The Top Homeownership Expenses You Need To Know

April 18, 2023 by

The Top Homeownership Expenses You Need To KnowOwning a home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of the expenses that come with homeownership. Understanding these costs can help you prepare for and manage them effectively, ensuring a smoother transition into your new home.

The Mortgage Payment

The mortgage payment is typically the largest expense that homeowners face. This monthly payment consists of the principal and interest on your home loan. The principal is the amount you borrowed to purchase the home, while the interest is the cost of borrowing the money. The length of your loan term and the interest rate will determine the size of your monthly mortgage payment. Keep in mind that paying down your principal faster can reduce the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

Your Property Taxes

Property taxes are another significant expense for homeowners. These taxes are levied by local governments and are typically based on the assessed value of your property. Property tax rates can vary widely depending on the location of your home and the quality of public services in the area. Be sure to factor in property taxes when determining the affordability of a home, as they can make a substantial difference in your overall housing costs.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is an essential expense that protects your investment in your home. This type of insurance covers damage to your property and belongings, as well as liability in the event someone is injured on your property. The cost of homeowners insurance can vary depending on factors such as the value of your home, the amount of coverage you choose, and the location of your property. 

HOA Dues

If you live in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA), you may be required to pay monthly or annual dues. These fees cover the maintenance of common areas, amenities, and services provided by the HOA. It’s important to understand the costs associated with HOA dues and what services they cover, as they can add to your overall housing expenses. Be sure to review the HOA’s rules and regulations before purchasing a home in such a community, as they can impact your ability to make certain modifications to your property or how you use the common areas.

Budget For These Expenses Accordingly

Understanding and preparing for the top expenses of homeownership is crucial for a smooth and successful experience. By considering the mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA dues, you can better anticipate the costs associated with owning a home and make informed decisions about your budget and financial planning.

 

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: , ,

Condo Damage Caused By Contractors Hired By The HOA: Who Pays?

August 28, 2020 by

Condo Damage Caused By Contractors Hired By The HOA: Who Pays?For those who live in a condo, they know that there are numerous advantages that come with this living arrangement. Living in a condo means that other people are going to be responsible for landscaping and common areas while homeowners are still able to build equity in the home.

At the same time, the HOA has quite a bit of power and one of the biggest concerns that people might have involves who pays for the damage in the event that something in the building has been damaged. There are a few important points to keep in mind.

Roof Replacement Contractors

Sometimes, the HOA might hire contractors to work on the roof. During this process, there might be a leak that develops in the roof. This could leak through and damage condos that are on the top floor of the building. This could damage the kitchen ceiling. The association might try to get out of paying to fix certain damages.

It is important to note that those who live in a condo building buy into everything that goes along with ownership. This includes the management and the contractors that are hired by the manager.

Read The Document Carefully

When people move into a condo building, there are certain bylaws they agree to follow. Sometimes, this packet might state that the unit owner is responsible for any damage to a unit that is caused by the association. The bylaws usually state something along the lines of “unit owners need to have homeowner’s insurance.” In this case, the insurance carrier should help the unit owner cover some of the costs of the repairs.

If the condo docs are drafted in this manner, then the unit owner is responsible for the repairs even though the contractor caused the damage.

File An Insurance Claim

While this might not sound like a perfect solution, the unit owner might still not have to pay for the damages. This is why unit owners need to have home insurance. The next step should be to file a claim with the home insurance company. This claim might be able to cover the cost of the repairs that were caused by the contractors hired by the HOA.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: , ,

HOA : The Role Of Homeowners Associations In Housing Communities

November 5, 2012 by

Homeowners Associations (HOA)Homeowners associations (HOA) are legal corporations formed by a real estate developer to market, to manage, and to sell homes and lots in a residential subdivision.

They’re most commonly formed for condominiums and planned urban developments (PUDs), a category which includes suburban communities. 

HOA Articles of Incorporation typically grant developers privileged voting rights in governing the association during its infancy, while providing the means for the developer to exit financial and legal responsibility for the organization, transferring ownership to the homeowners of the association.

This transfer typically occurs after a predetermined number of units have been sold — often two-thirds of the available lots and/or units.

Each homeowners association enforces its own governing documents in the form of restrictive covenants, by-laws, architectural guidelines and regulations. Together, the “rules” of an HOA are meant to define the community standards for the purpose of protecting property values.

Restrictive covenants vary widely from homeowners association to homeowners association. Covenants may include guidelines on issues as varied as where parking is permissible; planned architectural improvements; and, landscaping.

HOAs often enforce these common restrictive covenants, among others :

  • •Boats, utility trailers, RVs, and commercial vehicles may not be parked in driveways and streets
  • Homes may not be painted in “loud” colors
  • Yard signage may not be political in nature, nor defamatory
  • Lawn care must be performed routinely to prevent overgrowth
  • For condos with balconies, towels and clothing may not be draped on railing

For homes governed by an HOA, membership in the homeowners association is a condition of purchase; buyer are not permitted to opt-out.

Homeowners associations make their by-laws available upon request to existing, governed homeowners and will often make by-laws available to prospective home buyers as well. Review community guidelines before buying into a building or neighborhood, and before beginning a home improvement project. It’s important to know what actions are permissible and what actions are not.

In addition, most mortgage lenders require HOA by-laws as part of the mortgage approval process.  

Filed Under: Real Estate Definitions Tagged With: , ,