• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Karen Liester Real Estate

STAY + WANDER

  • SELLING
    • Instant Home Value
  • BUYING
    • Property Search
    • Communities
      • Idaho Falls
      • Rigby
      • Ammon
  • Local Events
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
    • Reviews
  • Home

7 Ways to Tell if You’re Buying a Home in a Good Homeowner’s Association

January 29, 2019 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

 

HOA NEIGHBORHOODS

Buying a home could mean dealing with a homeowners’ association. HOA’s manage, maintain, and regulate everything that is outside of the home — such as the structure of the building, the common areas, the landscaping, and the any community areas (like a swimming pool or clubhouse, etc).

The Homeowners pay for these services in the form of monthly HOA fees. Payment and membership of the HOA is usually mandatory for as long as you own a home in the subdivision. But unlike the membership of other community organizations, you can’t resign if you’re unhappy with the way the organization is run.

This begs the question, how can you tell if the HOA is doing a good job? If your HOA displays these seven characteristics, it probably makes the grade…

 

1) CLEAR GOALS AND VISION

Some HOA leaders believe that their only job is to maintain the community facilities. And for some communities, this may be an adequate goal. However, some homeowners look to the HOA to enhance the value of their homes, and therefore want clearer, more aspirational goals — which could really make a difference in the value and visual appeal of the community.

So ask the HOA board a few pertinent questions:

  • Do they think the community facilities should be limited to what already exists, or are they making a conscious effort to improve and upgrade them?
  • Do they hold homeowners to high standards regarding the use and appearance of their private property, or do they let violations pass?

If you’re a homebuyer, buying into a community whose HOA matches your own ideals and aspirations will save a lot of headaches down the road.

 

2) CLEAR HOUSE RULES

The Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s) set out everything a homeowner can and cannot do within that community. Unfortunately, CC&R’s are useless if the HOA board interprets the rules loosely or enforces them in a haphazard way.

The best boards run structured, business-like meetings that give transparency to every decision the board makes. If the board has and uses House rules, there’s a fairly good chance that the CC&R will be applied objectively and fairly throughout the community.

It may be good to also know if there is a Building Committee, and who runs that committee. Typically the building committee is appointed to approve any new structures being built within the community (think shops/sheds), and what rules or CCR’s are the biggest no-no’s for new structures to be approved.

 

3) GOOD PROCEDURES FOR SAFEGUARDING MONEY

Homeowners’ associations are at high risk when it comes to losing their money. There are two reasons for this:

  1. HOA’s are volunteer organizations that may not receive financial training, and
  2. HOA’s usually have large sums of money in their bank accounts

The best HOA’s put checks and balances in place to safeguard against the risk of financial mismanagement. They employ a second set of eyes – someone not on the board – to collect the dues, pay the bills, and review checks and invoices to make sure the HOAs financial affairs are in good order. Often the second pair of eyes is a professional property manager.

 

4) FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR A RAINY DAY

Nothing creates greater conflict in a community than a large special assessment. Who wants to be hit with an unexpected bill for several thousand dollars because the clubhouse roof has fallen in? A well-run HOA commissions ongoing reserve studies to identify how much money is needed to meet repair and replacement costs over the long-term. A sufficient amount should be set aside from periodic dues to meet these repair costs when they arise. Ask to see the reserve studies and read the HOA’s financial statements. By comparing the reserve fund with the amount recommended in the reserve study, you can tell whether the HOA has enough money set aside for major repairs.

 

5) HOMEOWNERS CAN CHALLENGE POLICY

HOAs are responsible for drafting the CC&R document and the various policies that govern the community. If those policies are severe, homeowners may be in for a rough ride. Check that the HOA has a forum for hearing homeowner complaints and a history of acting on the wishes of the majority of homeowners. The HOA’s governing documents should also allow for the removal of a renegade board member, usually by board or community vote.

 

6) GOOD COMMUNICATION

This is your community and you have every right to know what’s going on in it. Do your research. Figure out how the HOA board communicates with homeowners. The options are numerous and include newsletters, websites, annual reports and e-mails. Check for flyers advertising community meetings. If homeowners are invited to attend committee meetings, it’s a good sign that their input is heard and valued. Better yet-volunteer to be on the committee when the openings arise. Good communities are ones filled with good people that can operate with the best interests of the neighborhood in mind.

 

7) THE COMMUNITY LOOKS GOOD

If the community looks good, it usually means that something positive has impacted the community. Of course, the opposite is also true. If you’re thinking about buying into a community, take an objective look at its appearance. Is the structure of the building in good repair? Are the trees pruned, the beds weeded and the landscaping well maintained? Is the pool clean? Are any of the homes in the community eyesores? Your answers to these questions reflect on whether the HOA is performing its duties properly and requiring homeowners to do the same. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

 

Do you live in a neighborhood with a HOA? What do you love about it? What do you hate about it?

