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  • chevron_rightWhat is a Level 2 or Level 3 Member?
    Members are viewed by levels:
    Level 1 Members - The homeowner is considered the primary website registrant.  They are a Level 1 Members. 
    Level 2 Members - An additional homeowner or spouse.
    Level 3 Members - Children and other family members.
     
    Information on the website may be restricted to specific levels of membership.  Level 1 members may access all information.
What is an HOA?
  • chevron_rightAre Homeowner's Associations popular?
    A growing number of homes in the United States belong to a homeowner’s association (HOA). Neighborhood HOAs provide upkeep for shared spaces, and in most planned communities, they will give you access to amenities like playgrounds, pavilions and trails. Belonging to an association can help increase your home's value, and in general, HOAs help maintain home prices across the community. The following are the most frequently asked questions about HOAs as presented by AssociaOnLine, with specific information for Indiana and Arbor Chase.

     
     
  • chevron_right1. What is a homeowner's association?
    An HOA is usually set up as a non-profit organization by a developer or builder when a planned community is first established to help support the sales and marketability of homes in the area. Depending on your state, HOAs must follow the same laws that govern any corporation or non-profit. They are run by a board of directors that are voted in by owners in the community. The developer or builder establishes governing documents that include Articles of Incorporation, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs, or Covenants for short) and By-Laws that act as the guide book for association members.
    [In Indiana, there are specific laws pertaining only to HOAs.]
  • chevron_right2. How can the governing documents be changed?
    In Indiana, State law outlines specific requirements for changing all of the governing documents. The Articles of Incorporation and the Covenants can only be changed by a vote of the HOA members. The By-Laws can be changed by the board of directors at any time.
  • chevron_right3. How much will an HOA charge me in fees?
    The fees that your HOA charges can vary a lot depending on where you live and what amenities they offer. In most cases, fees will change from year to year depending on the costs associated with providing those amenities. 
  • chevron_right4. Do I have to pay even if I don't use the common areas?
    Yes. Once you move into a home that belongs to an HOA you are locked into paying their fees regardless of how much you plan on using the shared parks, pools, and other areas.
  • chevron_right5. What kind of things can an HOA regulate?
    In general, HOAs help ensure owners are properly caring for their homes, and that a consistent look and feel is maintained throughout a given neighborhood. This can include regulating what color you can paint your house, or how often you should mow your lawn. Specific rules, outlined in the governing documents, can be viewed on the Arbor Chase website under the Documents tab on the Homepage.
  • chevron_right6. What happens if I don't pay or I break the rules?
    Most homeowners enjoy the protections that an HOA provides their home and community. Every association is run a little differently, but most of the time, any late payment or violation receives a polite reminder given in person or by mail. Nearly all violations are resolved at this level, but you may receive several warnings before further action is taken.
  • chevron_right7. How do HOA boards enforce the rules?
    HOAs will outline an escalation process for continued non-payments or violations. Communication is key, and chances are your HOA will work with you to resolve any issue that comes up. In some extreme cases, an HOA may have to take legal action against owners who continue to violate community guidelines and place a lean on their property until any issues are fully resolved. 
    [In Indiana, the escalation and enforcement process is strictly regulated by State law.]
  • chevron_right8. How many HOAs are there?
    Statistics for the US Statistics for Indiana
    • There are 355,000 HOAs in the US.
    • 53% of all homeowners live in HOA communities.
    • 40 million housing units are part of HOA communities.
    • Roughly 8,000 new HOA communities form each year, averaging 22 new HOAs formed each day.
    • There are 5,030 HOAs in Indiana.
    • Roughly 853,000 people or 12.6% of the Indiana population live in HOA communities.
    • An estimated 328,077 homes in Indiana are part of HOA communities.
    • 6.7% of Indiana homeowners are part of HOAs.
     
     
    Statistics presented here are compliments of iPropertyMananegemt.com, downloaded on November 1, 2022.