Is HOA Living For You?

Good discussion. There are lots of pros and cons and it often depends for a buyer if an HOA will work for them. HOA's do protect home values often if well run. And many rules are sensible, but some can be restrictive to a buyer and they must consider what this HOA allows and does not.

Beth great question and indeed often asked, and there are times that both parties do not agree on which way to go about it and often the pros and cons lead them to the right choice, Endre

Beth HOA's offer advantages, but with those advantages also come limitations. It depends on the needs of each Buyer whether the advantages out weight the limitations.

Home buyers should read this post and read the rules and regulations of HOA before buying a home.

Good morning, Beth. It's important to know specific HOA rules before buying those communities... but I've lived my entire life in HOA communities and wouldn't live in one without rule. I really believe they keep home values up so long as the HOA rules are not onerous.

Hi Beth -- I've also had buyers who have expressed the same feelings about HOA living.  Discussing it with them involves asking questions and listening -- just another part of the real estate conversation.  I did enjoy your sentiment about the validity of information that is found online.  

We work with many buyers and sellers at HOA's and you are right...it's not for everyone. I found it interesting to read about the garage doors not allowed to be open...

I have always been a rule follower, so living in an HOA is no big deal for me.  I know plenty that don't like being told what they can and can't do to their home though.

Hello Beth Atalay,  Pros and cons on HOA,  many people that move out here from the east coast does not know enough about Hoa.  Great blog.

Hi Beth - Excellent post for a very common question. As you point oput HOAs vary in regulation and in practice. We have found it very helpful to have our buyers walk the neighborhood and, if possible, engage residents in a discussion of how the HOA is working.

There are positives and negatives to HOA living.  Some of the restrictions are just over the top. 

Beth, you did a great job breaking down the pros and cons of living in an HOA. We have a lot of HOA's in this area but, sometimes do get clients who want to avoid them. Awesome post!

I totally get what you're saying when I asked myself the same thing at one time when I heard somebody else's story

There are many misconceptions about HOA. Buyers in your area need to know you are someone they can trust to provide the most critical information necessary for them to make an informed decision. 

This is an excellent blog post!

Hi Beth - there are pros and cons so it is individual or in some cases situational.  In my case I am happy not to have one here in NY but glad to know I have one in Florida because of the maintenance when I am not there.

Some HOA are very restrictive and some arn't. It is best to get a lay of the land from a neighbor and written docs. If you are willing to live with the restrictions and the fees, it can be a good thing. Everyone else has to abide by the same rules!

Hi Beth

There are so many pros and cons about HOA living and you did a great job letting buyers know what these are so they can think about the issue effectively. And they can differ quite a bit in terms of HOA fees, how strict they are, how well run they are, and how solvent. It's important to do your due diligence if you are considering a purchase.

Jeff

HOAs can have CC&Rs that are both beneficial, but also quite restrictive in what they will allow.  It is wise for prospective home buyers to review the CC&Rs, to see if they will fit their comfort zone.

Our HOA charges $12.00 a month since its inception 1976. It never raised a penny and maintain about 2 miles of horse trail. We use boy scouts, retirees to maintain 6 spurs at no charge. 

This is such an important consideration when buying a home where an HOA is present.  I've seen some that are easy to work with, and manage communities wonderfully, and others that sit back and collect a check, without doing much else.  That's why buyers need a local expert like yourself to help them know what they're getting into!