Top 10 Questions You Should Ask a Homeowners Association Before Buying (Northwest Indiana Edition)

 

Buying a home in a community with an HOA can offer major perks—well-kept landscaping, amenities, reduced maintenance, and consistent property values. But it also comes with rules, regulations, and financial commitments that every buyer should understand before moving forward.

Whether you’re looking at a subdivision in St. John, Crown Point, Cedar Lake, Schererville, Valparaiso, or Lowell, these are the top 10 questions you should ask the HOA to protect your investment and avoid surprises.

Buying in an HOA? Make sure to download my Buyer’s Guide for an easy checklist before you sign.

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🔟 1. How much are the HOA dues, and what do they cover?

In Northwest Indiana, HOA dues can vary greatly:

• Some cover only common-area maintenance

• Others include landscaping, snow removal, trash pickup, or private roads

• Villa and townhome communities typically offer more services

Make sure you understand both monthly/annual dues and what’s included, especially in low-maintenance neighborhoods like those in Crown Point and St. John.

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9️⃣ 2. Are there any upcoming assessments or planned fee increases?

Special assessments can cost homeowners thousands.
Ask the HOA:

• Are any major repairs coming?

• Are assessments expected in the next 2–5 years?

• Have dues increased regularly?

This is crucial for older communities or those with amenities like pools, clubhouses, or private lakes.

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8️⃣ 3. What are the rules and restrictions for the community?

Every HOA is different. Some common Northwest Indiana restrictions include:

• Parking rules (especially no overnight street parking)

• Fence height and material regulations

• Shed size restrictions

• Exterior paint and siding requirements

• Boat or RV parking limits

• Pet policies

Ask for the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) before making an offer.

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7️⃣ 4. How strong is the HOA’s financial health?

Ask to see:

• The annual budget

• Reserve fund balance

• Financial statements

• Recent audits

A healthy reserve fund means the HOA can pay for major repairs without surprise assessments.

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6️⃣ 5. Who manages the HOA? A professional company or volunteers?

In Northwest Indiana, some communities use professional management companies; others rely on resident volunteers.

Both can work well, but buyers should understand:

• Who enforces rules

• How quickly issues are addressed

• Who handles maintenance requests

Professional management often means more consistency, while volunteer boards may vary in communication and organization.

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5️⃣ 6. What is the process for exterior changes?

If you plan to:

• Add a fence

• Build a deck

• Install a pool

• Add landscaping

• Paint the exterior

You’ll need HOA approval.

Ask:

• How long the approval process takes

• Whether there are design guidelines

• If any materials or colors are restricted

Some HOAs in NWI are extremely strict—better to know upfront.

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4️⃣ 7. Are rentals allowed? If so, what are the rules?

Important for both primary homeowners and investors.

Common restrictions in Indiana communities:

• Minimum lease terms (often 12 months)

• Rental caps (percentage of rented units allowed)

• Owner-occupancy requirements for new buyers

This impacts resale value and mortgage approval.

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3️⃣ 8. What amenities are included, and how are they maintained?

Ask about:

• Trails

• Ponds/lakes

• Playgrounds

• Clubhouses

• Pools

• Fitness centers

In NWI communities like St. John and Crown Point, ponds and walking paths are common. Clarify how often amenities are maintained and who pays for long-term repairs.

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2️⃣ 9. What is the HOA’s enforcement policy?

Every community enforces rules differently.

Ask:

• How violations are handled

• Whether fines are used

• How many warnings are given

• How disputes are resolved

A fair, consistent enforcement policy protects home values—and avoids neighborhood drama.

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1️⃣ 10. Does the HOA work well with builders on new construction homes?

For new construction neighborhoods in Northwest Indiana, this is crucial.

Ask:

• Who maintains vacant lots?

• Are there architectural rules for new builds?

• Are construction trucks restricted?

• When does the HOA take full control from the developer?

In many new communities, the developer controls the HOA for the first several years—this impacts rules, communication, and fees.

If you’re building new, visit my New Construction Guide to avoid surprises.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

HOAs can offer huge benefits—especially in Northwest Indiana’s growing low-maintenance and amenity-rich communities. But buyers should always understand the rules, fees, and long-term commitments before making a decision.

If you’re exploring HOA communities in Cedar Lake, Crown Point, St. John, Schererville, Valparaiso, or Lowell, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

👉 Schedule a consultation: https://hollybrummfurdo.com/contact
👉 Download my Buyer’s Guide: https://hollybrummfurdo.com/buyers-guide