HOA vs. Non-HOA Communities

by Jan Kennemer 11/01/2020

When you’re looking into buying a new home, one of the decision you’ll need to make is if you want to live in an HOA community or not. Homeowners association (HOA) communities offer certain advantages and disadvantages compared to non-HOA communities. Knowing more about these pros and cons can help you make the right decision on where to look for your new home.

Pros of HOA Communities

Being part of an HOA community means that you’re less likely to have to deal with unkempt properties or unusual yard decor around you. HOAs generally have a set of rules that homeowners must follow, or they face being fined. The goal is to ensure that the community maintains a tidy, visually appealing appearance. You might also have access to community amenities as part of your HOA membership, such as a pool or clubhouse.

Cons of HOA Communities

Living in an HOA community means that you’ll be expected to follow the association’s rules and restrictions. Your experience with this will depend on the HOA’s specific rules and restrictions, which can vary widely from one association to the next. Some HOAs have strict rules or a long list of restrictions, while others are more relaxed. For example, you might only be allowed to use specific colors for your home’s exterior. You might also have to check with the HOA and get approval for any changes you plan on making to your home’s exterior or your yard.

Pros of Non-HOA Communities

When you choose to live in a non-HOA community, you are free to style your house and yard to meet your preferences and lifestyle. This provides you with more freedom to remodel your home exterior or make changes such as planting certain trees or installing a swimming pool or trampoline. When you’re not part of an HOA community, you only have to worry about following local property laws. You don’t have to keep track of HOA rules and restrictions or worry about being fined for breaking them.

Cons of Non-HOA Communities

While having more freedom to do what you want with your property might seem better, it’s important to consider the disadvantages of non-HOA communities. When you’re in one of these communities, you might have unsightly properties nearby that affect your home value and curb appeal. You might also have neighbors with an overgrown yard near you, which can raise your risk of having pest problems on your own property. HOA communities have rules in place to prevent these problems from happening.

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About the Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.