Here’s why someone would (or wouldn’t) want to live within an HOA.
The decision to buy a home within an HOA is an interesting debate to have with clients. Some love the idea of one, and others hate it. I don’t think anybody likes the idea of having to pay another set of fees each month, but let’s dig deep into the pros and cons of buying a home in a community that has a homeowners association:
Pros:
1. HOAs create uniformity in the neighborhood. There won’t be a house at the end of the block painted neon blue that doesn’t mow their yard.
2. HOAs help maintain and increase home values. Many buyers looking in HOA neighborhoods like these homes for this reason. Purchasing in a community like this is looked at as a much safer investment than purchasing a home outside of a homeowners association.
3. HOAs provide services and amenities. At the bare minimum, they’ll provide common area maintenance through the HOA fees you pay. You could also have a pool, a workout room, or a sauna. It’s a great bonus.
“Many HOAs provide great services and amenities.”
Cons:
1. HOAs have fees. Nobody wants to pay more than they have to for their home.
2. HOAs govern what you can and can’t do to your home. They decide what colors you can paint your home, what improvements you can make, and even what color light bulbs you use outside.
3. If you don’t follow the rules, you’ll be fined. One of the most common complaints we hear from HOA buyers is that they’ve been ticketed for parking inside a community overnight on the street.
I hope you found this discussion on HOAs useful in determining whether buying one fits your needs. If you have any questions about buying a home or real estate in general, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
