Homeowner's association fees - what are the rates in your area? (Dallas: HOA fees, hotel)

[Zhang Fei]

I'm hearing that these fees can get pretty hefty, and would like to get a handle on them.

[momof2dfw]

The norm for an area that does not have a community pool but some common areas but still not a large park or anything is usually about $25 a month. Then there are some that are much higher. Where I am I have to be a member of two, our neighborhood HOA and the larger community swim & rec club. So if you are in a really nice one w/ the community pools and all it can run you to about $600 a year. Just depends on what you want.

[GoPadge]

As you look, sites such as Realtor.com or my personal favorite ziprealty.com (for the map based view that maps the homes that meet your criteria) often show you the HOA fees.

[socketz]

momof2dfw is spot on. I've shopped all over the area and the lowest I've seen is $25 per month. These areas have no pool/parks, but may have some area greenery than needs upkeep. 680 is the highest I've seen and that was in Stonebridge. Stonebridge has alot of ammeniteis, so personally I think that's cheap.

I pay $90 a month here in San Diego and that was a selling point to the home I bought. Most people here pay closer to $200 a month for hoa. My mother-in-law pays $275 !! Again, Stonebride is a deal for about $60 a month.

[Steel Man]

Though not living in Dallas, San Antonio also has HOAs. The one I live in costs $257 a year (comes out to $21.42 a month), payable quarterly or yearly. Here is what we get for this:

Two large recreation areas (The first is 14 acres and the second about 1/2 mile away is 25 acres)

First area has:
Large swimming pool
Fenced children's play area
Two tennis courts
One basketball court
Volleyball area
Walking/running track
Football/soccer field
Large pavilion

Second area has:
Large swimming pool
Large clubhouse/office
Walking trails in the future

Right now we have about 2,500 homes. We also have an HOA manager, assistant manager, and secretary (all have salaries). I'd say we get our moneys worth.

[seahawksweetie]

Do all areas have HOA's? I find them to be somewhat restrictive. If I wanted to live in a hotel or an institution where everything was the same I'd do so.

I'm not a slob or trashy by any means, but I think it's crazy they can tell you what color to paint your house, or what color of window treatments to have or what kind of landscaping you choose. After all, it is YOUR home, not theirs. Or at least so I thought

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by seahawksweetie

Do all areas have HOA's? I find them to be somewhat restrictive. If I wanted to live in a hotel or an institution where everything was the same I'd do so.

I'm not a slob or trashy by any means, but I think it's crazy they can tell you what color to paint your house, or what color of window treatments to have or what kind of landscaping you choose. After all, it is YOUR home, not theirs. Or at least so I thought

Most new and newer developments do have them. Not all of them are THAT restrictive but there are some that are. I know of one in McKinney that has a list of approved plants, flowers, bushes and trees and forbids swingsets even the wooden fort kind. And it is supposed to be "family friendly". LOL!!! If you find a house you like and it is part of an HOA you can ask the seller to view their CC&R's (Covenant, Codes and Restrictions) and their Bylaws. I would also stop and ask people you see out about the HOA. Some can be very good and sensible while some are just plain gestapo (or what I call people that have no control over anything in their life and suddenly find themselves in a position of "power").

[seahawksweetie]

Thanks, that helps me a lot

[kaykay]

We live in what's called Chase Oaks in Plano. Our homeowners' association dues are only $60.00 a year. Now we do not have a community pool/park etc. In our case, joining is voluntary.

[socketz]

Originally Posted by momof2dfw

I know of one in McKinney that has a list of approved plants, flowers, bushes and trees and forbids swingsets even the wooden fort kind. And it is supposed to be "family friendly".

I know where you are talking about....And you have to admit, it's one of the nicest looking overall areas in North Dallas. In 5-10 years, it will still look good. Add that they have weekly dance and reading activities for kids, area golf tournaments, fishing events, etc. Not sure why you hate that area so much. Trafic is tough, but it's a nice area.