What Should Buyers Know About HOAs Before Buying a Home?

By Brandice Raybourn

HOAs can either make your life easier or a lot more frustrating.

It really depends on how they are run, and most buyers do not fully understand what they are walking into until they are already under contract.

What the condition of the community is telling you

When you walk through a condo complex or neighborhood, pay attention to more than just the unit.

Look at the overall condition.

Is it maintained? Does it feel clean and taken care of? Are common areas updated or falling behind?

Well maintained spaces usually mean the HOA is on top of things.

If you are seeing neglected areas, patchwork repairs, or things that look like they have been put off, that can be a sign of bigger issues like underfunding or deferred maintenance.

And that is usually where assessments come into play.

Assessments are where things can get expensive

This is the part that catches a lot of buyers off guard.

If the HOA has not been properly funding reserves or keeping up with maintenance, they can issue a special assessment to cover large repairs.

Roofing, siding, parking lots, plumbing, or major structural work.

And those can get expensive fast.

Sometimes we are talking thousands. Sometimes much more depending on the project.

So it is not just about the monthly dues. It is about the overall financial health of the HOA.

You can actually have the HOA reviewed

Most buyers do not realize this, but you can hire an HOA consultant.

Usually around $500.

They will go through the financials, reserves, meeting notes, and upcoming projects and give you a clear picture of how healthy the HOA really is.

Especially with condos, this can be one of the smartest things you do before moving forward.

Because once you own it, you are in it.

HOA dues affect your monthly payment

HOA dues are not separate in the eyes of a lender.

They are part of your monthly housing expense.

So they directly impact what you qualify for, how your payment feels, and how the overall numbers work for you.

Depending on the situation, we can sometimes structure an offer to help offset that.

Things like interest rate buy downs, seller credits, or even prepaid dues.

There are ways to get creative here.

If you already live in an HOA

This can actually work in your favor when you go to sell.

Buyers do see value in well maintained communities, predictable upkeep, and shared amenities.

If your HOA is run well, that becomes a selling point. We just have to know how to position it correctly.

Thinking About Buying in Snohomish or North King County?

If you are trying to understand the buying process, financing, inspections, HOAs, or what the market actually feels like right now, start with my buyer guide below.

Brandice Raybourn
Coldwell Banker Danforth
Everett Real Estate Broker