Tips for Dealing with Your Homeowners Association

They can be your best friend or your worst enemy. If you are looking at buying a home or condo in the Myrtle Beach area there is a good chance that the property you’re looking at is part of a homeowners association. HOA’s were created to establish a high-quality of service and maintain high property values within a given community. While there are many benefits to being a part of an association there are also a lot of headaches.

Restrictive covenants and overbearing leadership can often leave homeowners feeling like they are living under a miniature dictatorship. In February, a North Myrtle Beach veteran sued his HOA after he was denied the right to fly the American flag on a freestanding flagpole by the architectural review board. A good relationship with your Homeowners Association is key to enjoying the freedom of owning a property at the beach.

Here are a few tips on how best to handle your HOA.

Learn the Rules

Before you move into a neighborhood, be sure to read over the HOA’s rules and regulations carefully. If there is anything you don’t understand, contact the HOA directly for clarification. Having a clear understanding of the rules will keep you from breaking them accidentally and will give you a stronger argument in the event of conflict.

Pay Your HOA Fees

The easiest way to stay on good terms with your HOA is to regularly pay your fees on time. Your HOA collects fees from all residents to ensure your neighborhood is running smoothly. If a disagreement arises, you’ll have better standing with your community if you always pay your fees in a timely matter. It’s also important to remember that at the end of the day an HOA is a service you’re paying for. Many homeowners who rent their property out as vacation home rely on the association to provide valuable upkeep, such as lawn maintenance. Paying your fees entitles you to these benefits and protections.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

As the old saying goes, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Stay on friendly terms with your neighbors. Having a good relationship with the members of your community makes it less likely that you will run into any issues. Having friends in the neighborhood also means having people in your corner in the event of a dispute.

Know Your Rights

If you feel like things are getting out of hand with your HOA, speak up. The association exist to serve the community, not rule over them. If you feel like your Homeowners Association is failing to protect your property or are unfairly infringing upon your rights as a homeowner, seek the assistance of a qualified real estate attorney.

If you have any questions about your HOA or any other aspect of the home buying experience, turn to your friends at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elliott Coastal Living. For more than 60 years, the friendly staff and real estate professionals at BHGRE Elliott Coastal Living have been helping people of the Grand Strand find their forever home. Stop by their office or give them a call today!

And from all us here at BHGRE Elliott Coastal Living, welcome home!