Why I Believe an HOA Protects Your Property

Why You Need an HOA 

Buyers moving to Clarksville TN usually ask to stay away from HOA neighborhoods. They also want to know which neighborhoods have them and say they don't want anyone telling them how they can use their properties.  

I find that buyers are not well informed about HOAs.  A Homeowners Association can be a very good thing to have and actually can protect property values and help you enjoy your neighborhood more. I don't find it as something to be afraid of. Those buyers that have strong resistance to them could have had a bad neighborhood situation with an HOA or heard a story from a friend. From my point of view, I want the protections that an HOA can give. In fact many home buyers share that feeling and only want to buy in an HOA neighborhood. 

Your home is the biggest financial investment you will make. Not all your neighbors will take the same pride you have in maintaining their homes. Some will think that their grass will need cutting only when it is shin high. Others may think it is okay to work on the engines of their inoperable vehicles in the front yard and leave these vehicles parked there for weeks at a time. None of these things are acceptable to me. 

An HOA has rules that protect all homeowners and are there to prevent unsightly occurrences from happening or at least from staying around. Many neighborhoods also have Architectural Review committees to assess proposed added improvements before they go in. This process is to safeguard the homes and make sure something weird and unsightly is not added. It helps keep the neighborhood looking attractive.

An additional benefit of HOAs is that there is economy of scale in negotiating neighborhood trash pick up, cable TV, lawn services or Internet services. When it is included in the HOA, they negotiate the contracts and price shop for the benefit of all the homeowners. This can save the homeowners money.

A negative could be that some HOAs are too restrictive and do intrude on the quiet enjoyment of the residents. The HOA is not be be a 24 hour a day police force and should let people not feel oppressed. But when the property values and homeowner rights are being violated by a particular homeowner or two, it is nice to have an enforcement body to send the letter or make the call to get it corrected so you don't have to get in conflict with your neighbor.

A well run HOA will keep fees in check as best they can. The members of the neighborhood do have a say and should voice their opinions to the Board about financial issues. The Board of Directors is an elected body and interested property owners can run for office. There are annual meetings and some neighborhoods have informational meetings and newsletters throughout the year. You should stay in the know.

A budget is set each year and the cost of maintaining the neighborhood amenities is spread over the number of property owners in the subdivision. These can be common areas, driveways, parking lots, lawns, parks, swimming pools, clubhouses, entrances, recreational areas and in a condo complex the outside of the buildings may be the responsibility of the HOA. A monthly, quarterly or annual maintenance fee is required from the homeowners. On condos and cooperatives there may be reserve accounts established to collect money according the Master Deed for replacement costs and capital improvements. 

Always ask to see the By Laws and a copy of the Budget before purchasing your home. Know what the rules are and what the fees will be. Some areas could have limitations on pets or ban renting your home.

A well-run HOA can protect property value and make it easier to sell when the time come because your neighbor's house will not be an eyesore. 

Why I Believe an HOA Protects Your Property

When you are ready to buy in Clarksville TN contact Debbie Reynolds, The Real Debbie Reynolds at 931-320-6730.

 

 2130 Wilma Rudolph Blvd.

Clarksville, TN 37040

When you need Real Estate services in Clarksville TN

                  it would be my pleasure to assist you!                             

Debbie Reynolds
"The Real Debbie Reynolds"

Check out all Clarksville TN Real Estate on My Website

                   
                    931-771-9070 Office | 931-320-6730 Cell