If you fall in love with a home in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA), don’t just focus on the home—you’re also buying into the HOA itself. 🏨

Sure, HOAs can be a huge plus. They often maintain beautiful landscaping, offer amenities like pools or gyms, and can help preserve your property value by enforcing community standards. But there’s more to the story, and it’s so important to do your homework before you sign on the dotted line.

Here are a few key questions every buyer should ask when considering a property in an HOA:

✅ Are there any pending lawsuits?
Legal issues can drain an HOA’s resources, and that cost could trickle down to you.

✅ How healthy are the reserves?
HOAs maintain reserve funds to cover major repairs and unexpected expenses. If these reserves are insufficient, homeowners may face additional costs.

👉 Which brings us to the next point...

✅ Are there upcoming special assessments?
Special assessments are one-time fees imposed on homeowners to cover significant expenses not accounted for in the regular budget, such as emergency repairs or major projects. These costs are in addition to your regular HOA dues.

If the reserve fund lacks sufficient funds to cover these expenses, the HOA may levy a special assessment, requiring homeowners to contribute additional money.

✅ What are the rules, restrictions, and enforcement policies?
Can you paint your front door red? Rent out your unit? Own a certain breed of dog? Know the rules—and whether you can live with them.

✅ What’s the vibe of the HOA board?
This one’s harder to quantify, but it matters. Are they communicative, fair, and organized? Or are they unresponsive and inconsistent?

💡 Bottom Line: You’re not just buying a home—you’re buying into a micro-community with its own budget, leadership, and long-term vision. The HOA’s financial and organizational health can impact your property value, resale potential, and day-to-day peace of mind.

Let’s talk before you make your move. We can help you review those HOA docs with an experienced eye so there are no surprises.

We are Sarah & Brandon Arlington with Rooster Homes,

When We Serve, You Succeed!