Holiday decorations are a point of contention for homeowners whose properties are in locations governed by an association, a report finds.
While front yard lights and figurines may spread holiday cheer, they sparked 43% of all festive decoration disputes, according to a report from KeyLeads, a real estate platform that helps agents find new business.
Nearly 10% of issues with homeowners associations involve property aesthetics, with seasonal decorations, driveways and fences frequently criticized, the report, based on the analysis of 2,500 Reddit posts and 200,000 comments, found.
Homeowners' associations were formed to maintain property values and create "orderly, well-managed" communities. However, there is often homeowner frustration involved regarding stringent HOA requirements.
As such, one in three online complaints focused on the restrictive and non-transparent nature of HOAs, while about 14% criticized how these associations handle neighbor conflicts.
Condo residents report the highest number of HOA-related issues, accounting for nearly half of all complaints. About one in every three complaints criticizing community associations are lodged by those living in single-family homes.
In contrast, townhouse residents are the least likely to encounter HOA problems, with one in five complaints being published on the web, KeyLead's report found.
Homeowners complaining most frequently about HOAs are based in California, though less than 40% of residents live in properties managed by such associations.
Florida residents were second in the volume of grievances against HOA's. The Sunshine State has the highest percentage of HOA residents nationwide. Meanwhile, North Carolina takes third place, accounting for one in twelve complaints being lodged by residents who live in HOA-managed properties, per the analysis.
Cynthia Seifert, owner of KeyLeads, said prior to committing to living in a neighborhood with an HOA, homebuyers
"For buyers, it's important to inquire about fees, common complaints, and rule enforcement," Seifert. "Investors, on the other hand, should evaluate whether the HOA's policies will support long-term property values and align with their investment goals."
