In several personal stories and news stories across the nation, there are instances of community associations that are posed as general nightmares for residents. From a man losing his home for planting too many roses, to liens for thousands of dollars on a home for each day its pink flamingo was left out, there is no shortage of horror stories.
While unfortunately, those stories are true, they are very extreme examples of what can go wrong with an ill-managed community association. In fact, if you are part of an association that has reasonable policies and management, then you will see some very obvious benefits. Here are some of the top examples of what benefits community associations can provide to their residents.
1. Amenities
The biggest benefit of living in a well-established community with an association is the amenities involved. The money that you put towards your fees goes towards maintaining amenities that will greatly improve your neighborhood. Some of the amenities that fees can contribute to include:
- Common Area Landscape
- Exterior Wall Maintenance
- Pools and Playgrounds
- Walking Trails
- Sports Courts
The list can really go on and on and varies from association to association based on assessment amounts, but community associations can greatly affect the perks within your neighborhood.
2. Maintenance Costs
With added amenities come added maintenance costs. Your fees are in place to help maintain the features of your community.
Community Association Fees Cover Maintenance Areas Like:
- Trash Removal
- Lawn Care
- Pool Maintenance
- Common Area Upkeep
- Structure upkeep (walls, clubhouse, etc.)
3. Extra Support with Neighborhood Issues
If you notice something wrong in your neighborhood or if you have a question about plans you intend to carry out on your property, your association is in place to provide support for resolving your issues and answering your questions. Perhaps there has been a broken-down vehicle in your neighbor’s driveway for a long time and you aren’t sure what options are available to get it removed. Maybe you’d like to redo your roof but aren’t sure of which shingles are allowed. Whatever your question, your community association will either have an answer or know how to get the answer to you.
4. Be a Part of Your Community
By paying your association fees, you are making yourself an integral part of your community. This means that you have an active voice in actions and can potentially be a part of many positive changes for your community. Want to see more social events in your neighborhood? Volunteer to head up a social committee. Is there one issue that you notice? Notify your management company or speak up at the next board meeting. You are a member of your community association, so be sure to make your voice heard.
5. Property Values
When all these other facets are operating optimally, it makes your neighborhood a coveted place to reside, which directly increases your property values. A community association with no amenities, deferred maintenance of common areas, rampant violations, and which lacks a sense of community is certainly less desirable than one where all these benefits are available.
Does Your Community Need Structure? Goodwin & Company Can Help
All of these benefits become apparent in a well-managed community association. If you need a management company that is dedicated to your community, Goodwin & Company is committed to providing structure, support, and education to preserve the interests of your community association. Contact us today to find out how we can improve your community.
