Habitat for Humanity
Valley of the Sun
P.O. Box 20186
Phoenix, Arizona 85036
(602) 268-9022
Living in a homeowners association is a great decision!
Three features make community association homes different from traditional forms of homeownership. One is that you share ownership of common land and have access to that land that often is not affordable any other way. The second is that you automatically become a member of a community association and typically must abide by covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). The third feature is that you will pay an "assessment" (a regular fee, often monthly, that is used for upkeep of the common areas and other services and amenities).
There are many advantages to living in this kind of development. The community usually features attractive combinations of well-designed homes and landscaped open spaces. The houses may even cost less than traditional housing due to more efficient use of land. Green belts and other amenities, often too expensive for you to own alone, can be yours through shared ownership. So now you have a chance to own and enjoy the facilities that may have been unaffordable previously. What's more, you won't have direct responsibility for maintenance. But that doesn't mean you'll never have to think about it.
The community association operates and maintains these shared facilities. Of course, you'll pay your share of the expenses and, as an association member, you'll have a voice in the association's decisions.