A lot of people think of an HOA as nothing more than a body that simply sets community rules and collects monthly dues from residents. However, having an HOA is beneficial to any community. Below are five reasons why living in an HOA community is beneficial.
1) Well-Maintained Common Areas and Amenities
Without an HOA, you are most likely entirely responsible for the upkeep of your amenities, and you will need to source your own repairmen and vendors when issues arise, which can be extremely expensive and inconvenient. An HOA ensures amenities such as pools, gyms, and common areas are well-kept at all times. A professional community management company will source, vet, and recommend vendors to your elected Board of Directors, making finding a reliable and trusted vendor extremely easy.
2) Increased Community Engagement
In a community with an HOA, there’s something for everyone to do. This may not be the case in a neighborhood without an HOA to plan events and bring people together. Community gatherings and activities such as movies in the park, holiday-themed festivals, barbecues, board meetings and committee involvement allow for neighbors to get together, meet each other, create friendships, and grow as a community.
3) Access to Amenities
Most HOA communities have a variety of features and amenities for their residents to enjoy that other neighborhoods may not have. Residents can enjoy walking trails, sport courts, swimming pools, barbecue pits, and neighborhood parks. If you live in a community with a homeowner’s association, part of your HOA dues goes toward the maintenance and upkeep of these facilities, and you have access to them as a community member.
4) Architectural Controls
At some point, people may want to make an upgrade or change to their home. However, no one wants a neighbor building at all hours of the night or making an addition that could damage the look of the community. In an HOA community, residents are required to submit for approval any modification projects to the exterior of their home. The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) reviews each request to ensure consistency and continuity with original community design standards, as well as sets hours that construction and noise is allowed.
5) Consistent Property Values
One of the biggest reasons why residents prefer living in a community with an HOA is because homeowners’ associations are proven to stabilize home values and prevent foreclosures. An HOA is in place to help you protect your home investment—and ensure that investment maintains its value. All owners must comply with the community rules and regulations related to the upkeep of their lawns, homes, and personal property. This is not only for a homeowner’s benefit, but also for the benefit of the entire community. Having rules in place to ensure the upkeep of everyone’s homes and communities allows the entire community to maintain its property values.
Managing Your HOA
Managing an HOA to ensure that communities are operating smoothly can be a daunting task, even for the most effective HOA boards. For assistance with any HOA related needs, contact Atlantic & Pacific HOA management.