What is an HOA?

When you’re on the market for a new home, you’ll encounter houses with an HOA. Many people don’t have experience with an HOA, so let’s get back to the basics. HOA is short for Homeowners Association. An HOA can only govern one neighborhood or area. That means your HOA is different from your friend’s HOA, who lives 30 minutes away. Keep reading to find out what you can expect when living in an area with an HOA!

Who Runs the HOA?

When someone is charging fees and enforcing rules around your home, you wonder who’s this mysterious HOA figure anyways? To put it simply, no one person runs the HOA. An HOA is made up of multiple people who volunteer for the position. Not everyone who volunteers gets to be on the HOA board, though. Board members are voted on by everyone living in the HOA area. Once members are elected, they’re responsible for making and enforcing HOA rules and collecting HOA fees.

HOA Fees

HOA fees help cover the cost of maintaining the neighborhood and any shared amenities. The price of HOA fees varies significantly from one community to the next. You’ll be informed of those fees before purchasing a home, though. Your mortgage lender will consider the HOA fees before determining if you can afford that home. HOA fees are typically paid monthly, but some have an annual fee.

HOA fees can change after you’ve purchased the home, but not without warning. Any changes will be voted on at a community meeting with ample warning before new fees are charged.

Following HOA Rules

The HOA rules are voted on by the board of directors elected. Rules can include what colors you’re allowed to paint your home and landscaping requirements. HOA rules are designed to keep the neighborhood looking well cared for most of the time. HOA rules might also include a noise ordinance each night and policies to use the amenities.

If someone has broken an HOA rule or wants to start a new rule, they can take their request to the HOA at a community meeting. The board of directors will hear from community members before voting on any changes to be made. Disciplinary actions, like higher fees, can be imposed if someone is caught breaking an HOA rule. All community members will receive a copy of the HOA rules when they move in.

Contact Us Today

Contact Blackstone Williams today if you still have questions about living in an area with an HOA! Our team is well-versed in the ins and out’s of home with and without an HOA. Some people even seek out homes in an HOA when they’re purchasing a new home – we can help with that too! Give us a call at 617-421-4400 to speak with a member of our team.