HOA FAQ: What to Know About HOAs in OC

An HOA is a private organization that manages and maintains shared areas in a residential community. If you buy a home in an HOA neighborhood, membership is mandatory. You’ll be expected to follow the rules and pay regular dues. Learn more from California’s Attorney General.

Fees vary, but they typically include:

• Landscaping and common area upkeep
  
  
• Amenity maintenance (like pools, gyms, or clubhouses)
  
  
• Security services or gated access
  
  
• Building insurance for shared structures
  
  
• Reserve funds for future repairs
  
  

Communities like Coto de Caza or Laguna Hills often offer luxury amenities covered by HOA dues.

The Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing documents for your community. They outline what you can—and can't—do with your property. Common restrictions include:

• Exterior paint color and design changes
  
  
• Types of landscaping allowed
  
  
• Parking rules or garage usage
  
  
• Pet restrictions
  
  

These rules aim to protect property values and community standards, especially in high-end areas like Newport Coast or Mystic Hills in Laguna Beach.

• Amenities: Enjoy pools, gyms, parks, or clubhouses
  
  
• Curb appeal: Uniform upkeep can boost property values
  
  
• Less maintenance: Many HOAs handle exterior or landscaping work
  
  
• Community structure: Some offer neighborhood events or security patrols
  
  

If you're looking at homes for sale in Mission Viejo or Aliso Viejo, these benefits are often part of the draw.

• • Monthly Fees: Dues can range from $100 to over $1,000
    
    
  • Restrictions: Limited freedom to customize your home’s exterior
    
    
  • Enforcement: Fines for violations can feel overly strict
    
    
  • Board Decisions: You may not always agree with board policies
    
    
  Source: Answer Financial

• Request Documents: Review CC&Rs, bylaws, and meeting minutes
  
  
• Check the Budget: Look at reserves and recent assessments
  
  
• Talk to Residents: Ask about their experience with the HOA
  
  
• Attend a Meeting: Get a sense of the board and community tone
  
  

These steps are especially important when buying in luxury communities like Lantern Village in Dana Point or Woodbridge in Irvine.

Not all HOAs are created equal. Our team at Brad Feldman Group knows which communities offer the best value—and which ones to avoid. Whether you’re buying in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, or elsewhere in Orange County, we’ll help you make an informed decision.

Contact us today to start your home search with local insight on HOAs, schools, and neighborhoods.

Per the California Association of Community Managers, there are roughly 5,000 separate homeowners associations in Orange County, California. (See the full data at this PDF link.) With an average of around 173 properties per HOA, there are about 900,000 HOA-governed homes in the county, which house over 80% of its residents.

So, if you want to buy a home in Orange County, CA, chances are it will be in a homeowners association. Hopefully, this HOA FAQ helped to answer some of your questions. Before you dive into a home purchase or any HOA-related legal action, we highly recommend that you consult with your Realtor and an experienced, qualified real estate attorney. If you need a recommendation, we’re happy to help! As always, we are here as your resource for all things Orange County real estate. Give us a call, or click here to contact us online.