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Key Things to Know About Homeowners Association

A homeowner association is an organization in a subdivision, condominium building, or planned community that makes and enforces resident and property rules. Individuals who purchase property within an HOA’s jurisdiction become members and must pay dues, known as HOA fees. While some associations are restrictive about what members can do with properties, others offer more freedom.

Key Things to Know About Homeowners Association
Learning all homeowner association information and other factors could help one better understand a property.

Understanding HOA
The purpose of a HOA is to govern multi-unit buildings or neighborhoods by making and enforcing rules for those who live there. For instance, if an individual has a conflict with a neighbor, such as a noise complaint or dispute over parking space, the association helps resolve the issue. It is run by boards of directors that comprise (and are elected by) neighborhood residents.

Rules and regulations
The rules of an HOA are known as covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). In the case of houses, most HOA rules focus on the property’s appearance. The idea is that a consistent aesthetic throughout a neighborhood helps preserve property values. Moreover, an HOA may set standards for some elements of a home’s appearance. A few common factors include:

  • Roofing and siding materials.
  • Lawns, garden, and landscaping.
  • Paint colors.
  • Additional structures, such as fences, pools, and sheds.
  • Driveaway or street parking.
  • Overall tidiness, including putting garbage cans away.
  • Outdoor and holiday decorations.

Other HOA rules may center on allowable conduct within the community, including acceptable pets, noise restrictions, smoking, renting the home, long-term tenants or short-term rentals, and business use of the property.
Specific HOAs could offer financial and legal power over the property owners in their zone. HOAs collect monthly or annual HOA fees. These fees depend on several factors, including the number of properties in the group, the type of property, location, amenities offered, and operating expenses. The fees are usually between $200 to $400 per month. The figure could also range from below $100 to $10,000 in luxury neighborhoods or communities.
One should remember that HOA fees contribute to the association’s reserve fund, which is kept for major renovation projects or emergency use. HOA fees could also impose special assessments on homeowners when the association lacks sufficient reserves to pay for unexpected repairs on common areas, including parking lots or sidewalks.
The HOA’s board is usually responsible for the organization’s finances. For instance, members of the homeowners association might oversee the collection and management of funds. Apart from setting assessments and dues, the board could impose fines on homeowners who break rules or damage common areas. The HOA could also apply a lien on a property if a homeowner falls excessively behind on their dues.

Homeowners association website
Whether looking for the CC&Rs, fees, or ways to file a complaint, one could always visit their unique HOA website for the relevant options. In addition to the factors above, the website acts as a secure platform to share and receive essential information like news, announcements, forms, governing documents, resources, directories, and notices.
Owners can easily access all the information they need from their homeowner association’s website instead of contacting the management or the board. This approach will help to ensure accountability. Individuals who cannot find what they require on the website should consider speaking to the HOA or asking their real estate agent to obtain the information. Before entering the buying process, it is also important to ensure that all physical documents are up-to-date.

Tips to pick a HOA management company
Most HOA boards comprise volunteers from members of the community. These individuals are unpaid and often have to manage their daily lives with board duties. It’s why some communities hire an HOA management company to help guide and ensure the smooth functioning of the community. Before making a board decision, there are a few tips to remember through the selection process.

Determine needs
When selecting an HOA management company, the board should determine the community’s needs first. This involves identifying the specific services the management company will be responsible for before embarking on the search process. By doing so, the board can better assess whether a particular company is equipped to meet the community’s unique needs and requirements. This will ultimately help ensure that the selected management company can deliver high-quality services and support to the community.

Check for licensing and accreditation
Some states may require the association management company to carry a license. Board members must check state laws to determine if the clause is applicable. One would be better off hiring a licensed professional agency. The board could look for an association management company accredited by the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

Look for value for money services
While maintaining the price when hiring an HOA management company is essential, board members should look for those that offer value-for-money services. Separating the services from the price could help a board evaluate the company’s compatibility with its community. One should also remember that those HOA management companies that quote lower rates might skimp on vital services that the community requires.

Get the contract reviewed
Before signing a contract, it is important to have it reviewed by the community’s legal expert. The lawyer could help identify any discrepancies in the terms, following which the board and the management company could work together to come to an agreeable contract.

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