HOAs In Texas—Understand Their Guidelines Prior To Purchase

Many people have heard the nightmares of HOAs. However, the majority of HOAs are simply enforcing the guidelines (CCRs—covenants, conditions and restrictions) that every homeowner in the neighborhood agreed to abide by when they purchased their home. HOAs are not the devil.  HOAs conduct their business based on the By-laws of the association. The rules they enforce are written in the CCRs. A good explanation of an HOA's by-laws and CCRs is located here.

When you purchase a home in Frisco Texas and you read in the contract that membership in the HOA is mandatory and the title company reaches out to get the HOA documents you are entitled to read them and within a certain number of days decide if you have an objection. You can actually decide not to move forward. You will get your earnest money back and you can find a home in a different HOA or an area with no HOA.

If you decide to move forward then you are agreeing to abide by the CCRs and the by-laws of the HOA. Most CCRs provide guidelines regarding how your home looks on the outside. Any landscaping changes, house colors, front door colors, fences, pergolas, extensions, pools, etc...are all governed by the CCRs. The city will have certain building ordinances that must be followed. The HOA may have the same or even stricter guidelines that will also have to be followed.

If you are purchasing a home and thinking that you can add or extend a fence, change the color, add a pool, build a covered porch or patio, then please take the time to read the CCRs. This will save you a lot of headaches in the future. If you are not happy with the CCRs, then find out how easily the CCRs can either be changed or have a variance issued. If this does not satisfy you then it is time to find a different home. You do not want to buy into a neighborhood where you may end up not being able to do what you want with your home. The penalties that an HOA can impose are substantial. To better understand the pros and cons of an HOA you can find out more here.

When you are searching or selling your home in Texas and in particular North Texas, please give me a call. You will find out what my other clients know—Your Success is My Focus.