HOA & Condo Basics: Fees, Rules & How They Work
Clear answers about what an HOA or condo association is, what your dues cover, and how the rules work.
Are HOA & Condo Fees Tax Deductible? (2026 Rules)
Are HOA or condo fees tax deductible? See when they qualify for a rental vs. primary residence, plus the home-office exception and special assessments.
CDD vs. HOA: What's the Difference?
CDD vs. HOA — a community development district is a taxing entity, not an association. Why some communities have both, and what's on your tax bill.
Condo Association vs. HOA: What's the Difference?
How a condo association differs from a homeowners association — what you own, who maintains what, insurance, fees, and which laws apply.
Condo Loan Approval: FHA vs VA vs Conventional
Condo loan approval works differently for FHA, VA, and conventional loans. Compare the rules, the lookups, and what each one requires of the HOA.
Condo vs. Apartment: What's the Difference?
Condo vs. apartment, explained: ownership vs. renting, who pays HOA fees, maintenance responsibility, and which is the better fit for buying vs. renting.
Condo vs. House: Cost and Upkeep Compared
Condo vs. house: cost, HOA fees, maintenance, appreciation, and financing compared, so you can decide which fits your budget and how much upkeep you want.
Condo vs. Townhouse: Costs & Dues Compared
Condo vs. townhouse: ownership structure, homeowners association (HOA) fees, insurance, and financing compared to help you choose the right home.
Fannie Mae Approved Condo List
There is no public Fannie Mae approved condo list. Here's how condo project eligibility works, what the 'blacklist' really is, and how to check yours.
FHA Approved Condo List
FHA publishes a real, public approved condo list. How to search it, read the status and expiration date, and what to do if a building isn't approved.
Gated Community vs. HOA: Are They the Same Thing?
A gated community and an HOA aren't the same thing. What makes a community 'gated,' who typically governs one, and how gate fees relate to HOA dues.
HOA Board Member Orientation: A Complete Onboarding Guide
How to run an effective HOA board member orientation covering director duties, packet documents, conflict policies, and common onboarding mistakes.
HOA Fees vs. Property Taxes
How HOA fees differ from property taxes — who levies each, what they fund, deductibility, and what happens if you don't pay.
HOA Governing Documents
What the four HOA governing documents are, their legal hierarchy, what each one covers, and how to get copies or propose amendments.
HOA vs. POA: What's the Difference?
HOA vs. POA (property owners association) — usually the same thing under a different name, but with real legal differences in a few states.
How Are HOA Fees Paid? Mortgage, Escrow & Closing
How HOA fees are paid — separate from your mortgage or through escrow, what happens at closing, payment methods, and what to know as a buyer or seller.
How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a Condo?
Learn how much is a down payment on a condo across FHA, VA, conventional, and non-warrantable loans, plus project approvals and hidden costs.
How Much Is the Average HOA Fee? (2026 Data)
The average HOA fee is $250–$300/month, and condo fees average $420. See ranges by state, property type, and what drives average HOA costs up.
How to Lower HOA Fees
Practical ways to reduce HOA fees, from auditing expenses and rebidding contracts to running for the board and right-sizing amenities.
How to Run an HOA New Owner Orientation Program
Learn how to build an HOA new owner orientation program that introduces rules, assessments, architectural approvals, amenities, and volunteer roles.
Non-Warrantable Condo
What makes a condo non-warrantable, how owners find out, and the concrete steps a board can take to make the project warrantable again.
Non-Warrantable Condo Financing
How to finance a non-warrantable condo — portfolio and non-QM loans, cash, seller financing, FHA single-unit approval, and credit unions.
Pros and Cons of an HOA: What to Weigh Before You Buy
A complete guide to the pros and cons of an HOA, covering amenities, neighborhood rules, assessments, reserve studies, and how to evaluate the tradeoff.
PUD vs. Condo: Key Differences Buyers Should Know
How a planned unit development (PUD) compares to a condominium — ownership, insurance, financing, HOA fees, and which is right for you.
Types of HOA Fees Explained
What HOA transfer, capital contribution, working capital, demand, and certification fees actually are — and who typically pays each one at closing.
VA Approved Condo List
The VA approved condo list is public and searchable. Here's how to look up a project, read the VA status codes, and get a building approved if it isn't.
What Are CC&Rs in an HOA? Meaning, Rules, and Enforcement
Learn what CC&Rs are in an HOA, what Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions cover, who enforces them, and how amendments work in your community.
What Do HOA Fees Cover?
A clear breakdown of what HOA and condo fees pay for — maintenance, insurance, amenities, management, and reserves — plus what they usually don't cover.
What Is a Common Interest Development?
Learn what a common interest development (CID) is in real estate, the four common types, how state laws govern them, and how to tell if you live in one.
What Is an HOA Initiation Fee? A Guide for Buyers
What an HOA initiation fee is, how it differs from monthly dues and transfer fees, typical amounts, who pays it, and where to find your real number.
What Is an HOA? Homeowners Associations Explained
What a homeowners association (HOA) is, how it works, what your dues pay for, HOA vs condo association, and what to know before buying.
Why Are HOA Fees So High?
Why HOA and condo fees keep going up — insurance spikes, underfunded reserves, deferred maintenance, new mandates — and what owners can do.
Why Do HOAs Exist? The Real Reason
Why do HOAs exist? Developers create them to shift infrastructure costs and protect resale value, not for the reasons most owners assume today.