Gaylen....since I sell mostly all condominiums, I can talk all about HOA's. Of course, any Buyer I work with, I have an automatic special stipulation in my contract that they get to review Condo Docs and a Current Budget and approve it prior to binding agreement. While some Buyers' don't read them, I usually ask my Buyer's if there is anything in their current lifestyle that might have an impact on them living in a condo. Take myself for example, I cook most meals on a gas grill.....well NOT since moving into a condo, since they are not allowed on balconies. My current building is looking to add one on our Amenities Level by the clubhouse.  I'm even a victim of not reading condo docs, altho I doubt I would of found out this anyway...my building has NO GUEST parking! Yep...that's right. Now our HOA is working with the Master Association (that handles the retail component of the building) to get some parking spaces.

And along with an HOA, I always ask Buyer's moving from a house to a condo, that they will be living MUCH closer to their neighbors than they have in the past, and if they are ready for that kind of change.

By working my market area, I am working on meeting all the Property Managers. It makes it much easier when I have a question....and sometimes I even try and introduce my Buyer's to the Property Manager if possible.

And in single-family home communities, you need to know how restrictive they are...and if your client's want those kinds of rules!