Before buying a home with a Homeowners Association (HOA), it is important to understand what you are getting from this feature of many complexes and neighborhoods.

First, it is important to know the purpose of an HOA. A homeowners association is an organization that creates rules and enforces them within a community. When you move into a community with an HOA, you are agreeing to these rules and to pay fees associated with the HOA. If your community has more features included, your HOA fee will likely be higher.

Now for the pros and cons of living in an community with an HOA.

In general, if an HOA is well run and keeps their distance from their homeowners, they can genuinely benefit those living there. Communities with an HOA have actually become far more sought after in the last several years, so living there will increase your property value.

However, if the HOA is not well-run, you may have a hard time dealing with them. Every HOA has one member who tends to complain about everything. Whether it’s flowers at your mailbox, the color of your shudders, or the number of guests you entertain, this person will complain. If you can avoid this person, all the better.

Overall, HOA’s are great in most cases. If you’re considering moving to a community with an HOA, it is important to consider the increase in your property value, and also the possibility of strict rules enforced upon you. It is up to you and your family to decide what is best!