Buyer guides

HOA buyer guides

Plain-English guides to the documents you get when you buy in an HOA or condo association.

• What to look for in HOA documents before you buyThe documents in an HOA or condo resale package, and the 12 things to check in them before closing: dues, reserves, special assessments, lawsuits, rental and pet rules, and more.
• How to read an HOA reserve studyWhat an HOA reserve study is, what percent funded means, which numbers to look at, and when weak reserves can mean special assessments.
• HOA special assessments: how to spot one before you buyWhat an HOA special assessment is, where the warning signs show up in the documents, and what to ask, and negotiate, before closing.
• The 12 HOA red flags checklistA printable checklist of what to look for, where to find it and what to ask.