I get asked questions all the time about homeowner's associations.  It's a tough one for me to answer because everyone feels differently about things like this, but there are definite pros and cons to living in a neighborhood regulated by an association.  Whether or not you choose a home within one or not can and likely will have a big effect on the way you enjoy your home, so read on for some more information.

THE GOOD:

• Associations can regulate things like paint colors, regular maintenance, and the amount and quality of vehicles on the properties.  This is generally viewed as insurance that property values will remain stable and the neighborhood will always be pleasing to drive through.
• Many associations offer some services.  These services can include exterior maintenance of the homes and yards, snow removal and trash services.
• Amenities.  Associations collect dues and pool them to use for the good of the community.  Sometimes this buying power can translate into community pools, playgrounds, trails, clubhouses, or other amenities that would be attractive to the members.
• A sense of community.  Homeowner's associations provide a small- scale opportunity to be involved in the community.  There are offices to be held, events to help plan, and things to volunteer for.  No matter what your comfort level, there is always something that you can do to be involved.
• Events.  Depending on the association, there may also be events available.  Some examples are community garage sales, picnics, trips, and holiday festivities.
• Friendships can bloom.  Because you will tend to meet more neighbors, you increase your chances of forming close bonds with others within the neighborhood.  This can be a great way to meet like- minded individuals who live nearby.

THE BAD:

• Associations can regulate things like paint colors, regular maintenance, and the amount and quality of vehicles on the properties.  If you are a "do- it- yourselfer," this may not be the place for you.  Neighbors generally frown on cars being repaired in driveways or even a classic car that is not used every day.  The restrictions on paint colors can be oppressive to some, and some associations also regulate landscaping and tree choices.  If you don't like to be told what to do, think carefully about this aspect.
• Nosy neighbors.  I have heard and seen examples of people getting into skirmishes about the rules in areas with homeowner's associations.  The sense of community can be the tie that binds or the tie that gags.  Sometimes neighbors feel they have the right to watch each other very closely, and whistle- blowers can become a real nuisance when they begin to look for things to report.
• Fees!  Fees can range from very reasonable to... um... very not.  If you are looking to get the most home for the buck, then adding the need to make HOA payments on top of everything else may change the house you can afford, so consider this carefully.
• Politics.  People who live in neighborhoods with an association naturally run into each other more because they have the added element of events and meetings to contend with.  People often run to grouping together, so this is another thing to think about if the very recollection of high school cliques makes you squirm.

Whichever way you go, you will probably have great reasons for doing so.  And you know what will make you happy and what will bug you beyond belief.  Good luck... and happy home buying!