RSS

What's the difference between an HOA and a CA?

 

 I was sitting an open house on the weekend in Garrison Woods (the accompanying photo  is Crestmont). One of the visitors appeared fairly new to the home buying world and had some questions about HOA's - Home Owner's Association. Newer communities all have them.

   So, here's some info explaining Community Association's and Home Owners Association, courtesy of the Federation of Calgary Communities.

 

A Community Association is:

An organization formed by the residents of an area:

  • To support the social, educational and recreational needs of the neighbourhood.
  • To build connections in the neighbourhood through volunteer opportunities, events and programs
  • To act as a community liaison in civic matters (planning and development)
  • To plan, develop and maintain community facilities and amenities such as community gardens, skating rinks.

Advantages:

  • Membership in a Community Association is optional.
  • Offers the opportunity to become involved and connected in the neighbourhood.
  • Members have the opportunity to participate and register in Community Association run events and programs.
  • Members have the opportunity to volunteer in their neighbourhood (board members, special events, committees, etc.)
  • The Community Association receives development, transportation, and zoning plans from the city and the developers, and may provide feedback on the approval process;
  • The Community Association has direct contact with the Alderman, MLA, Police Liaison Officer and other government officials;
  • The Community Association can support the addition of new facilities and amenities in the neighbourhood.

A Homeowner's Association is:
A compulsory organization created by a land developer:

  • To manage and maintain the “marketing” amenities of a development (entrance signage, ornamental parks and ponds, boulevard landscaping and buildings) that the City will not accept responsibility to maintain.
  • To manage and maintain amenities such as lakes and golf courses.
  • Membership is compulsory and the requirement to pay an annual fee is collected by the association through a caveat on property title.
  • An HOA is initialized by the Community when there is the desire to ensure a high degree of maintenance of the common amenities noted above.

Advantages:

  • HOA’s are mandated to maintain the community amenities and physical elements installed by developers such as parks, playgrounds and other landscape features;
  • Residents enjoy amenity-rich environments which are maintained; thus preserving outdoor areas which contribute to the long-term appeal of the community.

 

Read
Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.