If you’re house hunting in Centerville or Washington Township, Ohio, you’ll likely come across a mix of neighborhoods — some with a homeowners association (HOA) and some without. Knowing what that means before you fall in love with a particular house can save you a surprise down the road.
Not Every Neighborhood Has One
HOAs are common in parts of Centerville and Washington Township, particularly in newer subdivisions and some planned communities, but plenty of established neighborhoods have no HOA at all. Whether a home has one isn’t something you can tell from the street — it’s worth asking your agent or checking the listing details directly, since the presence of an HOA can affect both your monthly costs and what you’re allowed to do with the property.
What HOA Dues Typically Cover
Dues vary quite a bit from community to community, but they generally go toward things like maintaining common areas, shared entrances or signage, and administrative costs for running the association. Some communities also include a neighborhood pool or clubhouse, and in a few cases dues may cover exterior items like lawn care or snow removal on shared spaces. It’s worth asking exactly what’s included before you buy, since “HOA fee” can mean very different things depending on the neighborhood.
Rules and Architectural Guidelines to Ask About
Beyond the dues themselves, HOAs typically come with a set of rules — sometimes called covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) — that can cover things like exterior paint colors, fence materials and height, parking, and whether you can keep a boat or RV in your driveway. For some buyers, these guidelines are a plus, since they help keep the neighborhood looking consistent. For others, especially anyone planning major exterior changes or additions, it’s worth reading through the rules carefully before making an offer.
Questions Worth Asking Before You Buy
Before writing an offer on a home in an HOA community, it can help to ask for a copy of the HOA’s governing documents, recent meeting minutes, and the association’s current financial statements. These can reveal whether the HOA is well-run, whether a dues increase or special assessment might be coming, and whether there’s any pending litigation. Your agent or a real estate attorney can help you make sense of what you’re reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if a home has an HOA?
Your real estate agent can usually confirm this quickly by checking the listing or local property records. If a home has an HOA, the listing paperwork should include contact information or disclosure documents for the association.
Are HOA dues negotiable?
Not typically — dues are set by the association, not the seller, and are generally the same for every owner in the community. What can sometimes be negotiated is who pays any dues owed at closing.
What happens if I don’t pay HOA dues?
HOAs generally have the authority to place a lien on a property for unpaid dues, and in some cases can pursue further collection action. It’s one more reason to understand the dues and rules of a community before you buy into it.
Kelly Nation is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Alliance serving Centerville, Ohio, Washington Township, and the greater Dayton area. Thinking about buying or selling in the area? Reach out to Kelly Nation with RE/MAX Alliance at 937-609-5852 to get started.
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