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I drove by the home above (there is one farther back) a few months ago and it jogged my memory about a situation I encountered last year. I was showing homes to a first time buyer couple. They told me they preferred homes where there was no homeowner's association. Since they were moving from a small apartment and would be spending money to furnish their new home they preferred not having the additional expense of HOA fees.
I drove up to a little Cape Cod with dormers, picket fence with roses, fireplace and an American flag. The interior was quaint with lots of cute nooks and crannies plus a built-in corner hutch in the dining room. I knew they had fallen in love with it - they were holding hands as they took the tour
Once outside I noticed the homes in the immediate area were in good condition and well cared for. However, I knew there are homes throughout the subdivision that do not show as well - it doesn't have an HOA
They asked to tour the neighborhood to "get a feel" for it. Of course, they commented on the "cosmetically and physically challenged" homes a few blocks away. After all- The lack of an HOA set up the conditions for derelict houses in the subdivision
- one of the neat houses within eyesight of the home they were interested in could go "rogue"
There are many reasons people may prefer a home without an HOA. However, these were first time buyers with no experience. They were looking to me for direction. What direction would you have recommended?We knew we could not write a contract on the cape cod as there was a problem with the husband's VA eligibility due to a break in service. Time resolved that problem and we are now looking at homes that have an HOA
My husband and I have assisted many first time buyers during the 35 years we have been in the business. We will counsel them thoroughly on the pros and cons of purchasing a home where there is no architectural or use control provided by a homeowner's association. It is the type of counseling we would want a REALTOR® to give our first time buyer children if we were out of the area and unable to counsel them in the decision.
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The Kruschkas are long term Prince William County residents with 35 years experience as real estate brokers serving Woodbridge, Manassas, Dumfries, Manassas Park, Bristow, Brentsville, Gainesville and Haymarket.
Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS
If you plan to buy or sell a Prince William County home or property contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-499-9279. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.
Popular Prince William County homes include Eagles Pointe,
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Saratoga Hunt,
Potomac Club,
Winding Creek,
Lake Ridge,
Westridge,
Old Bridge Estates,
Brittany,
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Rollingwood Village,
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