Changes to the exterior of your condo
Most condo associations require that an architectural or design
review committee approve any changes you wish to make to the exterior
of your condo.
Pets
Some condo associations have restrictions on the number of pets you may have
in a home, as well as the size. These are typically implemented to
reduce the number of potentially aggressive dogs such as pit bulls due to the close
proximity of your neighbors. Also, most HOAs
now have condo rules requiring you to pick up after your pets. Be mindful of
these condo rules and bylaws, especially if the area you are moving from had no
such ordinances, as you can be heavily fined for ignoring them.There is usually a form they have you fill out on which you must
describe in detail any changes you plan to make, including a list of
materials to be used, who will do the work, and so on. You are also
typically required to submit any drawings or plans that show how the
change will look when complete. This is to keep everything in the
neighborhood looking nice and congruent.
Protection of condo values
It can sound like a pain to have to pay these condo fees and abide by these
restrictions especially if you are coming from a community that doesn’t
have any fees or restrictions. But all these HOA fees and rules, as
inconvenient as they may sometimes seem, do serve the important purpose
of protecting your home values. If you are going to pay a quarter of a
million dollars or more for your new home, you want to know that
someone is looking out for you and your investment. Ask any reputable
real estate agent or property appraiser and they will tell you that
communities governed by homeowners’ associations have the best track
record of preserving and increasing home values.
