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What is HOA? Homeowners Associations (HOAs) charge fees for basic community amenities and enforce community rules. Single-family home developments, townhouse communities, and apartment complexes use HOAs to maintain home values by creating safe, attractive communities.
While HOAs can foster a community atmosphere, some homeowners may perceive them as overly restrictive. Additionally, it’s important to note that HOA fees may differ depending on the specific neighborhood.
Therefore, in this article, we will not only define what HOAs are, but also explore the advantages and disadvantages of living in an HOA-managed community, allowing you to make an informed decision on whether purchasing a home governed by an HOA aligns with your preferences.
Homeowners Associations are ideal for retirees and homeowners who want a low-maintenance lifestyle. One major pro of an HOA is oftentimes, the included community landscaping and maintenance upkeep. Homeowners Associations usually maintain entrances, sidewalks, and sometimes individual homes for landscaping. It is particularly prevalent for apartment and condo complex communities to provide comprehensive exterior landscaping and maintenance services. Similarly, Homeowners Associations frequently arrange for garbage collection to enhance homeowner convenience.
Apart from offering maintenance services, Homeowners Associations often provide a diverse range of recreational amenities for their residents. These may include shared pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, fitness centers, and golf courses. The HOA is also responsible for maintaining these facilities, so homeowners can take full advantage of them without worrying about maintenance. Such facilities are ideal for parties of all kinds, including weddings, reunions, and barbecues.
Moreover, HOA members can help facilitate peaceful resolutions for neighbor disputes by addressing complaints. Some HOA boards may even establish a neighborhood crime watch committee to promote the safety and security of homeowners and their families. Moreover, many HOAs implement restrictions on exterior home decorations and additions to create a cohesive community aesthetic, which many homeowners appreciate despite varying degrees of leniency among HOAs.
Perhaps the most regarded con of HOAs is the hefty monthly fee. Those who choose to live in a community governed by a homeowners association are obligated to make the required payments. This means that if a homebuyer is uncomfortable with paying an extra $2,800 (average cost for single-family homes) yearly, they should seek a home not covered by an Homeowners Association. Homeowners’ association fees are typically set based on the square footage of the home and the community’s location. Depending on the HOA board’s pricing, these fees can change monthly or annually, affecting your home expenses.
Homeowners may dislike exterior decoration restrictions. Check HOA restrictions before making major home improvements. Most rules involve exterior color palettes, fence styles and sizes, plant types and placements, and shutter styles and colors. Minor rules include how many cars can fit in a driveway, yard height, peeling paint, yard/driveway items after a certain time, and pet waste removal. The neighborhood’s uniformity is appreciated, but its rules are often unfavorable.
Missing a payment or breaking a rule can result in a hefty fine. Dress code violators can be fined $25 per incident, up to $100 for repeat offenses. For HOA-enforced rules like pet cleanup, penalties can be harsher. After signing an agreement, the Homeowners Association can foreclose on a homeowner’s property if they don’t pay their HOA dues and fines. Before buying, buyers should inquire about “special assessments” and outstanding balances in their community.
The presence of a governing board can be highly advantageous as it facilitates the maintenance and improvement of a community’s overall value and appeal, often with the provision of additional amenities. On the other hand, communities without HOAs afford homeowners greater flexibility in terms of home and lot maintenance and improvement.
While the above list of pros and cons can be useful in determining whether an HOA is suitable for your lifestyle and finances, it’s important to remember that each HOA’s provisions, restrictions, and fees are unique. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with your agent regarding communities that align with your preferences and to carefully review the fine print before making any commitments.
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