Look at the HOA Rules Before You Buy

Townhouse and condominium communities have Home Owners Associations (HOA). These associations are responsible for the upkeep of the shared environments, pools and many times the external facade of the houses themselves. Fences are kept in repair, and hopefully free of graffiti, while parking lots are lighted and lawns mowed.

Condominiums have common rules for their owners. Family oriented complexes focus on the upkeep of shared recreation areas, prohibiting glass, alcohol and overly large and noisy groups. Those communities aimed for younger people look to keep noise under control, with recommended noise curfews.

Fees and Other Expectations of an HOA

An HOA for a community does not operate for free. Fees are collected from the homeowners, usually by separate payment directly to the HOA. The schedule of fees can be monthly when the fees are high, but more commonly when they are under $100 per month, they are paid every quarter or bi-annually in a similar time-line as taxes.

If you are living in a master-planned community, the value of the individual properties are closely tied to how well the townhouses are kept up and maintained. HOAs therefore have regulations on maintaining the homes in the community, as well as what colors or what types of ornaments are allowable.

When you choose to live in a townhouse community you really should be aware of what your rights are as provided by the HOA. If the HOA has assigned parking, there should b

a company who is responsible for towing. What security does the HOA provide? If you have a complaint about a neighbor (or they have one about you) how does the HOA handle it?

When you look at the rules of an HOA, before buying make sure you can live with them. They may have rules for what kind of holiday decorations and how long they can be kept up. You may need to submit to the HOA changes to your yard, landscaping and especially to your house.

Parking Rules in Your New HOA

Does your HOA allow an RV in your lot? Many communities restrict parking on the street, as well as how long a car or truck can be kept on blocks without moving it when it can be seen from the street. If you are moving into a newly built or unfinished community, does that boat you want conflict with rules from the HOA? Many HOAs require you to lease a garage, or have a special driveway and gate.

If you drive a commercial vehicle (with a logo) make sure your HOA doesn't have an issue with it. Many condos have rules against such trucks being parked in driveways and require special conditions to be met before they can be parked overnight.

Pool and general safety rules are always provided for in the rules of an HOA. The Home Owners Association may also determine where one can park, skate or not skate, and when in public areas. Also what kind of pools and their size are regulated and to put a new one in almost always requires getting approval as does any change in the exterior of your property.

HOAs Collect Fees and Fines

Not only does the HOA of your townhome collect fees for operating, the HOA can also levy fines. Many use fines and other penalties for failure of a homeowner to live up the rules. These fines can be a lien on your house and prevent you from selling it until the fines are paid.

HOAs often have rules about pets. Many simply put limits on sizes (topping at 75 lbs) or breeds. Others put a limit on how many pets you may have, commonly this is three. HOAs also try to prohibit solicitation, newsletters, door to door sales people and missionaries. Some HOAs will even fine homeowners that put out neighborhood papers or go door to door.

One thing that people need to do is read the bylaws and rules of their HOA. Simple things, like what plants are allowed, if they have contracts with anyone for extermination, landscaping, and more are all in the paperwork that the HOA gives to each homeowner.

Make sure you find out what emergency numbers your HOA provides besides the normal police, fire and emergency departments in your city. Does the HOA provide other numbers for fumigating, or emergency pipe and plumbing repair? Also in their information packets are the contracts for exterior repair, emergency landscaping and sometimes appliance repair.

Is this the Right Community for You?

This sounds like a lot of things to look out for. Some people will find this too restrictive. Many others like the comfort of knowing that their concerns for the community are addressed by the HOA. Which kind of person are you?

Real Estate in La Costa