Are Home Owner Associations Good or Bad?

Deed Restrictions, Homeowner Associations and the like... Help or Obstacle?

In the Viera and Suntree areas of Brevard County, Florida, you can not avoid them.  Both of these planned unit developnmets have master assocaitions as well as individual associations within each subdivision.  

In Viera and Suntree, as wella s many of the newer developemnts in Brevard County, there is no excaping the assocation.

• Some buyers want rules to make sure things stay pretty much the way the neighborhood looks today.
• Some want the freedom to do as they please.  

There is no shortage of rules in these developemnts like rules regarding types of vehicles allowed, rules governing the changing paint colors, having a fence (or not), whether a boat may be kept onsite and others.

The rules exist to promote uniformity and consistency in the homes. I can understand the rules. Likewise I can understand when buyers do not want the rules!

When you begin your search for a home in Breverd County, Florida decide early on if an association is a consideration.  Soem folks just want their freedom and it is best that they not even go near a dvelopmnet with restrictions!

If you decide to purchase in an area with an association one of the documents you must be provided in Florida and given an opportunity to review is the HOA disclosures.

Read the disclosure.  Know what you are getting into before proceeding.

Your Florida real estate agent should ensure you receive the documents but it is up to you to read them - thoroughly!  And do not accept the seller or your real estaet agent's interpreation of what the documents mean.  Consult the appropriate professional (attorney).

These documents are written by lawyers so it likely takes one to interpret them!

So are associations good or bad?  Only you, the buyer, know the answer.