As you’re looking for your new home, a good thing to consider is whether or not you want a property that resides in an area with a Homeowners Association.

In the San Fernando Valley area, we have many communities within a Homeowners Association. These associations are generally created to maintain the community's common areas and enforce deed restrictions.

There are pros and cons to living in an area with a Homeowners Association.

Homeowners Association Pros
The purpose of a Homeowners Association is to protect the value of homes and neighborhoods within a development. This is done by maintaining common areas and insuring residents adhere to the rules of the Association. The Association has the right to enforce maintenance and design standards like the color houses are painted and where vehicles can be parked. These restrictions can help prevent anyone in the neighborhood from doing something "wild" that may result in lowering the neighborhood’s property values.

Homeowners Associations Cons
If you buy a property within a Homeowners Association, you are required to pay the Association’s membership fees, which may increase. The association may also enact new rules that you find too restrictive - like what kind of shrubs you can plant or they type of fence you can put in.

If youd like to learn more about how Homeowners Associations impact the properties you’re considering, you can contact me by e-mail at paul@aragonestates.com