There are several factors consumers take into account when buying a home, including property features, proximity to their work and the surrounding community. The neighborhood they are moving into can play a large role on a new homeowner’s experience, so it’s important to research the particulars of each community thoroughly.

One of the first questions potential buyers should ask is whether the community is governed by a homeowners association. These associations are typically run by real estate developers in suburban areas who want to give neighborhoods a certain appearance to make homes easier to sell.

Determine the rules homeowners associations impose

Homeowners associations can provide a number of benefits for buyers, such as keeping a property management company on retainer to keep the community immaculate. In addition, rules can help owners avoid property disputes with neighbors. However, membership is typically a condition of purchase and buyers in these types of communities are usually not given the option to decline joining. In addition, homeowners associations can place certain restrictions on owners, regarding the appearance of their homes to the pets they may own and whether they can rent out their properties.

For example, standard homeowners association rules allow them to govern the color of the house, the size of an owner’s pets and how they can decorate their homes for the holidays, the news source reports. Each association is built differently, so the rules may vary.

Homeowners association disputes

Because new owners may be required to become members of a homeowners association if they purchase certain homes, it’s important to fully understand the rules of the association and determine beforehand if they are reasonable. This is largely because homeowners have few other avenues for disputing restrictions once they have purchased the home. Violating the terms of a contract can result in fines and lawsuits for homeowners.

Homeowners associations can be beneficial for buyers who want structure and will enjoy the protections afforded by the association. In addition, most associations are flexible with owners and simply want to keep a neighborhood uniform and marketable, so that values will stay intact – which can benefit both the association and homeowners. However, associations are not for everyone, so buyers should make sure all the terms of a contract are reasonable before signing.

Home – Where your story begins…

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help you buy or sell a home, please call one please call one of our four offices in:

Grass Valley Office at 530-273-7293

855 Sutton Way, Grass Valley CA 95945

Nevada City at 530-265-3282

108 Union Street, Nevada City, CA 95959

Penn Valley at 530-432-1131

11364 Pleasant Valley Rd, Penn Valley, CA 95946

South County/LOP at 530-268-1575

10193 Combie Rd. Auburn, CA 95602