Adventures in Househunting-Homeowners Association

One thing that I have had to keep in mind while house hunting is the cost of a homeowners association (or HOA). Luckily, the majority of the neighborhoods I have look in have an HOA, but do not have too high annual dues.

I feel that having a homeowners association is important. A lot of times, the HOA fees will cover amenities such as a pool, tennis courts, sidewalks, playground, etc. But always, HOA dues will cover the upkeep of the front of the neighborhood (the entrance sign, plus cutting the grass, planting flowers–keeping it looking nice).

Also, when the neighborhood has a homeowners association, there are rules for homeowners. Normally, there is a board who helps to enforce these rules, and you have annual meetings to make sure that homeowners agree that rules are fair. The rules generally help to maintain the look of the neighborhood. To give a few examples, they can require homeowners to keep the grass cut, get approval of painting the exterior of the home, or putting up a fence. I think it is a great idea. As much as I love the color pink, I would not want to live next door to a pepto-bismol house.