Around 65 million Americans live in an HOA managed community, and the concept has been around since the mid 19th century, although HOA community management became common during the 1960s. The amount of the homeowners dues can vary, depending on the area of the country, the amenities included, and whether you live in an apartment, townhouse or single family home. If you pay homeowners fees, you may not like to write that check every month, although there are several big advantages to living in a managed community.
In most cases, your HOA fees include basic services, such as lawn care, trash removal, snow plowing and removal, recycling and sometimes water supply too. Not only is it less expensive to lump all these services together rather than paying for them separately, but you also have the convenience of writing just one check each month, instead of several. This in turn means fewer late or missed bills, and frees up more of your time that would otherwise be spent keeping track of various bills.
Because your HOA dues typically include routine and regular maintenance and upkeep, you can be assured that your community looks neat, tidy and appealing. Most homeowner community management companies impose reasonable guidelines and standards, meaning that your neighbors can’t have peeling paint, exterior walls painted a hideous color, or a yard full of trash. Many communities have a standard color scheme, and although you are allowed to paint your home, painting it to match the other properties ensures a uniform and attractive appearance. Of course, this has the positive effect of increasing property prices in the community and making it easier to sell your home. And your homeowner dues may include the use of a swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, fitness center or golf course.
Unfortunately, many neighborhoods suffer when a high percentage of the homes are rental properties, with the owner living elsewhere. Some HOAs impose a limit on the number of units that they allow to be rented out, and anyone who does rent out their house or apartment must make sure that their tenants abide by the homeowners rules and regulations. If you live in a neighborhood run by a HOA community management company, you can expect regular communications and updates from the HOA company, annual meetings and prompt replies to any questions or concerns you might have. Living in a HOA run community is a great way to feel as though you belong to the community, and that you have a say in how things are run, and any other important decisions.
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