No one really wants to be told what to do at their own home.
After all, isn’t the freedom to enjoy your property one of the biggest reasons to own it?
Most of us have also lived near or driven past a home where that freedom begins affecting everyone else: an overgrown yard, unused cars and trailers lining the street, overflowing trash, or a property that simply isn’t being cared for. On the other hand, some homeowners have experienced the opposite extreme: the dreaded HOA “nasty gram” because the garden beds need weeding or the trash cans weren’t pulled in quickly enough.
So, which is better—HOA or no HOA?
As a sponsor of the Oakbrook 4th Addition HOA, I recently had an interesting conversation with the association president at a neighborhood event. He explained that for the HOA to help address residents’ concerns, including an increasing number of care facilities and other businesses creating additional traffic and, in some cases, affecting neighborhood upkeep, it must remain active and able to enforce its governing documents and CC&Rs.
That conversation was a good reminder that the primary purpose of an HOA isn’t or shouldn’t be to micromanage residents. At its best, an HOA helps protect the character of a neighborhood, encourages reasonable property maintenance, addresses shared concerns and supports property values.
I told the residents that Oakbrook 4th Addition seems to have found a pretty wonderful balance: enough HOA involvement to support and protect the neighborhood, without a committee patrolling for every weed or sending compliance notices over minor infractions.
We recently listed another lovely Oakbrook home—a spacious four-bedroom property bordering Chambers Creek—in Oakbrook’s 7th Addition. Our listing at 7009 Cameo Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 is a spacious four-bedroom home in Oakbrook’s 7th Addition, tucked alongside Chambers Creek.Its HOA is currently in a rebuilding phase, without an active board or formal leadership. However, residents are recognizing the potential return on investment that a healthy, thoughtfully managed HOA can provide. They are now working to gather volunteers and rebuild neighborhood participation. And that may be the real answer to the question.
An HOA is only as effective as the people who participate in it. Too little involvement can leave a neighborhood without the structure needed to address meaningful concerns. Too much control can make homeowners feel as though they need permission to live in their own homes. The sweet spot lies somewhere in between: reasonable standards, transparent leadership, fair enforcement and neighbors willing to work together.
When buying a home in an HOA, don’t look only at the dues. Review the CC&Rs, meeting minutes, financial reserves, recent compliance issues and the association’s overall culture. Ask whether the HOA is active, how rules are enforced and whether any significant changes are underway. A well-run association can be an asset—but it is important to understand exactly what you are buying into.
HOA or no HOA? There isn’t one right answer for everyone. Some homeowners value greater freedom, while others appreciate the added structure and protection. The key is finding the balance and the neighborhood that feels right for you.
Whether you're looking for a home in Lakewood, relocating near JBLM, or considering selling your home in Pierce County, Regina and the RM Home Specialists team bring decades of local experience to every move.
Regina Madiera-Gorden
Licensed Managing Broker | REALTOR®
RM Home Specialists | Windermere West Campus
Serving Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, Steilacoom, Fircrest, Gig Harbor, JBLM and communities throughout Pierce County, Washington.
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