- homeowners association

What to Look for in an HOA's Rules

Posted by Team Donovan on August 16th, 2018

Homeowners are creating new sources of income through the short-term rental of their vacation homes. They maximize the value of their investment and reduce its total cost over time. 

But home buyers need to understand the homeowners association (HOA) rules that apply when purchasing Orlando vacation homes for sale in Florida. 

When is Commercial Use of Your Home Allowed? 

Your HOA’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) provides information related to the rental of your second home. 

Many CC&Rs include an outright ban on any commercial use of your home. These are put in place to reduce issues such as unfamiliar traffic, noise disruptions, and security risks. 

But a blanket ban on commercial use may not include a…

How an HOA Can Benefit Your Property Investment

Posted by Team Donovan on May 3rd, 2017

Many home buyers hear the term HOA (Homeowners Association) and cringe. That's because the media has often portrayed HOAs as the "bad guy" because of their fees and efforts to "police" the neighborhood. But when you buy a home in an Orlando neighborhood that is covered by an HOA, your property could actually benefit in several ways. Here are a few reasons why. 

What is an HOA? 

A homeowners association is a private group formed by a community’s real estate developer to manage and keep the peace in the neighborhood. The members of the HOA live in the community, so they have a vested interest in maintaining a high quality of life for the homeowners and its tenants. 

An HOA collects monthly or annual fees from the homeowners to cover services and…

What You Need to Know to Buy a Holiday Home in Orlando – Part 2

Posted by Team Donovan on March 23rd, 2016

Are you thinking about buying a second home in Orlando? Many travelers from Canada and the United Kingdom come to Central Florida year after year to spend a relaxing holiday. At some point, it may make more financial sense for you to buy a vacation home in Orlando, rather than spending money on a hotel or vacation rental home. In a previous article, we shared five things you should know before buying an Orlando holiday home. Here are a few more important points to consider before making a purchase. 

1. Determine the Financial Stability of the Homeowners’ Association – Many Orlando vacation homes are located in a housing development that is governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA). An HOA makes and enforces rules for the properties in its…