Special offer

Read HOA Documents Before Starting Home Improvements

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Realty Works Temecula BRE No: 01233850

One of the many documents that are to be reviewed by home buyers are the homeowners association documents.  

Before escrow can close buyers must sign an approval form that states they agree to the homeowners association rules regulations and regulations that are referred to as CC&R's, (conditions, covenants and restrictions).



Even though the HOA documents require approval by the buyer many buyers don't read the fine print.  

If an HOA has fees, they usually have an architectural review committee that has to approve any exterior home improvements, and some may require approval even in the back yard.

I had this happen when I planted queen palms in my backyard.  The HOA representative that makes a weekly inspection of the streets to see if anyone has any violations noticed that there were 20 ft. palms in my backyard and wanted pictures of my backyard.

Painting of the exterior may require that along with a home improvment application, a sample of the color one is going to use must also accompany the appropriate forms.

Every HOA is different but getting familiar with the CC&R's before moving into a home can save a homeowner from fines, and or re-doing something that is not within the guidelines of the regulations.

 

Contact me about your next home purchase in Southwest Riverside County.  I can be reached at 866-621-0155

 

 

 

Jane Grant is a licensed Real Estate Broker in California, DRE 01109492

 

  

 

How accurate are Zestimates?

 

 

 

 

 

 FACEBOOKLinkedINU-TubeTwitterTrulia   

 

  

 

 

 

 

Comments(9)

Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

So, so true -- every HOA has rules. be sure to know what they are and get proper approvals before doing any work on one's home.

May 24, 2012 03:00 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Jane what great advice, too many Condominium Owners do not understand or aware of this aspect or Renovation!

May 24, 2012 03:18 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Jane,  Some HOAs are real tight on their rule and regulations and others are not. If they have people policing the complex ... that means they are very tight and will keep uniformity in the complex. People really need to understand that there are things they cannot do with CC&R's and living in a condominium complex or other development that has rules.

May 24, 2012 03:42 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

The HOAs are important for maintaining a quality community, many of the rules may seems silly but are there for a reason.

You bring up some very good points.

May 24, 2012 05:03 PM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Those little home improvement projects can become an issue if they are made without consulting the HOA.  Some HOAs in my area have final say on paint color etc.

May 24, 2012 05:11 PM
Morgan Evans
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

I agree that this is very sound advice for a new homeowner moving into a community with a strict HOA.

May 24, 2012 09:43 PM
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Jane, great information for people looking to buy a home which is governed by an HOA.  I once bought a home in an HOA which didn't allow for ANY palm trees.  Me, I absolutely love them.  But, I like the home and the entire look of the well maintained subdivision even better.  There's pro's and con's and everyone must understand up front.  Great job.  

May 25, 2012 12:55 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Jane, great advice and if they do home improvements without the approval, they may have to rip their improvement back out!   It is always better to read.

May 28, 2012 09:55 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

I have seen many a owners put up fences only to find out they were not approved and had to be redone.

Jun 09, 2012 12:15 PM