Realtor Partners

As HOA management experts, we're your ideal partner in navigating the HOA landscape

We help you meet your sales goals in HOAs

By educating realtors on general and specific homeowner association information, we empower you to close deals with confidence and provide your valued clients with a seamless, positive homebuying or selling experience. How do we accomplish this?

HOAs provide a sense of security, community and pride

What is an HOA?

Before conducting business in an HOA, you should have a general understanding of this unique form of homeownership. A homeowners association (HOA) is an organization that oversees a community’s governance, business and social affairs by following and enforcing the covenants, collecting and expending necessary funds and building community. HOAs are most common in planned communities and multi-family residential buildings, as well as commercial and retail properties. Those who purchase a home in an HOA must pay certain fees and dues (assessments) as a condition to living in the community.

Each community is different and can be best understood by thoroughly reading their governing documents.

Are there different types of HOAs?

Yes! The terms "HOA" (homeowners association), "POA" (property owners association) and "community association" can largely be used interchangeably. These can include condos, townhomes and single-family homes.

What sets HOAs apart from traditional home ownership?

There are three main features that make community associations different from traditional forms of homeownership:

Common Areas
1. Homeowners share ownership of and responsibility for common areas, which may include facilities (clubhouses, pools, playgrounds, etc.) that are not affordable any other way.
Membership
1. Homeowners automatically become members of their association and must, therefore, abide by the governing documents.
Shared Costs
1. Homeowners pay a regular (typically monthly) fee called an assessment. These fees are used to maintain the common areas and manage the association.

How is an HOA first created?

Prior to the first closing in a new development, the developer establishes a community association as the foundation for how the community will be cared for in the future.

Developers typically appoint the first governing boards until all homes are sold. These individuals are responsible for making important decisions, such as, establishing the budget, setting the assessment level and determining management needs.

Generally, after the last home transfers from the developer to a homeowner, a turnover meeting is held within 90 days. This is when the community appoints their first homeowner-elected board.

Benefits of an HOA

When you understand the benefits of living in an HOA, you can better communicate them to potential buyers and directly correct common misconceptions about the industry. Key benefits include:

Property Value

Well-kept common areas and overall appearance standards ensure a community remains desirable

Shared Costs

All members pay an assessment (a regular fee), often used to maintain common areas and avoid larger, more expensive issues

Amenities

Some communities provide amenities that homeowners may not have access to otherwise

Community

Connections and communication with neighbors help to build a strong sense of community

Tools to Share

You and Your Community Association

We published an informative guide to help familiarize homeowners with the purpose, operation and benefits of community associations. Peruse this resource and share it with your clients by downloading a PDF copy below.

DOWNLOAD GUIDE

CAI Rights and Responsibilities

The Community Associations Institute (CAI) published a pamphlet of information about owner rights and responsibilities as members of an association.

You can view and download a PDF copy of this document below.

DOWNLOAD PAMPHLET

Get your free download

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact