Homeowners' Association Disclosure

What does the HOA transfer process look like in practice? Upon a signed agreement, the seller will notify the HOA of the pending sale and a representative from the HOA will send over the required documents at least three days before closing. 

The HOA will also conduct an inspection on the property’s exterior to confirm there are no covenant violations. The transfer of ownership is their opportunity to diligently inspect the property, and they’ll usually have a laundry list of (sometimes expensive) repairs that need to be made in order to avoid any violations. 

Keep in mind that the HOA inspection is only for the property’s exterior, so you won’t get any feedback on the interior condition like you will for a normal inspection.

“For years, our trash can was stored on the side of our house and shielded from view by a tree that was a mere two feet from the corner of the house. When we cut the tree down because of potential foundation issues, we received a notice letter from our HOA requiring the trash can be hidden from view of the street. In an effort to be good residents, we put up a lattice with some flowering vines to obscure the trash can, only to receive a second letter stating that we had erected an unapproved lattice in the front yard!”