HOA’s – What is a HOA? What are the benefits?

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Many buyers can be wary of purchasing properties that require HOA fees. They may see at it as just another monthly payment, and may miss the big picture of how HOA fees can benefit them. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) govern about 24% of all U.S. homes, according to the Community Associations Institute. The majority of new developments have HOAs, as do many older subdivisions. With the growing popularity of HOAs, it is important for homebuyers to know how this entity works.

First, a builder purchases, and develops land into homes for sale. These units may be single-family homes, townhouses or condominiums. The builder then sets up a homeowners association with rules and guidelines that residents must follow. In return, the homeowners have the opportunity to buy nice homes at reasonable prices, receive amenities and upkeep of certain areas, and pay for only a portion of the infrastructure and maintenance costs via their monthly homeowners’ dues.

Once the development is complete, the association nominates homeowners to operate as board members. The board is responsible for the ongoing management of the association, including creating and upholding rules, collecting payment of dues and preserving common areas. It’s important to participate in HOA meetings in order to have a voice in any potential community changes, as well as, enforcement of regulations within the community. 

Many homeowners prefer to live in an HOA for several reasons, including:

Appearance: Homes within an HOA must meet the criteria set by the association or face a fine, resulting in a lower likelihood of shabby lawns, peeling paint or a tastelessly painted house. HOAs preserve the nature of the community and protect property values by providing services and a safe, well-maintained living environment. 

Protection: One of the most beneficial long-term advantages of an HOA includes the regulations put in place by the board. These principles add a layer of protection against neighborhood dilapidation, and act as an effective means to maintain community standards and protect property values. 

Maintenance: Typical maintenance covered by HOA fees for condos include lawn care, trash removal, swimming pool maintenance, snow removal, and common area upkeep (such as elevators, lobbies, clubhouses, etc.) and other amenities that many Americans may not be able to afford on their own. 

This may be particularly beneficial for first-time homebuyers, retirees, and low and moderate-income families. 

Management: If you happen run into a problem with your neighbor’s dog barking, parking violations, or loud parties, you can ask the management to take control over the issue rather than getting directly involved with the homeowner next door.

While buying a home with an HOA has many benefits, it is not for everyone. For many potential buyers, the idea that a management association can tell you when you can put out an ornamental flag or that you can’t park your work truck in front of your property can be a deal-breaker. It is important to understand that you must follow the rules and regulations imposed by the association even if you do not agree with them. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t buy properties within an HOA, but you’ll have to find one with regulations that meet your specific circumstances. If you carefully read over these rules before deciding to purchase a property, this should not be a concern. However, many buyers skip this step when buying in an HOA and are sometimes surprised to discover limitations once they have moved in. Homeowners can request a rule change or an individual waiver, but there’s no guarantee that your request will be granted. Take the time to compare one association with others in the area before making such an important decision. 

While buying a home is often an emotional process, you should treat it like a business decision. When purchasing a property with HOA fees, consider what you can afford, what is important to your household, and what is actually included in the fees. Make sure you are making a worthwhile investment and that it will appreciate over time. Meet the neighbors before you put in an offer, and get their opinions on the association. This will often produce inside information that you may not be able to determine on your own.

Finally, in order to have a voice in the decisions being made, it is important remember that you can always become involved with the HOA by participating in the board election process. Buying a home within a homeowner’s association may be a good option for you. However, to ensure that you make the right decision, it is important to understand the differences from purchasing a traditional home outside of an HOA.

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Source: http://www.5diamondrealestate.com/hoas-what-is-an-hoa-what-are-the-benefits/

Choosing the right Listing Agent

Choosing the right Listing Agent

As a home seller, hiring a listing agent is very important. The person you want to help you will be involved in preparing your home for sale, establish a listing price, promotion your property and negotiate the transaction.

Remember that the person you enjoy going out for a drinks isn’t always the best REALTOR to represent your interests. That friend could turn out to be the right agent for you, but before you choose, take the point in time to get recommendations and talk to them.

You’ll be giving a chief commission to this person (frequently 6% of the sales price of your home), spending time with them, and relying on their advice for the best possible price and as quickly as possible given market conditions.

What to Look for in an Agent

Many sellers are tempted to choose an agent, who suggests the highest list price for their property and who gives their home the most good value, but you’re better served by a realistic realtor.

