09/24/2026
🏡 Buying a condo or townhome in an HOA community? Don’t just look at the monthly payment.
Before you make an offer, take a close look at the HOA’s rules, finances and history. Here are 10 things to review before you buy:
1️⃣ Monthly/Annual Dues — Factor them into your budget.
2️⃣ What the Dues Cover — Know what you’re actually paying for, such as amenities, maintenance and insurance.
3️⃣ Special Assessment History — Check for past or upcoming assessments for major repairs.
4️⃣ Rental/Airbnb Restrictions — Make sure you understand whether and how you can rent the property.
5️⃣ Pet Policies & Limits — Check rules regarding size, breed and number of pets.
6️⃣ Exterior Modification Rules — Paint colors, fences, landscaping and other changes may require approval.
7️⃣ Reserve Fund Health — Underfunded reserves could mean future assessments or higher dues.
8️⃣ Parking & Guest Rules — These can be more restrictive than you might expect.
9️⃣ Fine & Enforcement Process — Know the penalties and how violations are handled.
🔟 Board Meeting Minutes — Review them to better understand the issues the HOA has been dealing with.
The bottom line: HOA documents are part of your due diligence.
Read the fine print before you commit to the property.
📌 Save this checklist for your next home search!
