By Summer Knight
2025 President
Santa Barbara Association of Realtors
For many homebuyers, especially here along the South Coast, purchasing a home often means becoming part of a Homeowners Association (HOA) or similar community association. Whether you're considering a condo, townhouse, or a home in a master planned community, it’s important to understand what an HOA is, and how it might impact your lifestyle and budget.
So, what exactly is an HOA?
An HOA is an organization that manages and governs a residential community. It’s responsible for maintaining shared amenities, like pools, parks, clubhouses, or landscaping, and enforcing rules that are meant to help preserve property values and community standards. Most HOAs are run by volunteer boards made up of fellow homeowners, and they operate under a set of bylaws and governing documents known as CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions).