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What Is An HOA Fee? Everything You Need To Know

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Feb 21, 2023 10 min read
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What Is An HOA Fee? Everything You Need To Know
Chapters
01
What Is an HOA? 
02
HOA Fee's
03
What is your HOA fee used for? 
04
What happens if you don't pay?
05
Board of directors 
06
Rules of an HOA 
07
Statistics 
08
Questions to ask before purchasing a home in an HOA 
09
What is an HOA fee? - Final Thoughts 

What Is An HOA Fee?

Do you live in an HOA community or plan to move to one? Follow along as we discuss what an HOA fee is, what your fee could entail, and more! 

Living in a community run by a homeowner's association (HOA) is very common. While not every neighborhood is overseen by an HOA, many newer subdivisions are.

If you're purchasing a home in a homeowner's association and want more information about what that could mean, we've got you covered! There are many rules and fees that are associated with a homeowner's association, and we're going to discuss them all! Let's start with what an HOA is. 

What Is an HOA? 

An HOA, aka homeowner's association, is a non-profit committee run by a board of directors that enforces neighborhood regulations. The board of directors is typically made up of neighborhood volunteers who devote their time to overseeing the maintenance and use of shared spaces and ensuring the CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) are followed by all. 

HOA Fee's

A homeowner's association fee is the amount of money collected by an HOA organization from the property owners to maintain aspects of the community. Your HOA fee mainly goes towards maintaining the common spaces & amenities, as well as the neighborhood's landscaping. When buying a home in a homeowner's association, you are automatically required to pay dues and officially become a member. Your HOA fee is typically due monthly but can also be an annual payment. 

The fee you are required to pay will be disclosed to you before you become a member. In addition to the monthly or annual fees, the HOA may charge a one-time home stranger fee when you purchase your property. They can also impose special assessments to cover the cost of unexpected repairs. Special assessments can be one-time charges or ongoing fees on top of your regular dues. HOA boards typically don't have to poll or even notify residents before they do. 

To hold you accountable for your fee, your lender will include the HOA fee in your monthly mortgage, ensuring you don't forget a payment, miss a payment, or go over budget. 

Special Assessments: A specific tax levied on private property to meet the cost of public improvements that provide a special benefit enhancing the property's value. 

What is your HOA fee used for? 

So, where does your money go? Once your fee is in the hands of the HOA management, it is most commonly used for the upkeep of the common areas in your community. In a neighborhood of single-family homes, your HOA fee typically goes towards landscaping, road maintenance, snow removal, and similar services. 

If you live in a condominium, your HOA fees typically go towards maintaining the building's lobbies and common areas, elevators, swimming pools, and parking spaces. High HOA fees could be considered a con of condo living

1. Insurance 

Homeowner's associations will often need to purchase insurance. The insurance they purchase is for the community properties only and does not include your own home. You must purchase your own homeowner's insurance. HOA insurance policies serve to protect themselves against costly damages or any other incidents that may occur in the common areas. Some associations may also need to get flood insurance to protect from environmental hazards.

2. Utilities 

Homeowner's associations must pay utilities to ensure the common areas are open and operable. Shared buildings they often have to pay utilities for are pools, wellness centers, meeting rooms, clubhouses, etc. If you're living in an apartment building, your fees may also cover your own units' electricity, air conditioning, and heating. Your payment may also go toward your cable and internet service. 

3. Contingency funds

Any good homeowner's association will set aside a certain amount of fees for unexpected costs. These costs could include expenses for the community, emergency expenses, or insurance expenses after a natural disaster.

4. Reserves 

A homeowner's association's reserves are similar to its contingency funds. HOA management should establish reserve funds in case of emergency. After the HOA has paid for all the community necessities with the fees acquired, they should put the remaining in a reserve account separate from the everyday funds account. Reserves should be used for major repairs or unexpected costs. 

5. Maintenance and repair costs 

Maintaining and repairing the common areas within the community is one of the main ways your HOA fee is used. Maintenance can include lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, plumbing system maintenance and upkeep, lighting and electrical costs, repairs, pool maintenance, air conditioning and heating costs, pest control, and general repairs. 

6. Staff 

If your HOA hires maintenance staff, landscapers, security, etc., your HOA fees will be used to pay their salary. 

7. Community association management 

Since no experience is necessary and the board members of an HOA are typically volunteers, they will often call upon experts to help run daily operations. This could include overseeing maintenance requests, insurance policies, and other operational tasks. Your HOA fees will be used to pay for their services. 

What happens if you don't pay?

The CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) will explain the fines that can be imposed for violating the HOA rules of regulations

Paying your HOA fee on time is extremely important. Missing a payment or deciding not to pay can cause serious repercussions, including losing your home. If you are late paying your dues, your homeowner's association can place liens on your home and even foreclose on those liens. If you plan to sell your home in the future, the lien must be paid and taken care of before you can sell. The HOA can go through with the foreclosure even if you are paying your mortgage on time, so it's important to keep up with when your fee is due. A less severe repercussion is being charged a late fee or interest until it's paid. 

