Homeowners Associations (HOA’s) – many people love them, many people are not a fan. But before you decide which side of the line you stand on, let’s first discuss some details about what an HOA is and a few of the pros and cons surrounding living in a development with one. Let’s dive right in! 

What is an HOA? | 
An HOA is an organization within a planned community, condominium or subdivision that is in charge of creating and enforcing rules and regulations for the properties that reside within its jurisdiction. 

Pros of an HOA |
-The first pro we are going to discuss is amenities. Did you know that HOA’s typically offer and manage community amenities such as tennis courts, pools, parks and community centers? All of which are assessable to community members. 

-Another pro is that HOA’s typically handle community maintenance such as landscaping, snow removal and upkeeping the private roads within the community.  

-HOA’s are also responsible for making sure all members abide by the set standard of appearance for their homes. This ensures that your pesky neighbor can’t paint their house bright pink or have an unruly, overgrown lawn. 

-Being part of an HOA ensures that the neighborhood appears clean and neat, not only making your home more appealing to potential homebuyers, but also possibly increasing the value of your home. 

-Lastly, it is always nice to have an HOA to step in on your behalf if any issue were to arise between you and a neighbor. While we always have the best of intentions when it comes to conflict, the truth is, things happen. And turning things over to your HOA to resolve makes it much easier for both parties involved. 


Cons of an HOA |
-One of the most obvious downsides of an HOA is the cost, which varies based on things such as property and amenities provided.

-Another potential con of an HOA is the unexpected fines and fees that can arise. That is why it is always helpful to fully understand what is expected as you, the homeowner, in order to avoid being penalized. 

-Lastly, as with many things in life, there is always the chance that things can get political and in turn be frustrating for some of the members involved. 

Choosing the best home and neighborhood for your needs is of utmost importance to our team.  Please contact us with any questions you may have and check back to view our blog weekly for great home buying and selling tips!