If you are wanting to purchase and live in a house in a planned area, it would be most probably subject under a Homeowners Association's (HOA) rules and regulations. HOAs can be regarded as either an advantage or a disadvantage. If you are about to buy Newark real estate, it is advisable to make yourself aware of these things. The following are some pros and cons of having a HOA - check if it would be of help to you or not.

Pros of Homeowners Associations

• The restrictions, conditions, and covenants of a HOA are intended to provide protection to the homes' value and to maintain peace and order in the neighborhood. For instance, a HOA may inhibit your neighbor from putting up a hideous fountain in his/her front yard, keeping a pet, or parking his/her car on the lawn.

• Generally, the houses in communities that are governed by such associations are well kept.

• The common areas in the neighborhood are properly maintained, such as the road leading to the community, the pool, or the front lobby.

• Owners in such neighborhoods usually have the shared utilization of party facilities and pools that are maintained by the HOA. It's like having your own swimming pool without the responsibilities of maintaining it.

• If you're having an argument with your neighbor about something, you can take the issue to the association to help you sort things out.

• The dues for the Homeowners Association may finance shared services such as snow removal, lawn maintenance, garbage pickup, and security. There would be less work for you.

• Such associations may possibly fund for community get-togethers and events.

Cons of Homeowners Associations

• All homeowners are mandated to become a member of the association in HOA-governed communities.

• Members are required to pay for membership dues, which may possibly increase. Before you buy a property among the available Newark homes for sale, you ought to check to know first about such dues like when you should pay, what these fees do and do not cover, as well as the possibility of an increase.

• Some associations do not permit homeowners to have pets.

• Members of HOA may have less influence on how they may change their homes' appearances since some associations have rules against installing a pool, fencing one's backyard, or even painting your front door red. It is also possible that some restrictions are put about when homeowners can cut and water their lawn.

• Some communities are age-restricted, meaning there are associations that do not permit people below a particular age to move in with you in your home.

• You may not be allowed to rent out, under HOA rules and regulations.

• If you aren't able to meet the requirements or you break a rule, the HOA can charge a fine.

• If you're unable to pay the dues and/or fines, the HOA might attempt to foreclose on your property.