The pros and cons of living in an HOA for the first time

Many people do not fully understand what it means to live in a development run by a Homeowners Association (HOA). When I first moved to America I had never experienced a condo or homeowners association before. As we looked for homes I began to form my own opinion as to whether we wanted to live in one with three young boys growing up. I decided that for us at that stage it was not an option. But as I have aged and had different priorities my views have changed.

If you're considering moving into a home governed by a HOA, it's important to understand what that means. As your Realtor, I want you to have a clear picture of both the advantages and the potential downsides.

Pros of Living in an HOA:

1. Neighborhood Aesthetics:
   HOAs typically enforce rules about property maintenance, lawn care, and exterior appearance. This helps keep the neighborhood looking clean, uniform, and appealing, which can preserve or even increase property values.

2. Amenities:
   Many HOAs offer shared amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, walking trails, or gated security. These can add significant value and convenience without you having to maintain them individually.

3. Maintenance of Common Areas:
   Landscaping, street lighting, snow removal, and upkeep of public spaces are usually handled by the HOA, which can reduce your personal responsibility.

4. Conflict Mediation:
   HOAs often provide a framework for resolving neighbor disputes, whether about noise, pets, or property boundaries.

5. Community Engagement:
   Many HOAs organize social events or meetings, helping residents feel more connected to their neighbors.

Cons of Living in an HOA:

1. Fees:
   You’ll have to pay monthly or quarterly dues, which can range from modest to several hundred dollars depending on the community and its amenities. The more amenities provided or the more the HOA takes care of the higher the fees are going to be. We lived briefly in a community run by an HOA within a golf course community, there were actually two HOA's a master association and a smaller development association, both had fees that added substantially to the monthly cost.

2. Rules and Restrictions:
   HOAs can be strict. You may be limited in what color you can paint your house, what kind of landscaping you can install, or even whether you can park an RV or certain vehicles in your driveway. The reason many people dislike HOA's is because of the rules and restrictions. I totally understand this, but at the same time, these rules and restrictions are what uphold the values of the properties within the community.

3. Enforcement and Fines:
   If you break the rules, the HOA can fine you or demand changes. This can be frustrating if you value personal freedom with your property. Living in an HOA does mean surrendering some of your personal choices, which is why when buying within an HOA you get a set time period of 5 days to go over the rules ands regulations.

4. Decision-Making:
   HOA boards are usually made up of residents, and decisions may not always reflect your preferences. If you’re not involved, others are deciding on matters that affect your home.  The board makes the decisions for everyone usually in the best interests of the community, whilst this may not be in your personal preference. The democratic part is choosing who you elect to the board to make those choices. If you are unwilling to serve you must put up with the choices made by the HOA board.

5. Potential for Mismanagement:
   Poorly run HOAs can mismanage funds or enforce rules unevenly, which can create friction or financial issues for homeowners. I have seen this over and over, trying to keep monthly fees low, there are little reserves to pay for emergency repairs or long term maintenance required. 

In short, HOAs can offer a more orderly and amenity-rich lifestyle but come with trade-offs in terms of personal freedom and cost. It really comes down to whether the HOA’s priorities align with your lifestyle and values.

If you are considering buying a home with an HOA or Condo Association along the Main Line or in Chester County I am happy to help you discover the right community and will help you review the HOA documents for a specific property you're considering. Contact Nick Vandekar, Selling the Main Line and Chester County with Realty ONE Group Advocates today to set up an appointment to discuss your requirements, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, Nick@VandekarTeam.com. I look forward to working with you.