What are the pros and cons to living where there is an association?

Question

I know that some of the pros would be that they take care of and maintain the landscaping and yards/pools, etc. They may also trim trees. They may also allow for some sense of security in the instance of a fire or natural disaster.

However some of the cons are inappropriate allocation of fees/dues monies and then also the cost of association fees...some are just out of control. Also, I don't want to live like a prisoner in my own home where I can't make adjustments or decorate my home to fit my lifestyle. I realize that associations are only concerned with the exterior and not the interior. However some want to even tell you how many pets to own, etc.

Is it less expensive for a homeowner to have homeowners insurance or double it with that of an association? Whats your take on this? I am considering possibly moving into a home where the neighborhood has an association. I am just wondering if it is worth it or not?

Answer 1

An HOA has bylaws, certainly, and it is made up of your neighbors. It can become a Lord of the Flies situation pretty quickly, so if you don't like what they do, get yourself to the meetings and eventually onto the board.

The HOA feels it is their duty to respond to every little complaint a neighbor can generate.

HOA's get complacent about the common property and often do not have it inspected well enough or often enough. Thus, the pool house can rot right under their noses. Sure, the floors and windows stayed clean, but the supporting timbers were chewed through by insects within 20 years.

And that's when the HOA starts trying to assess a huge amount of money to rebuild a building they should have maintained properly from the beginning. Basically, HOA's are staffed by inept homemakers.