"Does it have an HOA?" is a question I hear on almost every home tour. Some buyers won't look at a home without one. Others cross a house off the list the moment they see the word. If you're on the fence, this guide walks through how I'd think it over if I were in your shoes, step by step.
Step 1: Picture How You'll Use the Home
Before comparing neighborhoods, make an honest list of how you plan to live. Got a boat, camper or trailer? Want a big garage workshop or a backyard casita someday? Planning to rent the place out later? Love the idea of walking to a community pool with the kids? Your list will usually point you toward one side or the other before we even talk about fees.
Step 2: Know the Trade-Offs
| HOA community | No HOA |
|---|---|
| Rules keep yards, paint and parking consistent | More room to park, build and personalize |
| Common areas and amenities are maintained for you | No association dues or special assessments |
| Exterior changes may need board approval | Neighbors have the same freedom you do |
As a general pattern, many newer master-planned areas across the Valley have HOAs, while plenty of older neighborhoods closer to the urban core don't. Every street is different, though, so we confirm it home by home.
Step 3: Read the Documents Before Your Deadline
If the home is in an HOA, you'll get the association's paperwork while you're in escrow. This is the part buyers most often rush. I ask my clients to look closely at:
- CC&Rs and rules on rentals, pets, vehicles, solar and exterior changes
- The current budget and how well funded the reserves are
- Recent board meeting minutes, which can hint at upcoming projects or dues changes
- Whether there's both a master HOA and a sub-HOA
- Any association fees that will show up on your closing statement
Plan to finish that review inside your inspection period. If you're new to how that window works, read Your Offer Was Accepted: Getting Through the Arizona Inspection Period.
Step 4: Look at the Whole Monthly Picture
HOA dues are just one line in your housing budget. Add them to your mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance and utilities, then decide. Sometimes a home with dues and a community pool makes more sense than a no-HOA home where you'd want to put in and maintain your own pool. Your lender can help you see the full payment for each home you're considering.
Step 5: Tour Both Kinds
The best way to know is to stand in the driveway. I'll often show buyers one HOA home and one no-HOA home in the same price range on the same day, so they can feel the difference. Browse Phoenix homes, Mesa homes or Scottsdale homes, or see my featured listings. Many brand-new communities come with an HOA too. If that's your direction, start with my new construction guide.
Just getting started? My first steps to buying a home in Arizona post and the buying page cover the full process.
Not sure which way to go?
Tell me how you want to live, and I'll match you with neighborhoods that fit, HOA or not. Then I'll go through the HOA documents with you before your deadline. Call or text Terry Day at 602-483-4665.
Terry Day, REALTOR®, DeLex Realty, 10115 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.