What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees
What Buyers in the Greater Chattanooga Area Should Know About HOA Fees
By Lawrence Team Homes
When you're in the market for a new home—especially here in the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas—your mind is probably on mortgage rates, home prices, down payments, and closing costs. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that might not be on your radar yet: HOA fees.
Depending on where you're looking, homeowners association (HOA) fees may be part of the picture. While not every home comes with them, they’re increasingly common—especially in newer developments.
So, what exactly is an HOA, and are the fees worth it?
The Benefits of Having an HOA
Think about this. If you’ve fallen in love with a home because of how beautiful the community is – maybe it’s the landscaping, the well-maintained streets, or the overall curb appeal – there’s a good chance the HOA is one of the reasons why it looks so good. Here are some of the biggest perks:
- Neighborhood Maintenance: Many HOAs cover landscaping, snow removal, and upkeep of common areas. This helps maintain the neighborhood’s overall appearance.
- Amenities: Depending on the neighborhood, an HOA could also include access to perks like a pool, clubhouse, fitness center, or even private security. In these cases, while you have to pay an HOA fee, you’re also saving money in some ways because you don’t need to have separate gym or pool memberships anymore.
- Property Value Protection: Since HOAs enforce community standards, they prevent homes from falling into disrepair. So, you don’t have to worry about nearby eyesores hurting your property value.
- Less Personal Upkeep: In some communities, HOAs even take care of exterior maintenance, roof repairs, or other shared responsibilities, reducing the work for homeowners.
HOA Fees: More Common, Especially in Newer Neighborhoods
Does every house have HOA fees? No, not all homes have them. But they are common, especially in newer communities. In fact, over 80% of newly built single-family homes are now part of an HOA, according to the Wall Street Journal (see graph below):
But it’s not just new builds that have homeowners associations. Homes that were previously lived in may have an HOA fee too. According to Axios roughly 4 out of every 10 homes had an HOA in 2024.
HOA Fees and Your Home Search
When we work with buyers here at Lawrence Team Homes, one of the things we look at is whether HOA fees are part of the equation—and what they include. Some of our clients love the extra amenities, while others prefer more freedom and fewer monthly expenses.
That’s why it’s important to understand your preferences early on. Would you rather enjoy a community pool and low-maintenance living, or do you prefer full control over your property without extra fees?
Bottom Line
Before making an offer on a home with an HOA, take the time to review the rules, understand the fees, and see how they fit into your lifestyle and budget.
Not sure what’s right for you? That’s what we’re here for. At Lawrence Team Homes, we’ve helped over 1,000 families find their perfect fit in the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas. Let’s sit down and talk through your options—whether you’re leaning toward an HOA community or something a little more independent.
Would you rather pay an HOA fee for added perks, or skip it and have full control over your property? Let’s talk about what’s best for you.
