Homeowners Associations: Everything You Need To Know
It’s not uncommon for homes to be within an HOA. Homeowners associations are designed to help maintain individual property values, in a development or neighborhood. If you buy a home within a neighborhood with an HOA, typically the membership is required.
When it comes to looking for properties in neighborhoods, sometimes this key thing can be over looked. There are both pros and cons to living within an HOA, and we are here to explain why.
Downsides
If you prefer not to be told what to do with your property, an HOA might not be for you. While homeowners associations rules are designed to keep all homes up to a certain standard, it can sometimes be a deal breaker for home buyers. HOA’s can limit parking availability on the street, they can require specific landscaping or limit the number of colors you can paint your house. HOA’s aren’t designed to be controlling to the homeowner, but they can seem that way to some buyers.
Home Business
If you run a business out of your home, it’s important to check with any potential HOA’s to make sure that it’s accepted. Some homeowners associations have strict rules that do not allow businesses to be run from within a home. It’s always important to check with your Bend Realtor on any HOA regulations on potential properties. No HOA is the same, and it’s important to know before you buy.
Fees
Fees can be a big part of why people don’t want to buy within an HOA. Some HOA fees can be on the higher end or lower end, it just depends on how they’re managed. Fees can vary widely, and be charged monthly or yearly. The goal of homeowners associations is to keep your neighborhood looking like it’s taken care of and a nice place to live, which in turn helps your property value. It’s important to weigh the cost of the HOA vs. the potential loss of property value from a less maintained area.
Perks
While there are many downsides, there are also many benefits to living within an HOA. The biggest is that the overall appearance of the neighborhood will be better. Higher standards are set for the properties within an HOA. Lawns must be mowed, painted, and taken care of. Homeowners associations can be formed by the developer of a neighborhood or development, and then run by a board of directors, until a board of residents takes over. HOA’s can also be run by a management company, so no residents are responsible for the meetings or mandates.
Home Value
Living within an HOA ensures that all homeowners take care of their homes. It also helps keep the value of homes higher, as neighborhoods look cleaner and stay well-maintained. It also ensures that the proper steps are taken when dealing with any issues in the neighborhood. If your neighbor’s dog is barking, or there have been one too many loud parties, rather than starting a spat between neighbors, the HOA can be notified and will handle the situation.
Conflict Resolution
One of the biggest benefits of living within an homeowners association is that there are always proper and polite avenues for things to be dealt with. If you’re having an issue with a neighbor’s yard or a barking dog, it’s easier to notify the HOA and have them handle the situation.
What to do?
Know what you’re looking for in a property, and choose whether an HOA is right for you. It is an important decision when buying a home. Research the HOA that manages the neighborhood you are interested in and read the fine print. Homeowners associations can be beneficial, but it’s important to know what you are getting into by joining. If you’re looking for higher standards within your community, and want your neighborhood in Bend, Oregon to appear well-maintained, an HOA is right for you. If you want more freedom to do what you want with your home, it’s better to look in neighborhoods that don’t have managing homeowners associations.
Talk to your Bend Oregon Realtor about local HOAs today, and see what fits your budget and your needs.
