California Homeowner Associations Are An Owner Option for Many

Homeowner associations continue to be a popular form of ownership for all age groups.  In 2006, there were 43,000 homeowner associations in California, housing between 8.5 million to 10 million people.*  The Aliso Viejo Community Association in Orange County alone had about 15,300 units at that time. Such associations are favored by cities because HOA members help shoulder the newer infrastructure costs through their dues paid to maintain their common areas.

So a 2018 survey conducted by Community Associations Institute demonstrating owner satisfaction in these communities might also be a reflection of what today's housing choices are in many areas, including Orange County where HOAs are prevalent.

But in spite of that, many people do see advantages: affordability, convenience, safety, uniformity, shared responsibility in costs and maintenance, and association recreation features.

Common complaints are rising HOA dues (or having to pay any at all), architectural standards which may seem restrictive, unpopular rules, complaints about the Board of Directors, and lack of rules enforcement, to name a few.

But as the graphic shows, the CAI survey results show:

 When it comes to fees that are assessed monthly but often paid quarterly, prospective buyers or current homeowners should remember that these amounts cover certain basic services such as insurance premiums for the common area services such as roads, pools, and tennis courts, maintenance for these features, certain utilities such as water and trash service for each unit, BBQs and recreation rooms, which they might otherwise have to pay for if they owned a non-HOA home, or might otherwise not have some of those facilities at all.  And such costs continue to rise in California as insurance risks also rise.  However, for many people, multi-family style condominiums are an ideal entree to homeownership in certain areas, much more affordable than buying a single family home in the same neighborhood.
A well-managed association can be a blessing for some, but if not well-managed, or with Directors who do not enforce the CCRs or understand them very well, there can be challenges.  CCRs, voted into existence by the owners after initial setup by developers, are a contract between the owners and the Board of Directors.  They are the underlying foundation of operation in the community, along with the By-Laws and the Rules and Regulations.  Very important to follow them!

If you are interested in a condominium, townhome or house in a homeowner association or PUD, please contact me.  I have experience with this type of property and can help you navigate your way into your next home!

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR since 1994, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | CA Lic. #01188996

* https://www.ocregister.com/2006/11/12/educating-hoas/