Homeowner associations (HOAs) are growing in popularity and can be a huge asset to a homeowner. According to Realtor.com, up to 44% of houses listed nationally in January 2026 had HOA fees associated with the listing. An HOA can be self-managed by a group of homeowners who serve on a board representing all owners or by a property management company. Most have regular meetings with its members when owners can speak in to the offerings and costs of the HOA. Is it for you?

Know what you get for the fees:

The average HOA fee in our region is $200 to $300 monthly. Find out what those fees cover before making an offer on a home covered by an HOA. The most common things covered in this area is snow removal and lawn care. Many times, one or more of your basic utilities can also be covered in addition to common use areas maintained by the HOA. These can be anything from a walking trail or a pool to a comunity building. Have your realtor do their due diligence and find out everthing those fees cover for you.

Know the rules:

With shared resources come rules of use so that everyone can enjoy the resources equally. Rules can range from landscaping specifications to limited exterior paint colors for painting. Every association is different. Read over the welcome packet to be familiar with the items included. While some of the rules can feel restrictive, they exist to protect every homeowner within the HOA and to maintain property values through regular maintenance.

HOAs are  great, but they aren’t for everyone.

Some people just don’t want anyone limiting them in any way when it comes to the place they live. However, I have seen the HOA protect values and offer wonderful services to its members at a reasonable price. I have also seen times when an HOA activates what is called a special assessment, which can be unexpected. A special assessment is something not covered by the HOA fees. So be aware, it is no different than any homeowner. There could be times where you have an expense that is outside the scope of the HOA fees.

The good news is there is relatively inexpensive insures that covers some types of hte HOA special assessments, so be sure to consider this. Overall, HOAs  can be a wonderful asset, but only if  you can justify its cost verses value. That is where a qualified realtor can help.

Assessing an HOAs viability:

Reviewing the rules and regulations provided by the HOA is just the beginning. I recommend to all my clients that we request the HOA financials to help determine if it is managed well. It’s also good to request copies of its most recent meeting minutes (last three meetings if possible). The meeting minutes can reveal much about the organization of the HOA board and its members as well as any potential concerns.

Don’t Be Afraid of HOAs!

They can be a huge asset and can make life easier for thier members. Remember: Ask your realtor the pros and cons of HOAs if you are considering a property covered by one in order to make sure the HOA is viable and a good fit for you.

-Steve