Home buying guides — HOA documents, closing costs, and hidden fees
Practical guides written for buyers who want to understand what they are signing, what the numbers mean, and what to do when something looks wrong.
- October 28, 2026
HOA special assessment warning signs: 7 red flags
Seven signs in an HOA's budget, reserve study, minutes and insurance that raise the risk of a special assessment, the numbers behind each, and what to ask. - October 11, 2026
HOA resale packet: how to read every document
Your HOA resale packet holds the CC&Rs, budget, reserve study and minutes. What each one says, where the costly rules hide, and the order to read them in. - May 10, 2026
HOA rental caps: what to check before you buy
An HOA capped rentals at 10 of 50 homes and grandfathered the existing landlords. How to find rental restrictions before closing, and what they cost you. - April 18, 2026
HOA lawsuits: how to check for pending litigation against your future HOA before you close
A buyer closed on a house and only then found out about ongoing HOA lawsuits. Six checks you can run yourself before your contingencies expire. - April 18, 2026
Undisclosed HOA special assessment: what you can do if you find out after closing
HOA special assessment not on the disclosure? One buyer got a $15,000 bill the day after closing. How to catch it before, and what to do after.