Arizona Man Loses $475K Home to HOA Foreclosure Over Less Than $1,000 in Dues
Toby Newton states his homeowners' association refused payment arrangements for $977 in unpaid dues before selling his property at auction for $8,172.
An Arizona man claims his $475,000 home was sold by his homeowners' association due to an unpaid balance of less than $1,000 in dues. Toby Newton, 53, of Mesa, said he fell behind on his quarterly HOA payments after losing his sales job and being diagnosed with diabetes, while his partner battled breast cancer.
Newton told Fox News Digital that he was a year and a half behind on his payments when he contacted the Superstition Springs Community Master Association to arrange a payment plan. He initially offered to pay an additional $50 per month on top of his regular assessments, which he stated were about $170 every three months. This offer was denied.
He then proposed a $200 monthly increase, which was also rejected. According to Newton, the HOA then directed him to their attorney, and foreclosure proceedings began. He stated that the debt, which initially stood at $977, ballooned to nearly $10,000, largely due to attorney's fees.
The home was sold at a public auction in November 2025 for $8,172, according to the Mesa Tribune. Newton reported he was unaware of the auction until two days prior.
"The sale happened and I'm still in the house," Newton said. "I haven't been kicked out yet. That's what I'm trying to avoid. I'm just trying to save it because I don't know how it could go from owing them $977 to $10,000."
Newton stated he purchased the home in 2022 with plans to spend his retirement years there and has no intention of leaving. An online fundraiser created by Newton and his partner expresses hope that they may still have a chance to buy back their home.
Homeowners' associations have faced accusations of overreach and aggressive actions against residents for minor violations. Real estate experts suggest that rising operating costs, dwindling reserve funds, and concerns over associations' ability to cover essential expenses are driving these stricter collection efforts. HOA-related foreclosures have reportedly increased by nearly 40% compared to two years prior, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the HOA's attorney for comment.