Everything You Need to Know About HOAs

Buying a home within a homeowners association comes with its own unique set of benefits, challenges, and costs.

Here’s everything you need to know about them.

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Make sure you read the CC&Rs.

 

When dealing with an HOA, you will want to read Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs). These are the rules that are placed on the properties within the HOA-governed subdivision. These rules and limits are determined by a builder, developer, or the managing members of the homeowners association for that neighborhood.

If you decide to live in an HOA neighborhood, you might have to give up some of your rights and freedoms to do so. Therefore, you have to ask yourself a few questions before making that final decision about whether or not you really want to live in that HOA neighborhood. For example:

  • Do I have any amenities that aren’t allowed under this HOA?
  • Am I willing to pay a higher cost to live in this HOA subdivision?
  • How will I feel about being told I can’t do something I normally do or would like to do? (think paint colors, yard decor, etc.)

Any given HOA will have their own individual rules and regulations, so learn what they are for each HOA subdivision you are considering. Just because you learned the HOA rules for that first house you passed on doesn’t mean all are the same. You need to research and investigate the rules and regulations for each different HOA neighborhood.

Most HOA restrictions are related to the following:

  • Landscaping and outdoor decor
  • Smoking
  • Parking
  • Noise levels
  • Fencing
  • Square footage
  • Pets
  • Home use
  • Amenities

Generally, the HOA is responsible for taking care of all the common area maintenance, upkeep, and repairs. For condos, they are also generally responsible for all major exterior replacements like roofs, fencing, plumbing, etc.

If you have any additional questions for me about HOAs or anything else related to real estate, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.