The Perks of an HOA Community

by Dianne Drinkwater 01/03/2021

Photo by Robert Arthur Designs via Shutterstock

If you’re moving to a new city, particularly an area with new development, you may discover that most homes are part of a homeowner’s association. If you’ve never been part of one before, you might not understand their function and why they are useful within a neighborhood.

When an association functions properly, it improves the value of homes in the community. The rules and conditions keep your neighbors from infringing on your rights and vice versa.

Here’s a brief list of how your HOA benefits you:

It handles disputes between neighbors, so if your neighbor’s tree falls on your fence, the association mediates getting your fence repaired. Rules regarding approval for changes, renovations or upgrades to exteriors keep your neighbor from adding a second story that blocks your lake view or changing their exterior to a particularly obnoxious shade of orange.
It gives access to and maintains shared or common property. Typically, playgrounds, pools and parks fall into this category. In the case of condominiums and patio homes, the HOA often handles repairs to the exterior, roofs, elevators, garage doors and fences. Entry doors, hallways, and security also often fall under the jurisdiction of the association.
Many HOAs hire a property management service to take care of entry gates for a gated community, make agreements for waste removal and negotiate with the city regarding rezoning that might affect your home.
In some cases, HOAs handle the landscaping on the front of your home so that you only take care of your enclosed back yard or patio. For busy homeowners, this is quite an advantage. Other associations merely govern how long you can let your grass grow. This protects you from a negligent property owner that doesn’t take care of the house down the street.

While some of the rules may seem onerous, quizzing longtime residents can give insight into why one or another was added. A rule about basketball hoops in the driveway might make it seem as if they don’t want your kids playing out front. But perhaps the rule resulted from a freak windstorm that sent a freestanding basketball hoop across the street and through a neighbor’s window. Unless you ask, you don’t know.

Take time to attend your HOA meetings and become involved in the community. Even run for office and make your voice heard. If you have questions about living in an HOA community, your professional real estate agent can answer them.

About the Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater