[jhd815]

Also consider whether you want to purchase a home in a development with a "community association".

I live in a community with a Homeowners Association and we have rules that don't permit more than a 4foot high fence, no sheds, etc. Some associations have very strict declarations. The sales agent might tell you that your association can always change the "rules" if they don't like them.

True. However, HO associations often have "rules", that can be changed by the vote of the board members, and another set of regulations known as "declarations" which take a 66% (at least for our HOA) vote of the homeowners to make any changes.

Our garages are small for a two car garage and many people say they would like to have sheds, but we can never get the 66% of votes to change the declarations.

HOA's also charge monthly assesments for the upkeep of common areas within your community.

Had I known about the strict declarations and how many votes it would take to change them, I may not have selected where I live now, although, it's not really that bad.

Just something to think about before you buy for yourself, and later, if you should be looking to sell (some people don't want to buy homes that have an HOA).