Photo by Robert Arthur Designs via Shutterstock

If you’re moving to a new city, particularly an area with new development, you may discover that most homes are part of a homeowner’s association. If you’ve never been part of one before, you might not understand their function and why they are useful within a neighborhood.

When an association functions properly, it improves the value of homes in the community. The rules and conditions keep your neighbors from infringing on your rights and vice versa.

Here’s a brief list of how your HOA benefits you:

• It handles disputes between neighbors, so if your neighbor’s tree falls on your fence, the association mediates getting your fence repaired. Rules regarding approval for changes, renovations or upgrades to exteriors keep your neighbor from adding a second story that blocks your lake view or changing their exterior to a particularly obnoxious shade of orange.
• It gives access to and maintains shared or common property. Typically, playgrounds, pools and parks fall into this category. In the case of condominiums and patio homes, the HOA often handles repairs to the exterior, roofs, elevators, garage doors and fences. Entry doors, hallways, and security also often fall under the jurisdiction of the association.
• Many HOAs hire a property management service to take care of entry gates for a gated community, make agreements for waste removal and negotiate with the city regarding rezoning that might affect your home.
• In some cases, HOAs handle the landscaping on the front of your home so that you only take care of your enclosed back yard or patio. For busy homeowners, this is quite an advantage. Other associations merely govern how long you can let your grass grow. This protects you from a negligent property owner that doesn’t take care of the house down the street.

While some of the rules may seem onerous, quizzing longtime residents can give insight into why one or another was added. A rule about basketball hoops in the driveway might make it seem as if they don’t want your kids playing out front. But perhaps the rule resulted from a freak windstorm that sent a freestanding basketball hoop across the street and through a neighbor’s window. Unless you ask, you don’t know.

Take time to attend your HOA meetings and become involved in the community. Even run for office and make your voice heard. If you have questions about living in an HOA community, your professional real estate agent can answer them.

Image by DarthZuzanka from Pixabay

Those who have lived in the same home for an extended period of time may be thinking about renovating their house. This is a chance to update the space to fit more contemporary styles while also increasing the value of the home itself. With this goal in mind, here are a few home improvement trends to try this year.

The Addition of Subway Tiles

In the world of interior design, the popularity of subway tiles has already skyrocketed. This is a glamorous tile is used to bring urban vibes right into the comfort of one's home. These tiles can be used to add a little bit of sparkle to any room. Subway tile can be used to create visual interest without drawing attention away from the structure of the room itself but they can also stand as a design centerpiece. Look for accented subway tiles that will beautifully bring out the features of the room. These details may come in the form of different colors, understated texturing, or setting the tiles into unique patterns.

The Use of Open Shelving

Open shelving used to be thought of as a fringe idea; however, it is here to stay. They are often designed to be a slightly different color from the rest of the kitchen to highlight the minimalist design aesthetic that has become popular in recent years. While proving easier access to stored items, open shelving also creates an opportunity to add a punch of color or pattern at the back of the shelves without updating the whole wall. Many people also like to accent open shelves with handmade ceramics or collectibles. The flexibility and versatility of open shelving have made this a popular trend.

The Expansion of the Bathroom

Many homeowners are looking for updates that will bring a sense of luxury and convenience to their bathrooms. You may look for ways to make the space bigger and incorporate some new technology. You may consider adding heated toilet seats or jets for the bathtub. Create built-in seating in the showers, install adjustable showerheads, and create storage alcoves in the shower itself. Adding counter space and dual faucets is another popular and timeless upgrade.

The Advantages of Home Improvement

Home improvement projects aren't just a way to elevate living spaces. They are an opportunity to invest in your home and add value to it. Why not take a look at some home improvement options for 2020?