{"id":23786,"date":"2021-05-12T12:17:59","date_gmt":"2021-05-12T19:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=23786"},"modified":"2021-05-12T12:17:59","modified_gmt":"2021-05-12T19:17:59","slug":"buyer-hoa-dues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-hoa-dues\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Questions About HOA Dues (And Their Answers)"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re searching for a house, it\u2019s not uncommon to find a few neighborhoods that could potentially be \u201cthe one.\u201d So, what happens when you\u2019ve found two equally lovely homes \u2014 and the size, features, and location of both are indisputably on point \u2014 but one is in a neighborhood with a homeowner\u2019s association<\/a>, and the other is not?<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find arguments for both sides as to whether an HOA should be viewed as a pro or a con<\/a>, but you\u2019ll need all the facts in order to make your own fair assessment. While many folks can adopt a grin-and-bear-it approach to regulations<\/a> they may not totally love for the sake of their dream home, it\u2019s often the HOA dues<\/a> that are the real difference between moving in and backing out of a deal.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why we\u2019re answering the most common homebuyer questions about HOA dues and what you can really expect in return for your hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in fees. We\u2019ve also brought in Cassie Scramlin<\/a>, a top agent in Battle Creek<\/a>, Michigan, who works with 77% more single-family homes than the average agent in her area, to share her insights.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> Source: (Manny Becerra \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Remind me what a homeowner\u2019s association is, exactly?<\/h2>\n

HOAs comprise people who own homes in a particular neighborhood, building, or development. Joining is typically not optional, as the whole idea is to maintain a certain standard of care and upkeep with the involved homes \u2014 but HOAs are not uncommon, with about 26%<\/a> of the United States population living in a community association area.<\/p>\n

Specifications for security measures, aesthetic regulations, community resources, and various other services are set forth and enforced by the HOA. We\u2019ll get more into what HOA dues cover shortly, but (ideally) everyone stands to benefit from the added value and structure of the association.<\/p>\n

So: What are HOA dues, and what do they cover?<\/h2>\n

These are the fees that you \u2014 and every other homeowner in the neighborhood \u2014 are responsible for paying. Whether these are paid on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis will depend on your specific HOA.<\/p>\n

HOA dues cover management, maintenance, and improvements around the community. These features will vary from one neighborhood to the next, but they typically include:<\/p>\n