02 2022
If you are planning to buy a home in a particular neighborhood, one of the questions people ask is whether they should avoid one with a homeowners association (HOA). According to a study done back in 2018, nearly 350,000 community associations were recognized in the United States, with 26% of the country’s population residing in these neighborhoods. HOAs are different from one area to another, and Atlanta Property Inspection can help you perform due diligence before making any decision.
Professional home inspectors can ensure that particular home checks all the boxes, guaranteeing you the ideal home. As the leading home inspection company in Atlanta, we can help you find out everything there’s to know about a house to have all the information, including your prospective HOA. Here are some of the pros and cons of a homeowners association to help you make a more affirmative and informed decision.
One of the main benefits of HOAs is that some run amenities like parks, pools, security gates, and clubhouses. Unlike municipal amenities, HOAs are in charge of maintenance for these shared spaces in the neighborhood, including snow removal and many more. Suppose you are targeting a community with such amenities. In that case, a professional home inspection can help you find out who is tasked with maintenance and help you answer questions like: Are they in good condition? Or, how secure are they? The HOA takes care of essential utilities like trash, sewage, gas, and recycling which cuts down your other bills. Some HOAs also take care of your lawn, making your stay stress-free.
Owning a home usually comes with its fair share of groundwork, which can be overwhelming for most people. When faced with a conflict between your neighbors, the HOA mediates on your behalf and enforces set rules so that you don’t have to. In some neighborhoods, the HOA is tasked with a certain level of grooming and property management, which keeps the neighborhood looking good and the value up.
Another benefit of the HOA is that it provides an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with your neighbors. HOAs are known for organizing community events, allowing residents to volunteer, and serving the community. This goes a long way in fostering a sense of neighborliness and camaraderie, the basics of a united community.
Depending on the location of your prospective neighborhood, some can cost you a couple of hundred dollars monthly. It is advisable to hire a professional home inspector to learn all the details before moving in, only to be bombarded with extra costs. Residents in an HOA-led neighborhood should all be aware of what the association demands to avoid any penalties due to infringements.
The limitation is another disadvantage of an HOA neighborhood since you can’t repaint your house or change your lawn, among other set rules. To avoid moving into a home that’s not ideal, contact us at Atlanta Property Inspection, and enjoy quality home inspection services.