When you're buying a home, you're probably focused on things like mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even closing costs. But one thing that might not be on your radar is homeowners association (HOA) fees. You won’t always have to deal with them, but depending on the area you choose, they could be part of the picture—so it’s good to keep them in mind.

 

A homeowners association, or HOA, is basically a group that manages a neighborhood or community, including any shared spaces, and makes sure rules are followed—like keeping things well-maintained. Some buyers really like the perks that come with an HOA, while others see the fees as just another cost. The important thing is to understand what those fees cover and decide if the benefits are worth it for you.

 

Here’s something to think about: if you’ve fallen in love with a home because the neighborhood is beautifully kept—the lush landscaping, clean streets, and overall great curb appeal—there’s a good chance an HOA is behind that. They often play a big role in keeping things looking their best. Here are some of the top benefits they can offer:

 

Neighborhood Upkeep: A lot of HOAs take care of things like landscaping, snow removal, and maintaining shared spaces. It’s a big reason why the neighborhood always looks neat and well cared for.

 

Amenities: Depending on the neighborhood, your HOA might give you access to extras like a pool, clubhouse, gym, or even private security. So while you are paying a fee, it can actually save you money—no need for a separate gym or pool membership when it’s all included right in your community.

 

Protecting Property Values: Because HOAs make sure everyone follows the community rules, homes are less likely to fall into disrepair. That means you don’t have to worry about a rundown house next door dragging down your property value.

 

Less Work for You: In some neighborhoods, the HOA handles things like exterior maintenance, roof repairs, or other shared responsibilities. That means less on your to-do list and more time to enjoy your home.

 

Do all homes have HOA fees? Nope, not every home comes with them. But they are pretty common—especially in newer neighborhoods. In fact, according to the Wall Street Journal, more than 80% of newly built single-family homes are part of an HOA these days (check out the graph below):

 

 

It’s not just new construction, either. Even resale homes can come with HOA fees. In fact, according to Axios, about 4 in 10 homes had an HOA in 2024—so it’s definitely something to keep in mind no matter what kind of home you're looking at.

 

Be sure to ask your agent which homes have HOA fees and which don’t—it’s a good thing to know upfront. Some neighborhoods charge monthly, others quarterly, and some don’t have any fees at all. Just so you have an idea, Realtor.com reported that the median HOA fee went up to $125 per month last year.

 

But keep in mind, HOA fees can vary a lot—and sometimes they come with pretty great perks. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, points out:

 

 

Before you buy a home in an HOA community, it’s smart to take a close look at the rules and fees. That way, you know exactly what’s covered, how it fits into your budget, and if there are any restrictions you should be aware of.

 

Would you prefer paying an HOA fee for extra perks, or skip the fee and have full control over your property? Let’s chat about what works best for you.