HOA Rules: Know What They Are Before Buying A Condo, Townhouse or Co-Op

HOA Rules: Know What They Are Before Buying A Condo, Townhouse or Co-Op

HOA means Homeowners Association.

There are rules put in place to keep the condo or townhome development consistent like the outside of each home are the same color vinyl siding, the outside of the front doors have to be the same color, etc. I find this not to be a big deal. Where I live there are 12 townhomes so things are more relaxed here. My development is 14 years old so repainting the outside front door with the original color is impossible. Painting it close to the original color is fine which is what I did last year.

Some developments, however, are more strict. Co-op developments for example will not let you have a gas grill on the balconies or will not let you nail anything into the balcony decks. This is because you do not own the co-op unit, you own shares. You are responsible for the walls in. I find that most shareholders will do what they want when it comes to co-ops.

If you are deciding to buy a condo, townhome or co-op, read the Offering Plan before signing the contract to purchase. Usually your Attorney will read it but you need to also. You need to understand the rules and decide if you can live with those rules or not. Doing your homework may save you disappointment down the road.




Jackie Connelly-Fornuff
Coldwell Banker ResidentialBabylon, NY 11702
Direct: (631) 274-1937
Cell: (631) 703-0201
Email: Jackie.Connelly-Fornuff@cbmoves.com
Website: www.longislandrealestatelady.com