Directory Expansion In Progress

Missing data for your community?Contributeorcontact uswith corrections.

Why You Should Research Your HOA Before Buying a Home

When buying a home in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA), many buyers focus primarily on the property itself—the number of bedrooms, the kitchen layout, or the size of the backyard. Although these are important, buyers often overlook or minimize the importance of the HOA. However, a poorly managed HOA can significantly impact your quality of life and financial well-being. It also could be that your lifestyle does not fit a particular HOA. So, before you buy, here’s why you should spend some time researching the HOA.

  1. Understanding the Rules and Restrictions

HOAs establish and enforce rules designed to maintain community aesthetics and property values. While some regulations are reasonable, you may consider others to be overly restrictive. Researching the community’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) will help you determine whether you can:

• Paint your house a certain color

• Park an RV or extra vehicle in your driveway

• Rent out your property (short-term or long-term)

• Build a shed, fence, or other additions to your home

Knowing these restrictions ahead of time can prevent frustration and unexpected limitations after you move in.

  1. Assessing HOA Fees and Financial Health

HOA fees can range from a modest monthly charge to several hundred dollars per month. So, It’s essential to understand:

• How much the fees are

• How often they are paid (e.g. monthly, quarterly, yearly)

• What the fees cover (landscaping, amenities, security, etc.)

• If there are upcoming special assessments (extra fees for major repairs or projects)

• The financial health of the HOA (a well-funded reserve indicates good management)

A financially unstable HOA may result in higher fees down the road or even unexpected assessments.

  1. Reviewing HOA Meeting Minutes and Governing Documents

HOA meeting minutes provide insight into community concerns, ongoing disputes, and upcoming projects. Reviewing these documents can reveal issues such as:

• Frequent disputes between homeowners and the board

• Poorly maintained amenities or neglected common areas

• Planned rule changes that could affect your future property use

  1. Evaluating the HOA’s Management and Reputation

Some HOAs are well-run and contribute to a positive living experience, while others are plagued with mismanagement or power struggles. To gauge the HOA’s reputation:

• Talk to current residents about their experiences

• Research online reviews and complaints

• Determine whether the board is responsive and fair in its enforcement of rules

  1. Avoiding Legal and Compliance Issues

Some HOAs have been involved in lawsuits due to poor management, disputes over fees, or conflicts with homeowners. Checking public court records can help you uncover any legal troubles that might indicate future risks.

An HOA can add value and structure to a community, but it can also be a source of frustration if poorly managed or excessively restrictive. Before purchasing a home, take the time to research the HOA’s rules, fees, financial stability, reputation, and governance. Doing so will help you make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises after closing.

If you're considering buying a home in an HOA-governed community, take the time to investigate—it could save you significant stress and money in the long run.

← Back to Blog