Homeowners associations, or HOAs, provoke strong feelings in some residential developments. Avoid conflicts with goodwill gestures such as these. Understanding the HOA’s purpose and structure An HOA is an organization of the owners in a condominium complex, townhome development or subdivision. These organizations allow property owners to govern their neighborhood in a way that protects… Read more »
Most roads are public thoroughfares, maintained by local, state or federal authorities and paid for with tax dollars. But that’s not always the case, which is why it’s smart for potential home buyers to ask about street ownership and maintenance. Public versus private streets A public street is any road open for public travel, under… Read more »
When you’re shopping for a new home, many planned developments offer tempting neighborhood amenities such as swimming pools and tennis courts. But before you dive in, read about the pros and cons. Pros. Living in a neighborhood with tennis courts and a swimming pool provides easy access to leisure activities without the extra work or… Read more »
Buying a brand new home has a strong appeal — everything is crisp and new and under warranty. But what about the timing of that new purchase? Is it wise to be among the first homeowners in a new subdivision or should you hold back and wait to buy one of the last houses available… Read more »
