05
Jul
By Adrian Willanger
Homebuyer Tips,

What Every Homeowner Should Know About HOA Documents

When you purchase a home within a community governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), you're committing to a unique set of rules and responsibilities. Understanding HOA documents is crucial to ensure you’re fully aware of your rights and obligations as a homeowner. Here's what you need to know and when to ask questions. What Are HOA Documents? HOA documents, also known as governing documents, include several key components: Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs): These are the rules that dictate what you can and cannot do with your property. They cover everything from architectural guidelines to pet restrictions. Bylaws: These outline…
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10
May
By Adrian Willanger
Homeowner Tips, ,

Understanding, Paying, and Benefiting from HOA Fees

Are you considering purchasing a property governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA)? If so, you've probably come across the term "HOA fees." What exactly are these fees, who pays them, and why are they necessary?  What Are HOA Fees? HOA fees, short for Homeowners Association fees, are regular payments made by homeowners to the HOA that governs their community. These fees are typically used to cover various expenses associated with maintaining and managing the common areas and amenities within the community. What Do HOA Fees Cover? Maintenance and Repairs: One of the primary purposes of HOA fees is to cover…
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18
Apr
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

The Top Homeownership Expenses You Need To Know

Owning a home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to be aware of the expenses that come with homeownership. Understanding these costs can help you prepare for and manage them effectively, ensuring a smoother transition into your new home. The Mortgage Payment The mortgage payment is typically the largest expense that homeowners face. This monthly payment consists of the principal and interest on your home loan. The principal is the amount you borrowed to purchase the home, while the interest is the cost of borrowing the money. The length of your loan term and the interest…
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28
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips, ,

Condo Damage Caused By Contractors Hired By The HOA: Who Pays?

For those who live in a condo, they know that there are numerous advantages that come with this living arrangement. Living in a condo means that other people are going to be responsible for landscaping and common areas while homeowners are still able to build equity in the home. At the same time, the HOA has quite a bit of power and one of the biggest concerns that people might have involves who pays for the damage in the event that something in the building has been damaged. There are a few important points to keep in mind. Roof Replacement…
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20
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Four Common Headaches Of A Homeowners Association

When you are looking to purchase a home, you might hear a lot about something called a homeowners association, often shortened to HOA. While there are benefits of having an HOA in a living community, these benefits also have their drawbacks. There are a few common headaches that people often experience when they move into a community that has an HOA. Anticipating these problems ahead of time can help everyone prepare for what they might encounter. The Maintenance In The Common Area Whether you are living in a condo or in a neighborhood, the HOA is supposed to maintain the…
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21
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Covenants, Codes and Restrictions?

There is a joke about gated communities that says the walls are not just there to keep the people out but to keep the residents in. Living in a gated community that is subject to the rules of a homeowners' association (HOA) can be a pleasant or a severely irritating experience, depending on the perspective a homeowner has about lifestyles. The Good, Bad, And Ugly About CC&Rs Gated and master-planned communities may have an HOA and also may have covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that are part of the property rights (or lack thereof) that a home buyer accepts when…
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