Hey Bruce,

Most town homes and condo communities are monthly HOA fees. Most single family homes are yearly association fees. Each association sets their own payment plans. In townhomes and condo communities normally the fee is paid every month. In single family communities the fee is normally paid once a year, split into 2 payments and paid every 6 months or split into 4 payments and paid once per quarter, although quarterly payments are rare.

Each community varies as to what the fee actually covers. For town homes and condos, generally lawn and common area maintenance is always included. As to exterior maintenance, any and all utilities, this varies greatly for each subdivision. For single family homes, the HOA fee will generally cover common area maintenance, swim, and tennis (if available). If you are looking at a single family community and the HOA seems high compared to others you can bet the HOA fee includes lawn maintenance. A great example of this is the Old Suwanee subdivision off McGinnis Ferry.

A Buyer's Agent can tell you exactly what is included in the HOA fees for any subdivision. If you are already working with an Agent, this is a great place to start. If you are not, Buyer Representation is FREE in Georgia so you should interview Agents and select the one you mesh with best to help you. It cost you nothing to have an agent in your corner to walk you through the home buying process, negotiate on your behalf and ensure you are receiving the best deal on the best property that meets your needs. If you need help finding a Buyer's Agent, REBAC (Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council) is a good place to start, http://www.rebac.net. You can search for Accredited Buyer Representatives by city, county, etc. and request interviews or additional information from these agents to help you get started.

Happy House Hunting!

Hi Bruce,
If you are looking at a single family detached home in a subdivision, most subdivisions are yearly association fees covering, common ground, swim, tennis, etc. These yearly fees in some cases can be paid quarterly. If you are looking at townhomes or condominiums, their fees are usually monthly fees and in most cases cover exterior yard maintenence, roofs, community areas, and other services. Each varies by association.
The best source of information on te association fees, and any covenants covering the subdivision is to contact the Realtor who has listed the home.
Good luck on your home search. If I can be of further help I am here for you.

Bruce,

Your question is a common and a good one.....

There are several possibilities for the payment of HOA fees. It depends upon the association and can be annually, semi-annually, monthly, quarterly etc.

The best resource for accurate information is to be in touch with a real estate professional.

Good luck

If you can tell me the Subdivision you are looking at I can find out the answer for you. As a general rule, the sudvisions that take care of your lawn care and such, are monthly. Most others are yearly and may be paid annually, bi annually or quarterly.

Judy Wittenberg
Prudential Georgia Realty
Suwanee Office

It all depends on the association. Some are monthly, some quarterly, a few yearly.