Since the first HOA emerged in 1964, HOAs have grown very common in the United States. HOAs can have a number of positives but also some downsides, causing some people to stay away from communities ruled by HOAs. If you live in a condo, townhome, or house that's part of a homeowner's association, you'll be subject to the rules in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). If you’re unsure whether or not your potential neighborhood has an HOA, ask your real estate agent.
THE PROS AND CONS OF HOAs
Pro: Community Appearance, Maintenance & Amenities
Homes within an HOA must meet the standards set by the association or face a fine, so you’re less likely to see unkempt lawns, peeling paint or a garishly painted house Depending on the HOA, services such as trash, Cable TV, Internet or water can be included. Typically, common areas are maintained by the association including lawn care, pool and playground maintenance. Another primary advantage of an HOA is that they usually have services at the ready for property maintenance that may arise like Roofing or plumbing related issues (usually exterior items on Condos). While not all HOAs have swimming pools, tennis courts or club houses, many offer a range of amenities reserved for residents only.
Con: Rules and possible Fines
The rules are an important aspect of an HOA and sometimes ignored. Residents that are living under HOA management should seriously consider the CCR’s (rules) before they make a purchase. Violation of these rules could result in fines. It could be something as simple as the size of your dog, or maybe you want to park your car in the driveway and use your garage as extra storage and the HOA requires you to park your car in the garage. If you have a concern about something that’s important to you, for example; you run a business from your home, then be particularly careful to read all the regulations before you buy a home in a community with an HOA. This doesn’t mean you can’t buy at all within an HOA, but you’ll have to find one with regulations that meet your requirements.
Pro: Management & Resolving Conflicts
If you have a problem with your neighbor’s dog barking, loud parties or a dispute over a tree, you can ask the HOA to handle the issue rather than getting directly into a spat with the homeowner next door. HOAs provide a non-inequitable ruling that could ease the situation between both members involved in the conflict.
Con: Association Meetings
Just as HOAs can alter rules independently, they can also change meetings suddenly. If you are a 2nd homeowner, sometimes notice for the meetings are not given with enough notice to be able to attend, or the travel distance may be too far.
Pro: Creating Friendly Gatherings
Creating social gatherings may not seem important to everyone, but for some neighborhoods, it is all that counts. Residents want to feel safe in their community. These sociable gatherings bring neighbors closer and offer a feeling of peacefulness and security. If you have children, it’s a great way to get to meet the other children’s parents and get contact info. Most people like to know who they live next to.
And The Really Ugly?? 
Consider your temperament. Are you the type of person who hates being told what to do? If so, living in a community with an HOA may be a very frustrating experience for you. One of the major benefits of homeownership is the ability to customize and alter the property to suit your needs, but HOA rules can really interfere with this. As stated above, read the CC&R’s before you buy.
Lori Webster, REALTOR®, CNE
Direct: 480.518.2302
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