If the home that you are interested in buying is one within a common-interest or planned community, you are not only buying a property, you are buying into a nonprofit corporation, known in many cases as the homeowners' association or HOA. Your choice, therefore, should go beyond the physical features of the property. You will need to make sure the HOA is well run, imposes rules that you can happily live by, and is not in financial trouble (as most are). Read on for more detailed guidance.
Newly Built Houses: Pros and Cons of Buying
Buying a new home isn't for everyone -- learn about their pluses and minuses here.
Find Out Total HOA Dues Before Buying a Condo, Townhome, or Similar Property
If you’re considering buying a condo, townhome, or other property in a planned community, you should know how much HOA dues, fees, and assessments could cost you now and in the future.
Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) and CC&Rs: Know What You're Getting Into
Before you buy a house in a development, understand what sort of restrictions you might have to live with.
Before Buying: How to Read the CC&Rs or Homeowners' Association (HOA) Documents
Taking a closer look at what's in your HOA's governing and other relevant docs.
What Are in the Basic Governing Documents of an HOA
Overview of basic documents that guide how an HOA is run and what owners must abide by.
What to Look for and Avoid When Signing a Home-Building Contract
If you contract directly with a builder, here's what to look for in the fine print.
Should I Buy a Home in a Gated Community?
When it comes to security and ease of homeownership, the reality of a gated community isn't always what it's meant to be.
Should I avoid buying a house with high HOA fees?
How HOA fees should factor into your buying decision, and what additional information to look for.
Buying a Condo: What Property Will You Actually Own?
Knowing what's yours as a condo owner, and thus what's your responsibility to repair or replace, might be less obvious than you'd imagine.
What’s the difference between a townhouse, condo, and co-op?
The differences between these various types of properties have more to do with legal definitions than physical features.
Are Age Restrictions on Senior Communities Discriminatory Against Younger Buyers?
Understanding the federal legal rules about age discrimination in housing developments.