Should You Buy a House in an HOA? Take This 2-Minute Quiz First
Jun 12, 2026
One of the questions I get asked all the time is:
"Jen, should I buy a house in an HOA?"
After nearly two decades as a mortgage lender, I've learned that the answer has very little to do with the HOA itself and everything to do with your personality.
Some people thrive in HOA communities.
Others absolutely hate them.
If you'd rather watch or listen to the full breakdown, here's the video.
Before you buy a house or condo with an HOA, I want you to take this quick quiz. It may save you years of frustration, thousands of dollars, and a whole lot of arguments with your neighbors.
Question #1: Do You Like Following Rules?
This is a simple yes-or-no question.
Don't overthink it.
Don't tell yourself, "Well, it depends on the rule."
No.
Do you generally like following rules?
If your answer is yes, that's one point for HOA living.
If your answer is no, that's one strike against it.
Because here's the reality: HOAs are built on rules.
Those rules might cover:
- Landscaping
- Paint colors
- Parking
- Fences
- Holiday decorations
- Trash cans
- Exterior modifications
Some communities have a handful of rules.
Others have hundreds.
The question is whether you're comfortable living under them.
Question #2: Are You Comfortable Letting Other People Access Your Wallet?
Again, yes or no.
And no, you can't qualify your answer with, "Well, if they're responsible with money."
That's not the question.
The question is whether you're comfortable with other people making financial decisions that impact you.
Because that's exactly what happens in an HOA.
Board members can vote on:
- HOA fee increases
- Special assessments
- Community projects
- Reserve funding
- Repairs and maintenance
Even if you disagree with those decisions, you may still be required to pay.
That's part of HOA ownership.
Let's Score Your Answers
If You Answered "No" to Both Questions
Do not buy in an HOA.
Seriously.
Don't do it.
You don't like rules.
You don't like other people controlling expenses that affect you.
You're probably going to be miserable.
No matter how beautiful the community is, eventually those frustrations will catch up with you.
If You Answered "Yes" to Both Questions
You're probably a great fit for an HOA.
That doesn't mean every HOA is good.
You should still review:
- Financial statements
- Meeting minutes
- Reserve studies
- Rules and regulations
But personality-wise, you'll likely do just fine.
If You Answered Yes to One and No to the Other
Then we need a tiebreaker.
The Tiebreaker Question
Are you willing to work for free and participate in HOA politics to get elected to the board?
Yes or no?
Because if you join an HOA and don't like how things are being run, your biggest opportunity to influence decisions is becoming involved.
That means:
- Attending meetings
- Serving on committees
- Running for the board
- Helping make decisions
If that sounds appealing, you can probably make an HOA living work.
If that sounds like your personal version of a nightmare, then an HOA may not be the best fit.
Why This Matters More Than People Realize
The inspiration for this video came from a story I recently read involving a community of doomsday bunkers in South Dakota.
Yes, actual apocalypse-style bunkers.
The owners were involved in significant disputes and lawsuits with the HOA.
And while the details of the situation were unique, I couldn't help thinking that many of those conflicts might have been avoided if everyone had taken this simple personality test beforehand.
The reality is that some people naturally want independence.
Others genuinely prefer structure.
Neither is wrong.
The problem happens when someone buys into a community that fundamentally clashes with their personality.
Who Typically Does Well in an HOA?
Generally speaking, HOA communities work well for people who:
- Appreciate neighborhood standards
- Like consistency and structure
- Don't mind community rules
- Value shared amenities
- Are comfortable with collective decision-making
For these homeowners, HOA living can be a fantastic experience.
Many enjoy:
- Well-maintained neighborhoods
- Community amenities
- Consistent appearance standards
- Reduced exterior maintenance responsibilities
Who Usually Struggles in an HOA?
On the other hand, HOA living can be frustrating for people who:
- Strongly value independence
- Dislike being told what to do
- Prefer making their own property decisions
- Get annoyed by community regulations
- Dislike paying fees for shared services
Let's be honest.
If someone knocking on your door to tell you that your trash can was left out too long immediately makes your blood pressure rise, HOA living might not be your ideal situation.
The Bottom Line
Don't try to force yourself into a lifestyle that doesn't fit your personality.
Buying a home isn't just about square footage, price, or location.
It's also about how you want to live.
Some people love HOAs.
Some people hate them.
Neither group is wrong.
The key is being honest with yourself before you buy.
Because if you're the type of person who loves rules, appreciates structure, and doesn't mind community oversight, an HOA can be a great fit.
But if you're fiercely independent and don't want anyone commenting on your trash cans, paint colors, or landscaping decisions, you'll probably be happier elsewhere.
A little self-awareness now can save you a lot of frustration later.
If you're considering buying a home and want help evaluating your options, understanding HOA requirements, or figuring out what type of property best fits your goals, my team and I are always happy to help.
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