligations and his girlfriend, Sherrie Patten's, ongoing battle with breast cancer. Patten, diagnosed in early 2025, underwent a double mastectomy and was forced to stop working, eventually receiving long-term disability payments of just under $2,000 per month.

Newton stated that he was unable to secure the funds needed to buy back his home within the redemption period, which expired on May 15, 2026. He was informed he could repurchase the home for $10,484.

On May 14, Newton filed an emergency motion to stay enforcement proceedings, asserting he only learned of the auction two days prior, leaving him insufficient time to arrange legal counsel or gather funds. He also contested the validity of service for legal documents, claiming they were delivered to Patten's visiting son, who did not reside at the home and was not authorized to accept service on his behalf. The association countered that the son had confirmed he lived at Newton's residence.

Newton expressed his disbelief at the HOA's lack of cooperation, stating, "I just don't understand how an HOA that's supposed to be there for the community doesn't work with the community at all." State Representative Neal Carter suggested that HOA attorneys contribute to these situations by profiting from legal actions, leaving homeowners with limited options.

Newton and Patten have launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek financial assistance, which had garnered over $25,798 as of Thursday evening.