FFR 39 - Pros and Cons of HOA

The HOA (Homeowners Association) is considered a non-profit entity organized to maintain the integrity and value of a particular community, not to mention their collection to monthly or annual dues. However the primary purpose of this organization is to comfort their community by addressing all matters and making adjustments to resident concerns. Most likely an HOA neighborhood requires membership for all homeowners, without the choice to decline these services or payments. However, not all investors or tenants view HOA as a good idea, therefore we came up with a list of a few pros and cons of HOA to let you decide what’s more important to your investment and residence.

Pros:

Services - Many HOAs provide services to community members, such as lawn care, street sweeping and trash pick-up. These are all jobs you won’t have to consider hiring a third party to do or find time to do yourself.

Maintenance - HOAs are in control of maintaining all common areas within the neighborhood, including lawns, tennis courts and swimming pools. Every member in the HOA attempts the cleanliness of their community.

Maintenance – The benefits from daily and monthly maintenance helps keep a community attractive and welcoming, while maintaining the property values. For instance HOAs might not allow signs in the front yard, or limit the amount of cars in a driveway, all adding up to to the beauty of the neighborhood.

Mediation – Mediation is needed on several occasions when neighbors have a dispute and when an HOA steps in to help the differences are easier to resolve. This helps cut hard feelings and future altercations with neighbors because the blame is taken away from the neighbor and rests on the HOA rules.

Cons:

Meddling - When you’re particular about your lawn or how many trees you wanted planted in your yard, HOA can be a little stickler on allowing you those options.

Additional Payments - HOAs are operated on the funds provided by its own members (tenants). These fees can add up to your monthly mortgage/rent. Keep in mind these fees often increase over years.

Board Rules - Some HOA neighborhoods require you to have any potential buyer or occupant screened and approved by the board of directors, prior to selling or leasing them your home.

Management - HOA boards of directors are typically volunteers who don’t always have the time to oversee HOA concerns, often hiring a management company to help with the day-to-day issues. This can cause a headache if you’re not comfortable or willing to work with an outside management company with no personal ties to the neighborhood.

 

Whether you decide to invest or move into an HOA community or in a neighborhood with no restrictions, know exactly what to expect before purchasing or renting a property and be ready for the additional fees.