Sometimes higher dues mean they’re actually planning ahead—like, funding future repairs instead of just reacting when stuff breaks.
This is so true. I used to think low dues were a win until I refinanced and actually looked closer at the HOA’s books—turns out “cheap” meant they’d been putting off maintenance for years. But man, finding that balance is tough. Has anyone ever tried negotiating with an HOA about cutting amenities you don’t use? Or is that just wishful thinking?
I’ve wondered about that too—like, why am I paying for a pool I never use? But honestly, getting an HOA to cut amenities is almost impossible unless a ton of owners are on board. They’re usually locked into contracts or have rules in the bylaws. I tried bringing up the gym once (it’s always empty), but the board just shrugged it off. In my experience, you’re kind of stuck with what’s there, so I’d say factor those dues into your budget from the start. Low dues can be a trap if they’re just kicking the can down the road...
HOA Fees Are Sneaky
Yeah, I hear you on the amenities thing. When I bought my place, I barely glanced at what the HOA covered—just saw “low dues” and thought I was winning. Turns out, a couple years later, they hiked them up to cover pool repairs and landscaping upgrades I never asked for. Kinda wish I'd looked closer at the budget and reserves before signing. It’s wild how little say you actually have once you’re in...
“Turns out, a couple years later, they hiked them up to cover pool repairs and landscaping upgrades I never asked for.”
This hit home for me. I thought I was being smart by focusing on the monthly dues, but didn’t even think to ask about the reserve fund or upcoming projects. Next thing I knew, there was a “special assessment” for new roofs and I was on the hook for way more than I’d budgeted. It’s wild how those “low dues” can be a trap if the HOA isn’t saving enough. Now I always ask for the last few years’ meeting notes—boring, but it saved me from another surprise.
Title: HOA Dues—Not Always What They Seem
That’s a tough lesson, but honestly, you’re not alone. I’ve seen plenty of buyers get blindsided by special assessments or sudden dues hikes. Low monthly fees look great on paper, but if the reserve fund’s running on fumes, it’s just a matter of time before the bills come due. Digging into those meeting notes is tedious, sure, but it really does give you a heads-up about what’s coming down the line. Sometimes I wish more folks realized that “low dues” can be a red flag, not just a selling point.
