Subdivisions, which include gated communities, lake communities and golf course communities, are among some of the most popular properties for sale. Subdivision properties offer abundant advantages over homes for sale in more traditional neighborhoods. Subdivisions offer convenient access to facilities such as schools, employment, shopping and recreation. Many subdivisions provide plenty of attractions including community pools and spas to spacious parklands, picnic pavilions and walking trails. Many subdivisions cater to specific lifestyles, such as adult-only communities, which are geared towards active retirees or equestrian communities, where horses are welcome. However, with all these amenities comes a substantial set of rules, which is governed by the homeowners' association (HOA). A HOA is like a town council of a subdivision. Depending on the type of subdivision you are looking into, a HOA may oversee every aspect of neighborhood life, from the quantity of vehicles permissible in the driveway to the color of the exterior paint on your home. Other HOAs may not be as active and only serve as a loose form of communication between neighbors. If you are considering buying a home within a subdivision, not only should you feel comfortable with your new home and the setting, but also the rules and covenants of the homeowners' association.

Whatever description your subdivision falls under, they are fun places to call home and to make friends with neighbors. Many subdivisions also feature a Home Owners' Association (HOA). This is the governing body for your community. In some locations, this body will be no more than a way to communicate with residents. In other areas, however, the HOA has many regulations that it diligently enforces. Some of the types of restrictions can be anything from how many cars are allowed to be parked in the street to which colors your home can be painted. If you are considering a home that is in a subdivision with an HOA, make sure you take the time to read over the rules and restrictions. Make sure all of the rules are things you feel like you can abide by.

The wonderful thing about an HOA is that you can rest easy knowing that your neighborhood will look great every time you take a walk, invite company over, or drive through the streets of your subdivision. The drawback is that you have to abide by the rules, no matter how cramped they may make you feel. Make sure you fully understand the rules and how they will impact you. If you hate to mow your lawn, don't purchase a home in an HOA community that has restrictions on the length of the grass. If you want to ride horses on your own property and the HOA doesn't allow livestock, it simply won't work for you. Be practical, and before you purchase a home, make sure you can honestly live with each and every one of the rules. Don't purchase thinking you can change the HOA or have an exception made for you. Only buy if you are ready to live under all of the obligations that the HOA comes with.