You need to find a realtor with whom you can talk to easily, someone who knows your neighborhood very well and has a good marketing plan to reach buyers who are not only interested in your home but are also qualified buyers. Realtor who has experience looking at homes and can offer advice about the condition of your home and ways to improve your home without wasting your money.

When you talk to neighbors and friends about their recommendations for a listing agent, ask them how easy it was to reach the agent when they had questions, and how much support and guidance the agent throughout the sales process.

An agent typically has a listing presentation—often in the sellers’ home so that he can get a look at the property and its condition. Some of your questions may be answered during the presentation.

Still searching for the right Listing Agent to fit your needs? Worry no more, we, at the Headley Group Realty will provide you all you need to sell your home. We’re providing access to listings for participating brokers in the Greensboro - High Point - Winston Salem real estate markets. You won’t miss a single listing.

Related Note:
HUD Home Store is the listing site for HUD real estate owned (REO) single-family properties. This site provides the public, brokers, potential owner-occupants, state and local governments and nonprofit organizations a centralized location to search the inventory of HUD properties for sale. In addition, registered real estate brokers and other organizations can place bids on behalf of their clients to purchase a HUD property. HUD Home Store also includes many informative user-friendly features providing advice and guidance for consumers on the home buying process.

17 Sneaky Products To Make You And Your Home Feel More Secure

"Whether Buying or selling, to get aheadin Real Estate; get ahead with THE HEADLEY GROUP REALTY!"
call us at 336 9046214

MUST TRY..MUST HAVE STUFF..

There’s always a way to cheaply upgrade your home’s security, and help you feel just a bit safer when you’re off on a long trip, or entrenched in a yearly Scream marathon. Here are 17 helpful options to ensure you have the extra edge against any would-be intruder. Amazon links are included.

1. Here’s a smartphone garage door controller that lets you open and close the garage from anywhere, and know if someone else opens or closes it.
$99.00

2. Concerned about losing your valuable packages to neighborhood thieves? This “Gorilla Box” will keep your deliveries safe and sound.
$133.58

3. Imagine a cat burglar cleverly picking your lock, and ever so stealthily opening your door. Now imagine said cat burglar promptly soiling their pants when the door jams on this noisy door stop.
That satisfying smile will only cost you $11.33.

4. Whether you want to be able to see what’s going on inside your house before you enter, pre-light your way to a room, or make your neighbors think your house is haunted, this Wi-Fi light switch is for you!
$44.03

5. A clever floor mat is a simple way to deter would be thieves. Your family will thank you. Your neighbors on the other hand…
$34.95 and excommunication from Bobby’s annual Christmas bash down the street.

6. Here’s a portable door lock that was a 2012 Amazon Top Holiday Seller. It helps make any door just a little bit more secure.
$21.95

Dictionaries are some of the most overlooked books ever made, right along with Knitting for Dummies, and random field guides to slime molds. So why not have a safe disguised as one?
$11.59

8. Lets face it. You really want to feel like a boss with a BARSKA Biometric Safe. How can you not feel more secure with a safe that reads your thumbprint, and sounds like it was named after some mythical viking hero?
$144.99

9. What about those determined thieves that just want to smash the door in? This security bar can withstand about 350 lbs of meathead.
Not bad for $17.98!

10. These “peel and stick” motion sensor LEDs can be placed anywhere. At $14.67, they are so cheap that you can turn your property into one big spacecraft landing beacon.

11. Lockable armoires are a stylish way to keep your valuables out of greedy hands. Being made of walnut wood, this armoire is likely too heavy to carry off.
$229.99

12. Get the preemptive “Nope” on annoying door to door solicitors with this video doorbell.
$199.00

13. Here’s a $13.00 portable security alarm that gives you the heads up if someone jimmied open your door.

14. The Kuna security system is a lantern with a camera, two way intercom, motion detection, and alarm. Add in the fact that it takes about 15 minutes to install and this $200.00 smart cam is quite the bargain.

15. Don’t have the cash for security cams? Try some fake ones that blind your intruders with LED lighting. At $8.00, what more can you ask for?

16. A fitted “Security” dog shirt can make any canine companion a bit more intimidating. Unless you own a miniature corgi. Nothing will make that intimidating.
$11.73

17. Then there are the “Whimsical Gnomeland Security” statues. Seriously, about the only strategy with these is to be alerted of a burglar’s laughter when they see an army of Gnomes barring the door from entry. Aside from that… At least your Grandma will think they are cute.
$11.99

by: Lighter Side Staff