+kl

 

Filed Under: Hunting for Housing, Real Estate

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Before Footer

@karenliester on Instagram

We’re gearing up for March Madness and Saint Pat We’re gearing up for March Madness and Saint Patrick’s Day! Both of these events, along with warmer weather have our weekly list of events BURSTING at the seams! Get down to the DEC tonight to catch Laugh Like Heck with Rodney Norman, or grab the last few tickets to Diabla’s Vegan Themed Dinner! The St. Patty’s events start tomorrow and go until Wednesday, the 17th. Check out all of the great events going on.  Have a great weekend and stay + wander!
Instagram post 18109645681206076 Instagram post 18109645681206076
Heads up all you love birds-the big ❤ day is com Heads up all you love birds-the big ❤ day is coming up this Sunday. Get your heart (and your home) ready for all the feels with some of these February home decor tips:
⁣
• Did you know they make pink light bulbs? THEY DO! Head to your local home improvement store and grab a few to color your home just in time for Cupid’s arrow. Got little ones? They’ll love it all the more!⁣
• Swap out wall art with a message perfect for the hugs-and-kisses holiday. A good place to look? Etsy -- search for ‘printable valentine’s wall art’ and print right at home.⁣
• Not into hot pinks and reds? No problem! Think blush! A few blush-colored throw pillows or blankets will give a subtle wink to the day without going overboard.⁣
• Nothing says “I love you” like a spread of sweets, cakes, candies, and fruits that double as themed decor. Whether homemade, store-bought, or somewhere in between, gift your loved ones with a feast for the eyes (and tastebuds) this Valentine’s day. ⁣
⁣
Tired of renting and looking for a love nest all your own? I’d love to help. Send me a message and let’s chat.⁣
STAY+WANDER 🏈 . SUPERBOWL WEEKEND! I’m sure STAY+WANDER 🏈 
.
SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!  I’m sure whatever your plans are for this weekend, there will be a handful of you that will spend your Sunday afternoon rooting and screaming at your television! For those of you that are still undecided on your plans, there are (finally!) several local music events going on this weekend! Lava Hot Springs Fire + Ice Winter Festival is going on this Friday and Saturday (check this post out for a full recap we did on the event a couple of years ago). If you haven’t been persuaded yet, maybe wander down to Mac N’ Kelly’s Pub + Grill! Have you been yet? It’s definitely on our list to check it out!  Have a great weekend while you stay + wander!
The GREAT DIVIDE! . Are you ready to go this weeke The GREAT DIVIDE!
.
Are you ready to go this weekend? Ours is a house divided. Tom Brady broke my heart when he left New England, but those roots run deep and it goes against my nature to root against him in the Superbowl, so I find myself on #teamtampabay, while @eliestoh will be cheering for the #chiefs.
.
Who are you rooting for? ...and is there any hope for my marriage? HAHA!!!!
Last year’s biggest home trends? Stretchy pants, Last year’s biggest home trends? Stretchy pants, comfy slippers, and the fastest internet money could buy. This year’s trends give us all a little bit more to look forward to. Here's what designers predict for 2021: ⁣
⁣
1. Cleanliness is still king. Designers anticipate easy-to-clean fabrics and surfaces to remain in demand as a way to help us all stay on top of pesky germs.⁣
2. Expect interior colors to warm up as owners crave warmth, comfort, and coziness. Various shades of browns, oranges, and reds will the trick. ⁣
3. Not into warm hues? Designers think soft shades of blue that create a peaceful vibe will also be popular.⁣
4. Remodeling or building a new construction? Closed floor plans are front-and-center as demand grows for private spaces designated for remote work or at-home learning.⁣
5. Dubbed “grandmillienial” by House Beautiful, the style showing up everywhere blends grandma’s favorite florals with sleek modern staples. Not sure where to start? Just ask yourself WWGD -- what would Grandma do?⁣
⁣
What trends are you lovin' early in 2021? Share them below!⁣
Some days-this is my office...but not often! I hav Some days-this is my office...but not often! I have been able to work from the office for most of the year, but when the kiddos moved to virtual learning last spring, I had to adapt to sharing a workspace with them at home.
.
I want to know! Is this YOU? Have you been working from home for months now (with little ones, furry ones, or both scurrying underfoot)?
.
If you've mastered the dining table office space, what ONE piece of advice would you share with a work-from-home newbie?
.
Please! Share your wisdom in the comments below so we can make the best of what seems to be an ever-changing situation!
Is everyone done decking the halls??? . Right now Is everyone done decking the halls???
.
Right now I’m resisting the urge to keep decorating knowing it will all be down in a week or so!
Here's a link to the @airbnb I posted about in my Here's a link to the @airbnb I posted about in my stories today.
.
https://abnb.me/VTE0JJTukcb
.
Or you can search AirBNB (Idaho Falls) for "The Historic Emerson"
.
❤❤❤
Give the spankin’ new homeowners in your life a Give the spankin’ new homeowners in your life a housewarming gift they’ll use from day one!  Here are my top 10 to get the ideas flowing:
.
▪️Gift cards to home improvement stores (things like rakes, garbage cans and light bulbs are usually in short supply for a first time home buyer especially!)
▪️Gift cards to local takeout and pizza places (with a stack of paper plates to go with it!) I’m looking at you @lucysnypizza 
▪️A personalized welcome mat (have you seen @letterfolk mats? They’re a fave!)
▪️Customized stationary, address labels, wall plaques, etc. (@etsy has you covered here!)
▪️A pizza baking stone and a @papamurphys gift card (check out @bedbathandbeyond for a great stone)
▪️A WiFi password display sign
▪️A photog session for them to pose in front of their new front door (DM @meganowensphotography, she’s amazing 🙌🏻)
▪️Local goodies for out-of-staters (I love @farrsicecream spud bars or huckleberry candy, or @reeds_dairy cheese curds and ice cream!)
▪️Hand wash and lotion set (perfect for the rona + house guest + flu combo season we’re in)
▪️A “new home” holiday ornament (I got the cutest one from @magnolia)
.
New homeowners, we celebrate you-enjoy your first Christmas in your new home!
.
What’s the best housewarming gift you’ve received???
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Brokerage Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Me

Copyright © 2021 · Wellness Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in