HOA Fees in Arizona: Pros, Cons, and What to Know Before You Buy

By Arizona Home Group

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Would you rather handle your own upkeep or have someone else help keep the neighborhood looking sharp? HOAs can make life easier, but they also come with a rulebook.

Why communities have HOAs. A homeowners’ association, or HOA, helps maintain a neighborhood’s appearance and shared spaces. Homeowners pay monthly fees for landscaping, community areas, and amenities, while the HOA enforces rules to keep standards high.

But while HOAs keep neighborhoods clean and consistent, they also come with added costs and regulations. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of HOA living.

Pro #1: Keeping neighborhoods well-kept. HOAs help maintain the appearance of the community by enforcing rules for landscaping, paint colors, and general upkeep. Some even limit overnight street parking to keep things less cluttered.

Pro #2: Enjoying community amenities and events. Many HOA communities include amenities like parks, tot lots, gyms, clubhouses, pools, or splash pads. Some also hold community events, especially in larger developments. The HOA maintains these shared spaces for residents.

Pro #3: Keeping home values strong. Because HOAs uphold consistent standards, they help preserve and sometimes increase home values. A well-maintained, attractive neighborhood is more appealing to future buyers.

Pro #4: Helping resolve neighbor disputes. If there’s a dispute between neighbors, the HOA can step in and mediate instead of things going straight to court.

Con #1: Paying for community upkeep. Nothing’s free; HOA fees are an extra cost on top of your mortgage and taxes. Fees can range from small to high, depending on the size of the subdivision and the amenities offered. And HOA dues can’t be written off on your taxes.

Con #2: Following HOA rules. The HOA has a say in what you can and can’t do with your home. This can include rules about paint colors, parking, RVs, trash cans, and landscaping. While these keep the community nice, they can be frustrating for homeowners who want more freedom.

Con #3: Covering big community repairs. In some condo or townhome communities, if the HOA doesn’t have enough money for big repairs, like replacing a pool, roof, or landscaping, homeowners may be charged extra to cover the cost.

Deciding if an HOA is right for you. It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how much control you want over your property. Some homeowners enjoy the structure and upkeep HOAs provide, while others prefer more freedom. In Arizona, buyers receive the HOA’s CC&Rs, the community’s rules and financial details, and have five days to review them. If something doesn’t fit your needs, you can cancel the purchase and get your earnest money back.

There’s a lot to consider when deciding whether to buy in an HOA community, and every situation is different. If you’d like guidance on which type of homeownership fits you best, reach out to us at (602) 571-3730 or AHGadmin@gmail.com. We’re always here to help you explore your options and make the best decision for your needs.