The homeowner's association (HOA) often attracts controversy. While many criticize HOAs, they also have fervent supporters. In fact, according to recent statistics, nearly 60% of newly constructed homes are part of an HOA community.
Many people see the advantages of living in a neighborhood governed by an HOA. So, what are some main HOA living benefits? This article lists five compelling reasons why HOA living makes sense.
Community Appearance
Your local community's appearance can impact your mental wellbeing. If everything appears worn down and dilapidated, it can make you feel down. On the other hand, attractive houses and appealing landscaping will likely make you feel happy and upbeat.
The HOA board takes full responsibility for creating and maintaining a pleasant neighborhood aesthetic. Besides boosting residents' mood, a cohesive and pleasing aesthetic helps keep house prices high. When houses in a community look great, it increases curb appeal, allowing sellers to demand higher prices.
Access to Luxury Amenities
Critics of HOAs often focus on negatives like paying dues to the HOA board. However, they usually neglect to mention the value you're getting for the money.
In an HOA community, you'll get access to various great HOA amenities. The HOA board uses your dues to finance things like swimming pools and tennis courts. These amenities are well-maintained, and HOA residents have exclusive access.
If you wanted to access these facilities outside the HOA, you'd need to pay a high membership fee and travel to the location. With an HOA, you get access to great facilities within your own neighborhood.
Safety and Security
Your home and local community should be a place where you and your family can relax. If there's criminal activity in the area, that's difficult. Thankfully, in HOA neighborhoods, the board takes tackling criminality seriously.
If there's a risk of crime in your HOA, the board will likely establish a neighborhood watch program.
HOAs may implement an access control system, ensuring only residents and guests have access to the neighborhood.
Additionally, HOAs partake in emergency planning and preparedness. In case of disasters like floods, the HOA has a plan to keep everyone safe.
Conflict Resolution
Nothing kills community spirit like neighbors' arguments. Small issues often degenerate into long-lasting feuds and forgotten conflicts.
A significant HOA living benefit is taking conflict resolution seriously. The HOA establishes rules and regulations for acceptable behavior, reducing conflicts but not eliminating them.
When tensions rise, HOAs may offer impartial mediation services. Facilitating agreements through conversation restores harmony in the community. Of course, effective conflict mediation requires the HOA to remain impartial.
A Homeowner's Association Can Transform Your Community
As demonstrated, a local homeowner's association offers substantial value to the community. HOA living benefits extend beyond paying dues and following rules. A well-governed HOA makes decisions benefiting everyone, creating value for homeowners.
Are you responsible for an Elgin, Chicago area HOA? Many HOAs improve governance and services by partnering with property management companies. PMI Chicago Metroplex has decades of experience helping HOAs better serve communities. Contact us today to discuss enhancing your neighborhood together.
