Worth Their Weight: HOA’s Protect Home Values

One aspect of home ownership that weighs heavily among buyers is the decision to purchase in a HOA (Homeowner’s Association). Sometimes buying a condo, townhome or residence in an HOA is a choice; many people like the idea of having certain features & amenities covered under one fee – such as landscaping, pool use, roofs, exterior maintenance and more. But HOA’s also receive a 'bad rap' so to speak for setting rules, appropriation of funds, limiting choices and of course… the monthly cost itself.

With affordability being a challenge in Silicon Valley… buying a condo or townhome is often the first step into home ownership. The thought of your hard-earned dollars going towards an association rather than your mortgage can be a tough pill to swallow.

But there is good news; 90% of respondents in the 2018 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey stated that their HOA’s actually protected their investment and enhanced their property values! Let’s face it… trash on the street, peeling paint, lack of lawn care, run down exteriors and general community curb appeal are a non-issue when everyone is held to the same standards AND those standards are enforced. Consistent appearance and quality control are essentially non-existent sans the presence of an HOA.

In addition, nearly 73% of respondents said that their community managers provided support and did protect the residents’ best interests. Please see additional data in the graphic below; you can learn more HERE.

In our experience helping buyers, sellers and investors in Silicon Valley over the decades (yes, we started when we were 12!)… there are two main considerations. First of all, living in an HOA is not for everyone. Second, not all HOA’s are created equal.

Please feel free to reach out anytime to discuss what lifestyle you are looking for, what questions you have about HOA’s and which ones we have experience with! Our commitment to you is to answer your questions and share our feedback just as if we were helping a member of our own family or our kids make this important decision.

All our best,

Mark & Jason