A homeowners association (HOA) offers many benefits to a community, ensuring that it is a safe, functional, and a pleasant place to live. 

In exchange for monthly fees, which vary depending on the community and the amenities, a homeowners association relieves individual homeowners of many of the burdens of ownership while protecting their investment and quality of life. A HOA has three distinct characteristics: 

Homeowners associations often take care of routine tasks that eat into homeowners’ free-time, such as lawn care and snow removal. These services are highly valuable to many residents, such as busy parents, professionals working long hours, and those with physical challenges that make outdoor maintenance tasks more difficult.

Of course, there are limitations and the responsibility of the HOA varies from community to community. The HOA Declaration of Covenants is a great place to start to figure out your community map, see a list of the responsibilities and what tasks may rely on the homeowner verse the HOA. 

One of the great benefits of living in a community governed by a HOA is that it often provides amenities and other common resources for all residents to enjoy. Your HOA fees provide for the maintenance of these shared benefits as well as funds for repairs and updates. The HOA also manages the landscaping in these common areas, any common parking facilities, and neighborhood security features. Examples of amenities your HOA may provide include

These are features that many homeowners may not be able to afford on their own. Sharing them with neighbors allows everyone in the community to enjoy a higher level of luxury and comfort.

All homeowners associations have rules in place to restrict behavior that may devalue a property or diminish the quality of life within the community. While some homeowners prefer to have the freedom to choose what to do with their property, others value the peace of mind that comes with knowing there are limits to how their neighbors may use theirs. Examples of aspects that an HOA may limit include:

Counties and municipalities typically place some limits on how property can be used, but HOA's can provide an additional level of influence. These limits can vary widely from one community to the next, so be sure to know the specific rules of any HOA you are considering, and make sure they fit with your values and goals as a homeowner. 

These types of covenants can enhance home value by keeping the entire neighborhood in good condition and can also help to preserve a community’s character and nature, all of which are important features to those looking to make a long-term investment in a community they love.

Finally, a HOA can build a greater sense of community in the neighborhood. The homeowners association is a way to connect with your neighbors, to get involved in your community, and to protect and plan its' future. Members of a HOA have a common goal – to make their neighborhood the best it can be.

To learn more about our HOA and Hubbell Communities, visit https://hubbellrealty.com/businesses/community-management