HOA Advantages and Disadvantages
As a real estate agent in Palm Beach County Florida, this is the most frequently question that we get asked from out of state people interested in moving to West Palm Beach, and want to understand better what is like to be living in Palm Beach County Fl. To understand this better it is imperative to understand what is an HOA (Homeowner’s association).
HOA structure is designed to help maintain a clean and cohesive atmosphere in the neighborhood. Also, when you buy a condominium, townhouse, or single-family home within “a planned development” you may also encounter the HOA structure.
While the HOA will at times spare the homeowner from some responsibilities they can also come with some homeowner obligations. Before you buy a home that makes you part of an HOA, here’s what you need to know, and the questions you should ask both the association and you and your family. Below the hoa advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- The homeowners association pays for common areas like swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, parks, private roads, sidewalks and clubhouses. That means you are able to enjoy a pool without having to maintain or clean it, or enjoy a playground or garden without the hassle of maintenance.
- Some HOA’s also offer services like lawn maintenance to keep the neighborhood looking good all the time. You don’t have to hire someone yourself and your property always looks pristine.
- Homes within HOA communities typically maintain their values better than non HOA deed restricted communities. By regulating the appearance of common areas your curb appeal and home price tend to be higher.
- Often, HOAs promote a strong sense of community. Friends can gather at the clubhouse or common areas, people get to know their neighbors, and there are usually social functions planned year round.
- Issues with neighbors like unwanted cars parked in front of your house are handled by the association, taking the pressure (and responsibility) off of residents.
Cons:
- The price of your perfectly manicured lawns could be losing the freedom to choose your holiday decorations or the color of your house. There are rules and restrictions and the HOA documents can dictate what you can and cannot do in common areas.
- A homeowner may encounter restrictions if they want to rent out their property. The association may require potential renters to be screened and approved by the HOA board, how much you charge for rent could also be regulated along with the duration of the rental. Some HOA’s ban rentals altogether.
- The more amenities that are offered, the more the monthly dues can be. Sometimes the extra expense of monthly dues may more than some homeowners can afford.
- Some HOAs are poorly managed by board members who don’t have enough time to devote to the community. Others too might be managed by a third party company (property manager) which can feel like giving up control of your neighborhood.
Before purchasing a property within an HOA or condo community it is very important that you find out how the association is run, how much the monthly association fees are, what the fees cover and how much money is in the reserve fund to cover any large expenses such as replacing a clubhouse roof.
Always get a copy of the rules and regulations before you purchase so that you are completely aware of what you can and cannot do within the community. For example, if you purchase within a condo/townhouse community where there are zero lot lines, more than likely you won’t be able to touch the landscaping outside your home. If you are an avid gardener then this is definitely something you will want to consider before purchasing.
So the question is: hoa good or bad?
As you can see there is the good side of living in an HOA governed neighborhood, and there are benefits of hoa, as well as the downside of it. The best way is to understand your lifestyle and what are your plans for the future. This will give you a better understanding on hoa advantages and disadvantages and what would be the best choice.
If you are considering moving to Palm Beach County or you would like to learn more about living in west Palm Beach, feel free to visit our YouTube page or reach out to us directly at 561-379-2826.
