Benefits Of A Home Owners Association

By Jason Gelios     7/28/16      3 minute read

Deciding whether or not to live in a community that has a home owners association can be a tricky discussion. While it seems that most new residential developments are assigning an association to them, there are many people who are against living in a managed community.
 
While there are certainly some cons to a home owners association, in this article we explore four benefits of having one in place.
 
1. Community Appearance

This is probably one of the biggest Pro’s of having an association. If you have ever driven thru a residential area that has an association in place, you may notice that it is well kept with little to no blight. This is due to the collective management out in place to maintain the guidelines set to protect values and appearance.

2. Recreational Facilities (If offered)
                                                   
Many communities are now offering community areas as part of the residential development. These can include community pools, gyms, Kids park, nature trails and even mini golf courses! For those looking to mingle with the neighbors on a regular basis, this is an added benefit.
           
3. Dispute resolution

Have a neighbor that is frustrating you? Loud music, parties, junk on front lawn? With a managed community you have the right to anonymously report neighbors and/or violators to the association. Often times, associations will send the violator a warning letter with severe fines if they do not cease the violation. This contributes to the well kept appearance of an area thru dispute resolution.
 
4. Protected Property Values

While property values can even decrease in an association managed community, property values typically are protected greater with a home owners association. Well kept homes typically mean well kept home values. And the next time your neighbor wants to store a gigantic boat in his driveway, you have recourse to stop him from doing that.
 
You have just read four of the benefits of living in a home owner association driven community. I can not stress enough how important it is to get all the facts BEFORE making the decision to move into this type of community. I always recommend that the potential home owner ask for a copy of the By-laws from the association management to see what you can or can not do or have in the community. I.e. Some associations do not allow sheds or pools.
 
Get the By-laws. Know the rules. Get your perfect home!