{"id":7113,"date":"2026-01-01T16:57:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T21:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=7113"},"modified":"2026-01-01T16:57:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T21:57:45","slug":"buying-into-an-hoa-check-these-deed-and-property-research-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/buying-into-an-hoa-check-these-deed-and-property-research-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying Into an HOA? Check These Deed and Property Research Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Common interest communities, also known as homeowner associations or HOAs, can be condominium properties, subdivisions, and planned developments. Some have buildings with multi-unit homes. Some are made up of freestanding houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many buyers look to acquire deeds to HOA units, rather than whole properties, because of the relative affordability of condos<\/a>. Others downsize to condos. Some simply prefer to buy into HOAs, because of the amenities, conveniences, and reputation of a particular property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But all buyers need to know what the deeds and rules say before making their purchases. They need to be aware of how parking, holiday d\u00e9cor, guest visits, and a whole lot more has to be handled. So, if you\u2019re thinking about buying a unit in an HOA, it\u2019s best to review the governing documents carefully before signing a contract. The rules in those documents are detailed and complicated, often reflecting several generations of HOA board decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A professional real estate agent typically gathers all of the necessary documents for a buyer. And at closing, the buyer receives a copy of the master deed, and a notebook containing bylaws and the covenants, conditions, and restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look more at what these documents are about, so you know what to expect in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Get to Know the Master Deed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The master deed dates back to the development of the property as an association. It conforms to the state\u2019s laws on condominiums and\/or community associations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll get a different, individual deed. It will be the deed to a single unit. The master deed allocates expenses throughout the individual units. Allocation is often based on a unit\u2019s size or number of bedrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The whole property (defined by the master deed) and the specific unit (interior) are insured separately. The individual buyer needs to get a policy for the unit\u2019s interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basically, the condo buyer should get coverage for what the condo board is not covering for the property as a whole. Speak to the manager and to your insurer for more information. For example, you might need coverage for sewer problems to augment what the master insurance policy covers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The master deed is on file at the local deed recorder\u2019s office. So is the map showing the boundaries of each unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, unit owners get deeds to their units. Then they share financial responsibility for certain services like waste pickup, tree work, snow removal, and maintenance of the common areas. The areas shared in common by all unit owners are held by the property under the master deed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guidelines for Daily Life: The Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These, along with deeds, are on file at the county deed recorder\u2019s office. Typical restrictions to the allowable use of the unit involve rules against nuisances, outdoor d\u00e9cor, gardening and painting rules, pet rules, and caps on the number of investor-owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a buyer, you\u2019ll want to study the CC&Rs to learn about the distinctions between what you\u2019ll own, and what you\u2019ll share with the other owners. Typically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n