An HOA can also restrict or limit your access to common areas or amenities in the event of late or missed payments. If you continue to miss payments, the HOA can hire a collection agency to obtain the missed fees. 

Additionally, you can be sued. Your HOA can sue you for the unpaid dues, fines, and any interests that accumulated, and they can garnish your wages to take what's owned from your bank account. 

Lien: A legal claim on assets that allows the holder to obtain access to the property if debts are not paid; the right to have a demand satisfied out of the property of another; depending on the type of debt owed, liens can be attached to real property, such as a home, or personal property, such as a car or other furniture. 

If you're struggling to pay your fees or are struggling financially, reach out to your HOA and try to set up a payment plan. More often than not, they are willing to help you as long as you are upfront about your situation. 

Foreclosure: a method of enforcing payment of a debt secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or lien on real property by selling the real property and applying the proceeds of the sale to satisfy the debt. As a result of the foreclosure, the property owner loses all rights in the property. 

CC&Rs: legal terms that affect the rights and responsibilities of a property owner (homebuyer); a legal document that is filed with the county recorder's office and made part of the official real estate records that run with the land that is part of the community. 

Board of directors 

The board of directors commonly determines your HOA fee for your association. The HOA board of directors has the authority to make and enforce community regulations designed to protect property values and the communities well-being. They also manage the finances. Regarding financing, the board of directors will often ask for input from the members to appropriately agree upon budgets. Your fees can go towards maintaining the entrance sign, landscaping, and common areas, such as facilities, swimming pools, party rooms, etc. 

Rules of an HOA 

The rules of an HOA can vary, but some are common for every association. HOA rules cover your homeownership rights, and upon signing, you agree to abide by these legally binding rules. The rules you are expected to follow can be found within the association's covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) and apply to every community member - including homeowners and tenants. 

Some rules an HOA will impose include restrictions on your landscape choices, including types of acceptable plants and trees, and on your exterior decor, including the color of your house, front door, or roof shingles. Other rules include fencing type and height limits, outdoor structures, decks, pools, maintenance standards, etc.

Most HOAs will also regulate parking. They do this to ensure the streets aren't overcrowded and you're not causing danger to your neighbors. Parking limitations can include the number of vehicles that can park on your property, regulations on street parking, and bans on recreational vehicles, boats, lawn equipment, bicycles, etc. 

Another common HOA restriction is pets. Pet restrictions often include the number of pets allowed in your home, the size of the pets, and spay or neuter guidelines. When bringing a pet into your home, looking at the HOAs fencing regulations and noise levels is essential. Lastly, HOAs commonly regulate occupancy limits and renting or subletting bans. 

Statistics 

Monthly HOA fees average $170, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Housing Survey estimates. The majority of homeowners in HOAs pay less than $50 a month. 

As of 2021, 74.2 million Americans, or 29 percent of the country's population, live in homeowner's associations, condominium communities, or co-ops, according to the Community Associations Institute (CAI). 

Homes in associations have a collective value of $11 trillion, according to the Community Associations Institute. 

California has the highest number of associations, at more than 50,000, closely followed by Florida, at 49,420, according to the Community Association Institute.

66.9% of new homes completed in 2021 are part of HOA communities.

72% of new homes in the South are in HOAs, down 0.14% YoY.

Questions to ask before purchasing a home in an HOA 

1. How often has the HOA increased fees in recent years?

2. What services do these fees cover?

3. Does the HOA have reserve funds for long-term repairs and maintenance?

4. Does the HOA have a history of charging special assessments?

5. How much is the HOA fee?

6. Is the fee due monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.?

What is an HOA fee? - Final Thoughts 

When you're looking to purchase a single-family home, townhouse, or condominium in North Carolina and many other states, the odds are that your new home will come with a homeowner's association. These associations enforce and regulate the community's rules and ensure that the community is always in the best shape. When purchasing a home in an HOA, you will be required to pay a monthly or annual fee. As previously stated, your fee can go towards landscaping, maintenance and repairs, utilities, staffing, insurance, and more. A lot of buyers aren't sure exactly what their fee is being used for, so it's essential to read your association's CC&Rs ahead of time! While the fee can get costly, a homeowner's association benefits your community and keeps the area safe and clean. 

So, if you're considering purchasing a home in an HOA, we'd be happy to help! Here at Raleigh Realty, we specialize in the home buying and selling process. We would love to help you find your dream home, whether that be in an HOA or not! Feel free to contact us or visit our website for more information and to be connected to one of our excellent agents. 

By the end of our guide, we hope that we have answered all your questions on what an HOA fee is and what your fee is used for! If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to ask!

 

 

 

 

 

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
What Is an HOA? 
02
HOA Fee's
03
What is your HOA fee used for? 
04
What happens if you don't pay?
05
Board of directors 
06
Rules of an HOA 
07
Statistics 
08
Questions to ask before purchasing a home in an HOA 
09
What is an HOA fee? - Final Thoughts 
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