A Mesa couple says an initial $977 in unpaid HOA fees eventually put their $475,000 home into foreclosure. Toby Newton bought the four-bedroom East Mesa home in 2022. Two years later, he lost his job, was diagnosed with diabetes and began struggling financially. He eventually fell $977 behind on HOA assessments and interest. Newton says he knew he owed the money and repeatedly tried to set up a payment plan. He first offered $50 a month, then about $134, and eventually $200 a month, but says each proposal was rejected. By November 2024, the HOA had started foreclosure proceedings. Once attorney fees, assessments and other costs were added, court records show the amount had grown to $6,579. In October 2025, the home was sold at a sheriff’s auction to the Superstition Springs Community Master Association for $8,172. Newton had a window to reclaim the property, but during that time his longtime partner, Sherrie Patten, was diagnosed with breast cancer and went on long-term disabil...