NAR's new Consumer Guide explains homeowners associations (HOAs), covering fees, rules and other important information, helping buyers make informed decisions.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Living in a community with a homeowners association comes with benefits and responsibilities that may be unfamiliar to buyers, particularly to first-time owners. HOAs are designed to maintain the standards and integrity of residential areas so a community is well-kept. The latest National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Consumer Guide provides essential insights for prospective buyers and answers important questions.

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The Homeowners Associations guide highlights key aspects related to HOAs, including fees and assessments and covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs). It also explains the differences between HOAs, condo associations and co-ops.

The guide is the latest addition to NAR’s Consumer Guide series to assist buyers and sellers as they navigate real estate transactions and make informed decisions.

All of NAR’s Consumer Guides in the series, along with other resources, highlight the value of working with a Realtor® with an eye on the practice changes that began Aug. 17.

The guides can be viewed at the NAR website facts.Realtor. The Consumer Guides can also be printed as handouts. Most are available in English and Spanish.

Click the title to view the PDFs:

• Why Am I Being Asked to Sign a Written Buyer Agreement? Covers recent practice changes when it comes to working with a real estate professional as a home buyer. Spanish
• Open Houses and Written Agreements: Covers what buyers need to know about touring homes, attending open houses and when a written buyer agreement is needed. Spanish
• Realtors’ Duty to Put Client Interests Above Their Own: Covers NAR’s strict Code of Ethics that all agents who are Realtors must follow and their ethical duties to act in their client’s best interests. Spanish
• What Veterans Need to Know About Buying a Home: Covers what NAR is doing to promote access to financing for veterans and highlights the options available to veteran buyers in their homebuying process. Spanish
• Offers of Compensation: Covers the process and options available for offering compensation to a buyer’s agent and the reasons why this may be a compelling option for sellers to consider when marketing their property. Spanish
• Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements: Covers what home buyers should expect when negotiating a written buyer agreement with an agent who is a Realtor. Spanish
• Seller Concessions: Covers the most common types of seller concessions, rules for when and where to offer them and how they can facilitate a successful transaction for both homebuyers and sellers. Spanish
• Multiple Listing Services (MLSs): Covers what an MLS is and how it aids in the homebuying and home selling process. Spanish
• Fair Housing: Covers housing discrimination and the Realtor’s role in ensuring fair housing practices are followed. Spanish
• Listing Agreements: Covers negotiating and signing a listing agreement with your agent. Spanish
• Ten Questions to Ask a Buyer’s Agent: Covers questions buyers should consider when selecting an agent and highlights the importance of Realtors. Spanish
• Ten Questions to Ask a Seller’s Agent: Covers questions sellers should consider when selecting an agent and highlights the important of Realtors. Spanish
• Buying Your First Home: Covers where to begin and what resources are available to first-time buyers. Spanish
• Mortgages and Financing: Covers general information about types of mortgages, available financing and concessions. Spanish
• Steps Between Signing and Closing on a Home: Covers commonly asked questions about the basics of what to expect during the period between signing and closing. Spanish
• Home Inspections: Covers details about home inspections including who is responsible for the associated costs and what “as is” means regarding a sale. Spanish
• Homeowners Insurance: Covers essential information for understanding the basics of homeowners insurance coverage. Spanish
• Flood Insurance: Covers key considerations for flood insurance, including requirements and options. Spanish
• Fire Damage and Policy Coverage: Covers important details about homeowners insurance policies regarding wildfire damage. Spanish
• Preparing to Sell Your Home: Covers how to prepare it for listing and viewing by potential buyers. Spanish
• What Goes Into Pricing Your Home: Covers the factors that influence a home’s price, how agents can determine the asking price and what sellers should know about it. Spanish
• Escrow and Earnest Money: Covers what buyers should know about earnest money deposits, including the general terms and use cases in real estate transactions. Spanish
• Preparing for Homeownership: Covers what prospective buyers should consider as they start their home purchase process. Spanish
• Property Taxes: Covers general questions about property taxes, including information about exemptions and reassessments. Spanish
• Marketing Your Home: Covers considerations when marketing a home for sale, including open houses, staging and curb appeal. Spanish
• Homeowners Associations: Covers details about HOAs, including rules, fees and the benefits and drawbacks of HOA living.

For the most up-to-date information about the practice changes, including videos, infographics and new and revised forms and contracts, check the Florida Realtors®’ NAR Settlement Resource Guide webpage frequently.

All forms are also available on Form Simplicity. As always, the Florida Realtors Legal Hotline is available weekdays to answer your questions at 407-438-1409. Questions may also be submitted online any time by clicking here.

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