If you’re actively shopping for a home, odds are you’ve come across properties in communities with homeowners associations (HOAs). Picture this: You’re finally ready to buy your next home, so you do what everyone else does—scroll through online listings (bonus points if you use our Perfect Home Finder form!). After hours of doom-scrolling, you’ve finally found the one. It’s within your budget, in the perfect location… but then, as you look closer, there it is—a monthly HOA fee. Ugh!
While HOAs offer benefits like well-maintained neighborhoods and added amenities, they also come with rules, fees, and restrictions that might not suit everyone.
Before deciding whether to avoid communities with an HOA, let’s break down the pros and cons of living in an HOA in Northeast Florida.
The Pros of HOAs
1. Enhanced Property Values
One of the biggest advantages of an HOA is its role in maintaining (or increasing) property values from 2-17%. With rules on home maintenance and landscaping, communities tend to stay attractive and desirable—great for resale potential! Some communities even handle the maintenance of your front yard to ensure everyone stays tidy and uniform.
2. Community Amenities
Many HOAs in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and Ponte Vedra Beach offer fantastic amenities like pools, fitness centers, golf courses, walking trails, and gated security. These perks can make everyday life feel like a resort experience, especially with the rise of master-planned communities in the State. Communities like Shearwater take lots of pride in their state-of-the-art ‘sanctuaries’.
3. Well-Maintained Common Areas
HOAs take care of common areas such as parks, clubhouses, and roads. In Northeast Florida, where curb appeal is one of our strongest assets, this means lush landscaping and pristine streets without you having to handle upkeep yourself!
4. Conflict Resolution & Community Standards
Had a bad experience with a neighbor? HOAs provide a structured way to handle conflicts and enforce community standards, helping to maintain a peaceful neighborhood. Each community has its own Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) document that outlines rules and regulations that make life a little more enjoyable for everyone.
The Cons of HOAs
1. Monthly or Annual Fees
HOA dues vary depending on the community and amenities. In Northeast Florida, they can range from as low as $32 to $900+ per month, which adds to the cost of homeownership. Just something to think about.
2. Strict Rules & Restrictions
Want to paint your house a unique color or park an RV in your driveway? Your HOA might say no. Restrictions on home exteriors, landscaping, holiday decorations, and even pets can feel limiting to some. Read here for 9 Common HOA Violations and how to avoid them.
3. Risk of Special Assessments
If the HOA faces unexpected expenses (like storm damage repairs), you might be charged a special assessment fee—which can be costly. While these are usually only implemented during emergencies, they do happen occasionally.
4. Potential for Poor Management
While many HOAs are well-run, some have issues with mismanagement, power-hungry boards, or lack of transparency. Here are signs of successful HOA management.
Is an HOA Right for You?
HOAs can offer a beautiful, well-kept community with added perks, but they also come with costs and restrictions. Before buying, research the specific HOA rules, fees, and financial health to make sure they align with your lifestyle and long-term plans. I’ve worked with many HOAs, so I can always answer questions for you, too!